Levo vs Synthroid

[dave1jm1]

Hello All,

I hope everyone is doing ok. We have about a foot and a half of snow outside right now.

I had a couple questions.

I have been taking Levo for 15 days now. I started out at 25mcg and for the last four days am now on 50mcg. How long does it take to start working? I still feel awful. Does it matter that I was subclinical with TPO >900? It seems like my TSH of 4.85 shouldn’t make me feel as bad as I do.

If I have the opportunity to switch to Synthoid should I? I have developed Tinnitus about a week into taking Levo. Could switching help?

Thanks everyone.

[Clutter]

Where is 'here' Dave1jm1?

It's too early to say whether the Levothyroxine you are taking suits or whether you'll feel better on Synthroid.

The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.2 - 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range. FT4 needs to be in the upper range in order that sufficient T3 is converted. Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

It takes 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed before it starts working and it will take up to six weeks to feel the full impact of the dose. Symptoms may lag behind good biochemistry by several months.

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine treatment is for the low thyroid levels it causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

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

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements, magnesium and oestrogen.

You should have a follow up thyroid test 6-8 weeks after starting Levothyroxine. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.

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

[teenarocks]

Dave, if my TSH were 4.85 I would feel awful too! If you have the chance to switch to Synthroid, I would. Only because Levothyroxine is the generic drug not a brand. I don't know where you are located but in the U.S. my doctors have always advised me to only take a name brand (Synthroid, Levoxyl) since the generic can sometimes vary in effectiveness. This might be more important as you approach your optimal dose. It will take awhile for you to get there. (I know that's not what you want to hear.) Hang in there. You can and will feel better.

[dave1jm1 in reply to teenarocks]

Your reply’s mean the world to me. It’s been a very rough start, and I can’t wait to start feeling better.