I started taking Levothyroxine on Sunday. Low dose, 25mg, Wockhardt. I had a bit of an upset stomach by Monday, same Tuesday. By the time I left work on Wednesday I felt pretty rough, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, came home and slept. Felt even worse yesterday, with stomach pains. Don't feel quite as bad today although I do now have a sore throat.
I'm a bit put-out as I wasn't unwell with the underactive thyroid so I've gone from being well to feeling rough on the meds which are meant to help.
I have no idea if this is to be expected from starting this med or is it a co-incidence and I'm not well with something else? The NHS website indicates side-effects don't happen as it 'just replaces the hormone your body isn't making' but elsewhere lists side effects as upset stomach, nausea etc. Plus I had a look around on here and can see it's not as straightforward for a lot of people as the NHS site suggests.
I guess I'm asking if I put up with it and wait for it to pass or flag to GP (or call pharmacist for advice?). Is it normal to feel terrible for a few days when you introduce/change dose?!
Thank you in advance
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Moomincoffee
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Do you know what your thyroid results were that caused GP to start you on levothyroxine
Levothyroxine is an extremely fussy hormone and should always be taken on an empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after
Many people take Levothyroxine soon after waking, but it may be more convenient and perhaps more effective taken at bedtime
No other medication or supplements at same as Levothyroxine, leave at least 2 hour gap.
Some like iron, calcium, magnesium, HRT, omeprazole or vitamin D should be four hours away
(Time gap doesn't apply to Vitamin D mouth spray)
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase
If you normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test
If testing Monday morning, delay Saturday evening dose levothyroxine until Sunday morning. Delay Sunday evening dose levothyroxine until after blood test on Monday morning. Take Monday evening dose levothyroxine as per normal
standard starter dose levothyroxine is 50mcg …..unless over 65 years old
Likely to be ready for next dose increase after next test
Always test thyroid levels early morning and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
Important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 plus thyroid antibodies…..if these not been tested yet
Thank you. I do not have blood test results and take the levo in the morning with water (and nothing else for over an hour cos i have been felling so bad).
you need to keep good records yourself of results before starting, and after each blood test
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
As far as I know I am not lactose intolerant - although if I eat cereal with milk for breakfast it makes me feel sick, I have milk in coffee and at other times with no issues - but my symptoms do sound like yours hedgeree so will look into it.
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