I've been taking Levothyroxine for many years but am wondering whether I am doing something wrong when I take the pills first thing in the morning with just a few sips of water. Is this enough or must I drink a whole glass of water with these pills.? I've been following your forum for several years and have learnt quite a lot, and want to thank you for being there for us.
Lola 2003
It is often suggested to take a glass of water with your pills and wait an hour before eating. This aids absorption. Are you taking any other medications or supplements ?
I do wait quite a long time, sometimes 2-3 hours before having breakfast, because I am such a bad sleeper, Wake up at 6 or 7am to take Thyroxine, then try and get a few more hours sleep. This is because I may fall asleep, get 2 hours sleep, then wake up and am awake till 5 or later in the morning. A very frustrating situation, and find my best sleep is from 7-10am. Obviously that messes up my day, but I am retired and have no urgent commitments. Yes, I do take supplements: Vitamin D and Turmeric with breakfast. And Paracetamol when in pain.
Hi Lola,
I’ve seen it said many times on the forum that we should let at least four hours elapse between levo and vitamin d. Perhaps take vitamin d with lunch instead of breakfast?
As to your question about taking levo with a few sips of water, the patient instruction leaflet in my box of levo says “take with plenty of water”.
Like you, I’d much prefer to take it with a few sips though. Gulping water in the early hours, as I do, is not ideal and furthermore often necessitates an unwelcome trip to the bathroom an hour or so afterwards🙁.
Have you tried taking a magnesium supplement for your insomnia? I take it an hour or so before putting the light out (I read in bed). It seems to help.
All the best
Caroline
Thank you so much, Caroline, for your advice. Yes this morning I did drink almost a g lass of water with the Levo. Not funny, but then I did stay up, because I did not wake up at 6 am..... but slept on and off quite well last night till 9am! I did quite a bit of gardening, racking leaves galore, yesterday afternoon. So maybe the answer to insomnia is to be out and about as much and possible. Not that easy ... I am 81 !!! and am full of osteoarthritis as well, but feel so young at heart. And thank you for telling me about the Vitamin D. Will change my habits of taking my pills. My GP didn't want me to take magnesium. Must ask her reason next time I see her. Best wishes to you Caroline.
Hi Lola,
It sounds as though you are very active for your age😊.I am just 70 and, for a long time, have not been able to do much gardening without taking regular rests to “unkink” my back🙁. I’m sure fresh air and exercise do go a long way to helping get a good night’s sleep. I generally settle for walking my little dog a couple of miles each day and I do sleep better for it.
If your GP says no to taking magnesium, perhaps this is because you are also taking something which will adversely interact with it, such as, for example, a diuretic, antibiotic or heart medication.
Have you ever tried massaging Olbas Oil into sore arthritic joints. I wouldn’t be without it!
All the best
Caroline
Thanks Caroline for the Olbas Oil tip. No, I've never heard of that, only that it is good for inhaling. Have tried all sorts of gels, etc. which don't really work. No, I'm not on any medication you mention, just take paracetamol when pain is too unpleasant. I am on statins though, very low dose, and occasionally anti-inflammatory medicine + Omepresole that you have to take in advance to protect your stomach. But I'm very sensible with taking these, because I have had AS since I am 22 years old. So am rather against taking too many medecines. Nice talking to you. All the best. Lola
It’s best to keep the joint warm after massaging with Olbas. The oil generates a comforting heat and, for me at least, completely gets rid of the pain temporarily in the same way as a hot water bottle might. Particularly helpful when joints are painful at night and keeping you awake. You can buy in Holland and Barrett but if you have a Superdrug, Wilkos or Savers nearby, then it’s usually much cheaper there. Just make sure not to get it in your eyes. Ouch!
Best wishes
Caroline
It seems I answered in a wrong way ! Am not that clever with computers, so I apologize. Will have to try and get Olbas Oil at Boots or Lloyds, because we do not have the other stores you mentioned. Thanks anyway for the advice. I hope you receive this message now. Lola
Safely received😊.
Hope the Olbas Oil helps. My grandmother swore by it, and I always have a bottle to hand. As you say it is also good for easing congestion as the result of a cold or flu. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using it as a rub as it is painful if you touch it to your eyes. I know this from bitter experience😢
Hope you sleep well tonight!
Best wishes
Caroline
PS Boots do sell it as do many other chemists.
Yes a glass of water to get it into your stomach so it can absorb no good being stuck in your gullet also I always leave a few hours before I take anything else after levo
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