Dosage

[Bridkid67]

Hi just a quick question had another increase in levothyroxine from 75mcg to 100mcg a few days ago is it normal to feel worse for a bit or is it me symptoms seem to be worse on 100mcg than before?

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Yes, many of us seem to ‘go backwards’ before ‘going forward’ when adjusting doses.

Personally, I like to increase by 12.5mcg first, then add a further 12.5 once well tolerated (I find a pill cutter handy for this). Other members however have no issues increasing by 25mcg Levo.

Is the increased dose the same brand?

[Bridkid67 in reply to Buddy195]

Had all brands lol at the moment on crescent 50mcg x 2

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Bridkid67]

If your brands keep swapping, it will be difficult for you to work out if your current brand is the reason that you are experiencing adverse symptoms. I would keep a diary of brands/ symptoms and monitor closely.

[Bridkid67 in reply to Buddy195]

Felt great this morning but towards the end of the day feel lousy.

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Bridkid67]

This can also be common with any change to thyroid medication. For many of us adjusting doses is a bit of a bumpy ride! Hang in there Bridkid67! 🦋

[Bridkid67 in reply to Buddy195]

Will do no choice lol thanks

[jgelliss in reply to Buddy195]

Love your Butterfly.

[FoggyThinker]

Yes, me too - as Buddy195 says, I often find I feel better for a few days then worse for a week or so, then ramp up to a new normal that's a bit better than before increasing.

[BlueMoped32]

Hi I recently had my levothyroxine increased and almost immediately I didnt feel quite right , I also started having palpitations again . Fortunately I had an appointment with my cardiologist soon after the increase, so I raised my concerns with her. She explained that it could take a little while for my body to adjust to the increase. Therefore I continued with the new dosage and found that within a week or so the palpitations had subsided. Having now been on the new dose for two months , I am beginning to see quite a few of my long term symptoms improving . However if you are concerned there is no harm in seeking advice from a professional. My GP surgery has an excellent pharmacist , who can access patients notes . In the past he has given me very good advice concerning my various medication which has to be taken a different times of the day.

I take my levothyroxine before I go to bed as I read somewhere that it is better absorbed, it also suits me better. I hope this is helpful, but please if you are ever concerned about your health speak to a professional thats what they are there for.

[Bridkid67 in reply to BlueMoped32]

Ok will do thanks I take mine in the morning and a good couple of hrs before food and drink

[jgelliss in reply to BlueMoped32]

Very valuable post. Thank You. What I experienced recently was that there are many of the same symptoms overlaping oneanother Hypo/Hyper. We myself included have to learn to trust what we feel. Keeping a journal of our symptoms is very helpful. We are Not One Size Fits All. Like GreyGoose says we all fit into different Size Shoes. You Need What You NEED.

[BlueMoped32 in reply to jgelliss]

Absolutely ! A journal is a great idea. A friend suggested I make notes in my diary which was really helpful to me , it is also helpful for the various specialists I am currently seeing (neurology, Cardiology and endocrine). Cardiology also advised that I can only have small increases of thyroxine at a time, as a larger dose could have an impact on my heart. I started on 25 mcgs , however it was only when I was increased to 50mcgs that I started seeing some of my symptoms improving and started feeling a little better.

[blazergull23]

Definitely keep a record of the brand of T4 you are on, my GP has now detailed the brand on my green prescription, although the pharmacy will try and get away with supplying you with what ever cheap version they have in stock and not ordering you your branded type. I find there is a wide tolerance with the manufacture of levothyroxine and, with some brands I feel hypo and some hyper.....a real pain at times. If I'm trying to get the right balance I will adjust with a 25mcg pill and cut into 1/4s with a pill cutter, I know its fiddly but works for me. I had my thyroid removed 15 years ago and still struggle at times to get the right balance for me. Good luck

[Bridkid67 in reply to blazergull23]

Would taking 50mcg in the morning and the other 50mcg later on work better ?

[blazergull23]

I would start on the 50 then increase daily by 1/4 or 1/2 pill just to give you body time to adjust to the new amount. That method has worked for me. I'm on 175 mcg which comprises a 100, 50, 25. I can split the 25 in to quarters and increase/decrease when I feel I need to, especially when the pharmacy cant get the brand I've been used to.

[Bridkid67 in reply to blazergull23]

I was on 75mcg before ?

[blazergull23]

Sorry, yes I misread that , start at your 75, then increase daily by a 1/4 or 1/2, but take it at the same time of the day.

[zeberdee2468]

It can take a couple of weeks to settle down monitor how it goes and like someone else said keep a note, that's what I did to find what I needed. Hope it sorts itself out for you