Breathlessness and Overmedication

[pussycatwillow]

Have been feeling breathless for some months now.

Medichecks test in July 2020 suggested overmedication, although NHS test 3 weeks later was very different (my previous post). It is likely the Medichecks result was skewed as I forgot to stop my Vit B.

Last test 9 Feb 2021

TSH 0.005 (0.27 - 4.2)

T3 6.55 (3.1 - 6.8)

T4 23.6 (12 - 22)

Iron, ferrite, folate and vitamins all optimal.

Levothyroxine was reduced from 150mg to 125 mg

I stopped taking the levo for 8-10 days and noticed a big decrease in the breathlessness. Resumed the 125mg and now started to feel breathless again.

I have a NHS blood test form but cannot book for another 3-4 weeks.

Any thoughts or advice please

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

pussycatwillow

Did the breathlessness starting coincide with a new brand of Levo?

Exactly what brand(s) and dose tablets of Levo are you taking, presumably a 100mcg and 25mcg tablet daily?

The fact that you didn't stop your B Complex may have skewed your Medichecks results. Although we always say 7 days, in Medichecks email they send to say "Order Complete" they suggest 2 days.

Do you always take last dose of Levo 24 hours before test then take Levo after the blood draw on day of test?

[pussycatwillow in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi Susie

The breathlessness has been going on for over 6 months now. Don't feel it is connected to a new brand as have been on Mercury Pharma 150mg. Was previously on 175mg and that was reduced to 150mg about 8 months ago.

Now taking Mercury Pharma 100mg and Wockhardt 25mg

I did stop taking the B Complex for at least 7 days before the last Medichecks test in February. Also last dose of levo was 24 hours before draw.

[Tina_Maria]

Breathlessness can have many different causes, so it is difficult to pinpoint what it could be. Based on your thyroid results, I don't think this is the source of it though. There are a few things you could check, which could give you a further clue:

- Did it start suddenly or develop over time? Did anything trigger it? (asthma or allergies)

- How far can you walk? Are you only breathless when you move? Is it worse when you lie down? (heart)

- Do you feel ill? Do you have a high temperature (fever), weight loss or a cough? Do you have any pain in your chest? (infection)

- Are you coughing up any phlegm (sputum)? What colour is it? (infection)

- Have you lost weight, coughed up blood, been in contact with anyone with tuberculosis (TB)? (TB or cancer)

- Are you anxious? (anxiety can cause breathlessness)

- Anaemia (low iron, however, if you have an underlying infection and your CRP levels are high, this could make the iron panel look better than it actually is)

I do not want to cause you any unnecessary anxiety or worry, however based on your answer, you may need to speak to a GP in more detail about it.

[pussycatwillow in reply to Tina_Maria]

Hello Tina

The answers to your questions are No.

It started about 9 months ago, no obvious trigger. I can walk fine. It is when I exercise I notice it most. I go cycling regularly and find uphill rides a real struggle!

After I stopped the levo for 8-10 days I noticed a massive improvement in my breathing. Still feel it is connected to medication somehow.

[Tina_Maria in reply to pussycatwillow]

It might be then that you are over-sensitive to it. Although I think that finding riding uphill a struggle could be related to exercised induced breathlessness - higher levels of medication would actually give you more energy to do that.Might still be worth exploring this further outside of your medication.

Hope you will find the answer soon.

😍

[Clarrisa]

Are you taking any over-the-counter medications? I ask because I had developed a feeling of air hunger, & it completely stopped the day after discontinuing taking a daily baby aspirin (I must be allergic to it as my mother was).

My oxygen saturation was 100% while I was experiencing air hunger. The E.R. doctor told me to stop (these) medications other than vitamins. If your parents are still living why not inquire into their allergy history if you haven’t already.