Levo and constant headache 😞

[Hypothyroid78]

Hello people. Since I’ve been on levo for about 7 weeks I keep getting slightly dull headache. The headache is constant during the day. I want to know if this is normal?

I was on 50/25/12.5 mg levo and all seem to give me the same problem.

[Peanut31]

Hi

Have you changed brands of Levothyroxine?

Some different brands of Levo don’t agree with people.

Best Wishes

Peanut31

[Hypothyroid78 in reply to Peanut31]

I been on the same brand. I will try changing it soon. Thanks for info

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Hypothyroid78

Headaches is listed as a possible side effect of Levo, check your patient information leaflet.

You could ask to try a different brand.

[Hypothyroid78 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for info.

[MaisieGray]

Are you saying that you started on 50 mcg and then reduced it to 25 mcg and then to 12.5 mcg? Remaining under-medicated, having begun Levothyroxine, can definitely make you feel worse than before starting it, including having headaches/migraine.

[Hypothyroid78 in reply to MaisieGray]

Ok thanks for the information. My go put me on 25 then 12.5 now on 50 mg. I’ve got blood test soon to see where thing are. What doses is average to you ? Also I should change the brand of my medication as advertised above.

[MaisieGray in reply to Hypothyroid78]

If your GP has had you on three different doses within 7 weeks, especially in that order, it is unlikely to have helped you. Re changing makes of T4, generally it's best to make only one change at a time otherwise you won't know what has caused any resultant effect. If it were me, I'd wait for the result of the blood test first, to decide what to do - unless you know for sure that you have an already identified intolerance to any of the inactive excipients in the tablets, in which case, you will need to swap to another make of course eg lactose, or colourants etc. There is no average dose, you need the dose that is right for you; but that said, for adults who are not elderly (ie 50 +) or have cardiac problems, the starting dose is 50 mcg not 25 mcg; and should be adjusted as necessary in light of the results of c6 weekly blood tests. The dosing guidance given to GPs by the NICE/BNF guidelines is:

For Adult 18–49 years

Initially 50–100 micrograms once daily; adjusted in steps of 25–50 micrograms every 3–4 weeks, adjusted according to response; maintenance 100–200 micrograms once daily, dose to be taken preferably at least 30 minutes before breakfast, caffeine-containing liquids (e.g. coffee, tea), or other medication.

For Adult 50 years and over

Initially 25 micrograms once daily; adjusted in steps of 25 micrograms every 4 weeks, adjusted according to response; maintenance 50–200 micrograms once daily, dose to be taken preferably at least 30 minutes before breakfast, caffeine-containing liquids (e.g. coffee, tea), or other medication.