Anxiety 101

[maymay28]

I am not an anxious person per se, but every since I was overmedicated, taken off Synthroid for two weeks and then put back on at low dose of 50mg, I've been experiencing some really strange symptom. First symptom, went from sleeping all the time to not being able to sleep at all. I was eventually placed on 75mg of Synthroid; still not sleeping and now crying for no apparent reason. My endo recommended ANTI-DEPRESSANT . I then went to an integrative functional doctor who placed me on NDT and T3. Now I am experiencing anxiety even when I'm not anxious; wobbly legs, heart racing and feeling like something is stuck in throat. I'm taking 2 grains of NDT and 10mg of time release T3. I know my levels are not optimal and I'm working on my Vitamins. Just wondering when all is optimal, will these symptoms disappear. Before I was overmedicated, I was on 200mg of Synthroid.

[shaws Administrator]

You were correct not to take an anti-depressant - they are always so quick to give an 'extra' for the 'extra' symptoms we get. If he offered T3 it can also be used for depression but you have to get your dose of hormones correct in order for you to function as normal.

Did your Functional Doctor gradually increase your dose of NDT - I note you were taking 75mcg of levo before this? If you went from 75mcg of levo onto 2 grains of NDT (equal in its effect to 200mcg of Levo) plus time-release T3 you might be overloaded at present.

I'd start at the beginning, I think - and I am not medically qualified. First - one of our Advisers, now deceased did not approve of time-release T3. He would only prescribe ordinary T3 replacements. He was also an expert in the use of T3 for thyroid hormone resistant patients.

As I am not medically qualified but most on this forum have had similar experiences and that's why we are on the forum. I had a very difficult time at the start of my thyroid journey. I am now well with no symptoms.

I'd start at 1 grain of NDT for 4 weeks and then gradually add 1/4 of tablet every two weeks always taking pulse/temp several times a day when increasing. Take note of pulse/temp before beginning and of any clinical symptoms and take note as they are relieved. If pulse or temp increases too high, drop to previous dose.

[MightyMay in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your response Shaws. I was on 75mg and then was increased to 100 mg of Synthroid by my PCP after bloodwork and it was about 5 weeks later. Stayed on that for about 2 months, didn't feel any better, so functional doctor put me on 1 grain naturethroid and 5 mg of t3. We then did bloodwork 6 weeks later and he raised to 1 and 1/2 grain. Two weeks later additional 1/2 grain and time release 10 mg t3. That is where I'm at now and I still feel bad. I will go back to taking the regular T3. I might go back to Synthroid. Just want to be me again.

[greygoose]

Have you had your antibodies tested? Or do you know if you have Hashi's? I'm always suspicious when levels suddenly rise and doctors have a knee-jerk reaction and slash the patients dose - 200 mcg to 50 mcg is enormous! And hardly likely to be good for you.

But, then to go from 50 mcg levo to 2 grains of NTD plus 10 mcg T3 is just as enormous! That's the equivalent of around 150 mcg levo, depending on how well you convert. So, part of your symptoms could very well be due to your dose being messed around with like that - it stresses the body badly. But, yes, when you're on the right dose, these symptoms should all go away.

Can you post your blood test results, and let us have a look?

[maymay28 in reply to greygoose]

thank you for your response Greygoose. I was at 100mg when I was placed on NDT at 1 grain and 5mg of T3. I haven't had any bloodwork since I last posted, that is why I didn't post them...will be getting new bloodwork soon and then I'll post.

[greygoose in reply to maymay28]

That's not so bad, then.