Treatment Success

[DobbySocks]

I posted here last week about my frustration at lack of treatment for my hypothyroidism and got lots of helpful advice.

I managed to secure a GP appointment with the GP who specifically told me that TSH should be at a maximum of 2.5. I shared the NICE guide lines I was pointed in the direction of on here and I’m happy to say I have been started on Levothyroxine to see if symptoms improve. I know it’s not a magic tablet and it may or may not work for me, I’m just elated that after battling for years I have finally been listened to and some treatment is finally beginning. Thanks to everyone who gave sound advice, I don’t think I would have gotten the successful outcome without you all!

Now for the experts, should I start it today or tomorrow? I was told take it first thing in the morning on an empty tummy but I didn’t have the prescription then. If I want to start it today how long should I wait after having food?

[DeeD123]

I would take it first thing in the morning an hour before food or drink with a glass of water. Good luck and I hope it helps

[MaisieGray]

If, like many of us, you want to take it at night, you could start today. There is evidence that for some, taking it at night is more effective, but it's always trial and error to see what works best for you. Take it one hour before food and drink, except water, or two hours after. Separate it by 2 hours from other meds and supplements, except iron, calcium, vit D, which should be taken 4 hrs away from Levo.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Well done

Always take Levo on empty stomach (minimum of two hours after food) and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after.

Many take early morning, on waking, but you may find it more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime. But bedtime doesn't suit everyone

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

Other medication at least 2 hours away, but some like HRT, iron, calcium, vitamin D or magnesium at least four hours away from Levothyroxine

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. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.

Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients

very important to test folate, ferritin, B12 and vitamin D too

[DobbySocks in reply to SlowDragon]

Just trying to figure out when it will be safe to have my morning cuppa 🤣

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to DobbySocks]

One of the reasons I changed to bedtime Levothyroxine. Was very surprised how much better I found it

[galathea]

Here is a published paper which showed that nighttime dosing resulted in lower tsh and higher thyroid hormone levels. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/172...

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