Levothyroxine and other medications

[omnipeta]

I've been prescribed Levothyroxine for approx. 10 years with no apparent side effects, however I take perindopril and amlodipine at the same time.

My question is, should I be taking these medications separately, at different times?

My new GP is I'm sorry to say absolutely useless in the communication stakes! hence my question here instead of surgery.

Any advice appreciated, thank you.

[ShinyB]

Hi, I don't know the two drugs you mention but I've been told by people on here that levothyroxine is best taken away from all other drugs and food, on an empty stomach with just water. Which is more than any GP has ever told me!

[shaws Administrator]

Never take levothyroxine with other medications. The recommendation is four hours apart but I'd personally leave it much longer.

I do wonder if you've been neglected re your thyroid hormones due to the fact that both your medications are for blood pressure (and please don't stop without medical advice).

Maybe you haven't been on an optimum dose of levothyroxine for ten years and it would be helpful if you were able to get some of your backdated results and your present results for your thyroid hormones and put them on a new post.

The aim of taking levothyroxine or any other thyroid hormone replacements is a TSH of 1 or lower and a Free T4 and Free T3 in the upper part of the range. If GP wont do FT4 and FT3 you can get these privately and it might be worth it. This is an escerpt:

You have high blood pressure

Elevated blood pressure can be a symptom of a thyroid disorder. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been fingered as culprits. By some estimates, people with hypothyroidism have two to three times the risk of developing hypertension. One theory is that low amounts of thyroid hormone can slow heart beat, which can affect pumping strength and blood vessel wall flexibility. Both may cause a rise in blood pressure.

Health.com: 17 Worst Habits for Your Heart

foxnews.com/health/2013/08/...

[omnipeta in reply to shaws]

Shaws, thank you for a comprehensive and informative reply, I'll ensure I take blood pressure meds later now (4 hours)

I was getting worried re blood pressure as I've just had a 'small' local operation in hospital and the nurse told me my blood pressure was 'raised a little' which surprised me as I'm on the medication.

I'm seeing the nurse in 10 days to have the stitches removed so intend to ask her to check my blood pressure and also ask if I can have a blood test as last one was approx. 9 moths ago. (I'm 67 yrs old)

Overall I feel fine, I walk for an hour every morning, never smoked and drink alcohol 'moderately' no spirits or wine just the odd real ale

[greygoose in reply to omnipeta]

If your raised blood pressure is due to being hypo, then blood pressure medication isn't going to make any difference. You need to have optimal thyroid hormone levels, rather than medication, to lower your blood pressure.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full evaluation you ideally need TSH, FT4, FT3, TT4, TPO and TG antibodies, plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

See if you can get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP. Unlikely to get FT3

Private tests are available

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Just vitamin D

Vitamindtest.org.uk - £28 postal kit

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results

Link about antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

list of symptoms off, tick all that apply

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after. Many take on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable. Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription.