Update on Medication Reduced - Liothyronine

[Redroz1e]

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Thank you for your recent help when my medication was reduced by an endo.

I have now spoken to my GP who had written to the endo team and she has had a response from a different endo who has agreed to give me a two month trial on liothyronine and then test my bloods again. (The GP told me not to worry about my T3s or T4s for the blood test as it's only the TSH that matters - I didn't think this was right is it?)

My first question is - I am going abroad next weeks with some friends and given the fact that I have been in bed for 10 or 11 hours daily due to being so tired would it be a good idea to revert to my old dose of levo until I get back from holiday to try to feel a bit better whilst away and start the trial when I get back?

Question 2 is how / when should I take this new medication? Are there any side effects I should be aware of / anything I should avoid etc

My levo is being reduced to 75mcg (currently 125 mcg and previously 150 mcg) and I am to take 10 mcg of liothyronine twice daily (I haven't got it yet as the pharmacy is ordering it in).

[Jazzw]

The GP told me not to worry about my T3s or T4s for the blood test as it's only the TSH that matters - I didn't think this was right is it?

You’re quite right, it isn’t. Especially if you’re going to start taking T3 as what is very likely to happen is that your TSH will become quite suppressed, which is totally normal on T3–and knowing what your FT3 levels actually are will become much more important.

I’ll come back to the “should I revert to a higher dose of Levo to go on holiday” in a moment.

Don’t start on 20mcg liothyronine a day. I’m not saying refuse the prescription—you’ll need it in time!—but many people find they need to build the dosage up gradually. It’s powerful stuff, being approximately three to four times the potency of levothyroxine.

I’d probably start out at adding 5mcg a day, see how it goes for a week or so before upping to 10mcg etc.

As for what to do right now, I’d stick with the 125mcg levo for now, adding 5mcg liothyronine. And I wouldn’t lower my levo until I started on 10mcg liothyronine.

Sorry you haven’t had a reply up to this point. Hopefully others will weigh in with their opinions shortly!

[Redroz1e in reply to Jazzw]

Hi Jazzw,

Thanks for your response.

I haven't got the liothyronine yet as the pharmacy didn't have it when I went last night having been assured on the phone the day before that they would and I have to go again tonight. It looks like it is going to be in capsule form so not sure how this will work trying a lower dose and I am still unsure how to proceed before my holiday. I don't want to be ill away from home but obviously I do want to start to feel better.

[serenfach in reply to Redroz1e]

You can cut a capsule in half if it is a powder and mix the amount you need with a bit of jam to make it sticky, and so easy to swallow. I used to put the "spare" in a small pot with a lid - you soon get used to how much half a capsule looks like.

Because of this fiddle, I would leave it and keep on the same dose until you get back from holiday. All the changes should be done in baby steps though, and by saying your TSH is the most important reading, your GP is showing her ignorance.

I hope you have a lovely holiday, and the gradual change in dosage will make you feel better.

[Redroz1e]

Thank you. It sounds like a plan. I would never have thought about mixing it with jam.

I think starting after the holiday will be for the best too.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Redroz1e]

Sprinkled into a shot glass of water works if no jam to hand 😅

Did you buy a good B complex to tackle your low folate and B12? Remember to pack them

I agree with   Jazzw don't lower your T4 dose until after you have added T3 and rechecked your levels and even then don't be too hasty as it may continue to lower over time as things settle

[Redroz1e in reply to TiggerMe]

I've definitely got some shot glasses!

I did buy a B complex which I hope is good and will be taking them with me along with the rest of pharmaceuticals! I am surprised I never get stopped by airport security!

Thanks for the advice 😊

[serenfach in reply to Redroz1e]

Old nursing trick for sick children! If you are very good, you can have a spoonful of jam (mix medicine in quickly!)

[Redroz1e in reply to serenfach]

😊thanks.

[Blackcake]

Hi everyone. Relying to Refroz1e I agree with Jazzw start that new medication slowly and see how you feel. I never knew this hypothyroidism could affect your body so terribly. Those little tablets are very powerful. I had stopped my l-thyroxine as I got so fed up of taking pills. I had also lost a lot of weight and thought I was fine. The private Endo after testing place me on 100 mcg and I had skipped taking it for about a month. The public hospital after testing placed me on 125 mcg. As a result of not taking those pills along with using Epilim (sodium volporate) for seizures and Dilantin , Fluoxentine for anxiety disorder I was totally frustrated. I am now back to looking for healthy receipes and hypthyroid suggestions from (Pinterest), trying my best to exercise each day and to relax. I have gained approximately 40lbs (pounds) in the last 5 months. In that short time I was told I had fatty liver issues, I saw my blood pressure rise a bit, (it is not high 132/62) as I have never had high blood pressure. Weight 253 pounds. Height 167 cm. Hypthroidism or any form of it can be very frastruating. I really hope things work out for you and that we all can attain a balance with this autoimmune disease.

[Redroz1e]

I am sorry to hear that you are another poor soul going through this. I have so many things wrong with me that I have to take medication for which makes me wonder if they are all down to my thyroid. Lets hope that we can both find a way through this very soon 😊 Wishing you all the very best.