Could I be over medicated?

Hello

I’m under a private GP for Levo and 4 weeks ago my TSH was 1.86 although I don’t have the T4 reading at that point- we increased Levo from 50mcg to 75mcg as I felt I wanted to try as was still recovering from hypo symptoms. I’ve been supplementing on Vit D, B Vits and Magnesium etc. No chance of getting any bloods done at the moment.

However, I’m beginning to feel quite jittery a bit of tremor and my breathing has been sluggish- I’m wondering if it’s a build up of too much Levo- I’m thinking I could do with dropping back to 50mcg- should I just do that tomorrow morning or skip a couple of doses? Feeling pretty rubbish. I’ve also had difficulties sleeping in the last week, whereas I was sleeping well up to this point.

I realise with everything going on and feeling tight in chest may mean I’m being a bit panicky with all in the news, but it crossed my mind as to actually whether I could be over medicated?

Any thoughts or advice would be great!

[Wetsuiter]

75 is still a low dose, and as your tsh was not that low at 1.86, so it may not be that.

i know very little compared to others on here, but i believe sluggish breathing is a hypothyroid symptom, so you may need another increase at the next test.

i take it your supplements are because you tested and they were low?

[Hidden in reply to Wetsuiter]

Thank you 🙏 to you both- I was just thinking that 1.86 was 4-5 weeks ago. My last T4 was 17 but I was at 2.98 then so wondering if it’s gone too high now. I wish I could get bloods done but unlikely at the moment.

[Batty1 in reply to Hidden]

What is the lab ranges for the T4 ?

[Hidden in reply to Batty1]

12-22!

What do you think Batty?

[Batty1 in reply to Hidden]

Honestly it's hard to say without knowing your levels with ranges. Out of curiosity are you taking any other medications besides thyroid and if so what?

[Hidden in reply to Batty1]

Just HRT but bern on this throughout so??

Brief period on diazepam for muscle strain but only 2mg and took in evening. I think this can interfere with Levo? Maybe this is it? I’ve stopped it now and dropped some of the vits to see if this helps

[Batty1 in reply to Hidden]

If you think you could be over medicated or the symptoms are alarming to you I would call the prescribing doctors office but I'm sure they will try to reduce your meds (pretty standard)when you indicate or suggest your over medicated.

Even though you taken a low dose of diazepam hours away from your Thyroid meds it might still react and it may take several days to leave your system or longer. I took Cymbalta for chronic pain a very low dose it absolutely reeked havoc on my thyroid levels my hands shook non-stop and lots of weird bruising, after I requested the switch to different thyroid meds did I start to feel better, but looking back had I known Cymbalta was mostly likely my problem I would have stopped Cymbalta and waited a while to see if my shaking cleared before switching my thyroid meds....live and learn!

[Hidden in reply to Batty1]

Yes this makes sense- I only usually take it rarely for maybe 3 evenings when back spasm bad- and it has to be bad- as I can usually get by with Naproxen which I found to be brilliant. However, the With the recent bad press re anti inflammatory Meds and the virus, I had to rely on the diazepam and had taken for a couple of weeks looking at my packets. So like you, I’m beginning to think this could have thrown my Levo and also using it for a block like this likely get side effects build up. I know breathing can be a possible side effect.

Going cold turkey for now and try and get Levo back on track.

Thanks Batty 🙏

[Wetsuiter in reply to Hidden]

t4 of 17 in a range of 12 -22 is only 50% through the range, so you needed the increase.

[Hidden in reply to Wetsuiter]

Hi Wetsuiter

Oh right- am thinking at 50% then a 25 mcg prob hasn’t taken me over top end. Discussed with my mum 😁 (the Oracle) she thinks I’d be silly to drop to 50 as she was here looking after me when I was so ill with hypo symptoms and thinks I should ride out the next week or so to see if all settles.

I’d be due in for a review shortly with My private GP but suspect everyone has their hands full and I’ll just need to wait on some new bloods.

As 75mcg is a starting dose really- I’m 60kg so this would technically still be a bit under the 88mcg per kilo dose.

I’m so glad I joined this forum- thanks for help.

Hashimotos am also realising can be a bit of a roller coaster 🎢 like my trying to get on top of menopause symptoms from time to time. I guess it all works in the same way. Fine balance. I can see that’s why so many on here are experts in their own health.

🙏

[Legoparis]

I think we are all a bit jittery at the moment noting every symptom and wondering what’s going on

I had similar experience to you when moving up by 25 mcg To 75mcg

after persisting for several weeks my consultant suggested I take 100 and 50 on alternate days as could be allergy to change of brand for the 25 (mercury) 50 (North Star)

Once I came off mercury I felt better -so could be your brand

I am now on a100mcg have come off magnesium but keep up with other supplements particularly selenium Bs and Zinc

Poor sleep will also make you feel rotten irrespective of thyroid issues so tackling that might be a priority even if it means resorting to low dose amitriptyline or piriton for a while to get your body back in the habit of sleeping (easier said than done I know)

Best of luck

[Hidden in reply to Legoparis]

Thank you! Yes I think I’m trying to work out what’s going on- blood pressure readings ok- but I have been diagnosed as Hashimoto’s so I’m wondering if I’ve had a swing!

I was also taking magnesium Bs Cs and D- I’ve decided to drop the magnesium and B vits for a few days as wondering if my system overloaded. And agree, three nights without sleep is taking its toll! Annoying as was sleeping soundly a couple of weeks ago.

Thank you again- great advice x

[Paula87]

I was on 112mcg of levothyroxine. It just about killed me. Headache, muscle aches and cramps, dizzy, brain fog. I was absolutely miserable. I told the doctor I felt a lot worse than before I even started taking medication. I insisted that I be put on Armour Thyroid and the results have been amazing. I feel like myself again for the first time in 2 years!!

[Hidden in reply to Paula87]

This is something I would consider- are you in U.K.?

I had 50mcg of Levo via NHS GP but they would not go higher as my TSH in range- the usual story- was about 2.80 and later 1.86 and still felt hypo, so private GP agreed to supply further 25mcg. He said he treats patient not the TSH.

I’m not sure where I’d stand with Armour can’t see my GP doing anything that’s not written in the plan. This is why I’m wondering if you outside U.K. as I’ve noticed many American contributors mention this on here, that’s if you don’t mind my asking

[Hidden]

Yes tbh I’d be due a follow up about now and this is what I’d planned to see after new blood draw, but not much chance in that right now 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Hidden]

Hi Lora7again

I never thought to try. I’ll give him a ring 👍

[Paula87]

I am in America. My GP didn't want to switch, but I was adamant and said I am NOT taking levothyroxine anymore

[Hidden in reply to Paula87]

I like your style!! Wish my GP would have listened to me to save having to go privately 😁 thanks I wondered if you were in America

[Paula87]

The levothyroxine was horrible for me! I know everyone is different but Armour has been a life saver! Read this article: Armour Thyroid (Desiccated Thyroid) for Hypothyroidism

verywellhealth.com/armour-t...

[Hidden in reply to Paula87]

Thanks Paula87 I’ll have a read! I’m glad you are feeling well on it thanks fantastic news x