Timing thyroid and ADHD meds

[Decant]

Hi.

I'm on 125mcg Levo and 20mcg Lio (taken first thing in the morning). My levels (thyroid, vitamins) were all good in January when I last tested.

I was diagnosed with ADHD last year and I've finally taken the plunge to be prescribed 20 mg lisdexamfetamine after satisfying various other tests.

Given that ADHD meds need to be taken first thing (so they are effective during the day and also wear off by bedtime) but thyroid meds need to be taken an hour away from food, I'm wondering when I should take them.

Should I take the thyroid meds at night (I used to do this) or can I take thyroid meds and ADHD meds together?

Thanks!

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Decant

You should take thyroid meds on their own, one hour before or two hours after food, with water only and water only for an hour either side. You don't take it with any other meds/supplements to avoid any problem with absorption.

If you were happy with taking your thyroid meds at night before and it suits you then you could go back to that regime. Remember to adjust timing of thyroid meds when having thyroid tests, ie last dose of Levo 24 hours before test, last dose of T3 should be 8-12 hours before test splitting dose into 2 or 3 the day before.

[Decant in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks, I think that's wise. I forget why I changed to morning - probably to benefit from the T3 during the day.

[Trina64]

I am also on meds for ADHD and a T4/T3 combo. I was diagnosed ADHD prior to getting my thyroid optimal.

I take my thyroid as soon as I wake up and then my ADHD an hour later. I microdose my ADHD medicine throughout the day too.

I never had ADHD prior to having thyroid issues, so my hope is once my thyroid is optimal and stable, I can come off the ADHD medicine. I finish week 2 on this dose today, so I have a ways to go. I have had slight improvements, but still very much scattered and lose focus. The ADHD medicine keeps my feet under me, but I don't feel very well on them.

[StanleyThyroid in reply to Trina64]

Please note that ADHD is a lifelong condition! There is some overlap with Thyroid type symptons as I have found. For example my brainfog (long term condition) is completely cleared with meds.

[Trina64 in reply to StanleyThyroid]

I never had ADHD symptoms until my thyroid stopped functioning properly. I never struggled with school including going to graduate school, .working, maintaining a home, etc. I have tried all kinds of ADHD meds and they do nothing but keep me functioning. For me, I do not believe I have ADHD and hope once I am stable on the right dose I cam stop the stimulants.

No one ever said ADHD wasn't a lifelong condition, if that is truly what someone has!!!

[Decant]

Thanks Trina64.

I suspect I'll get Vyvanse but I don't know yet. If so I hope I get capsules so I could (?) microdose if I need to. Thanks for your timing advice, I would have you experiment. I've been hypo thyroid for nearly 18 years (thyroid zapped after being hyper). I have always had ADHD-like symptoms without joining the dots but perhaps they have gotten worse, or I'm just tired (age 56) of fighting to not get ahead. Having a stable of thoroughbreds that all run in different directions!

I've also recently realised I'm an anxious person. I just hope the meds will give me a window to get myself in order.

My last thyroid levels were decent, after adding T3 (sourced privately) and lots of supplements.

Good luck on your journey!

[StanleyThyroid]

I take Levo at night on its own and Elvanse in the morning

[Decant in reply to StanleyThyroid]

Thank you. The medication should arrive this evening. Exciting to finally get going.

[StanleyThyroid in reply to Decant]

Good luck! Don't be tempted to do too much once you start or you can tire yourself out. 6 weeks in still getting used to it. Drink lots of water and eat protein😊

[Decant]

Took T4 last night. T3 at 6am today. First Vyvanse 7am today. I woke up feeling chipper having had some relieving news from work, and the weather is glorious, so clearly nothing Vyvanse related at this time. In the office (rented desk in local community hub) for 8am which is unlike me.