Headache with increase…any tips to overcome this?

[MsWhistledown]

Hello all, hope you’re all doing well?

I started the increase of Levo from 50 to75mcgs on 18th April. I have been sensitive to increases in the past so not surprised I think I am having another side effect or hypo symptom. For past 3 nights I have been woken up with a pretty awful headache. It tends to go away as the day goes on.

I had been alternating days taking 50 and 75. For past 3 days tried taking 75 everyday. I’m guessing this is what is causing the headache. My concern is that I am a migraine sufferer and already take Nortriptyline everyday to treat this. I have read that Nortriptyline can increase the effects of Levo. So feel a little like I might be in a catch 22 situation here.

Any advice or tips would be appreciated.

Thank you 😊

[Forestgarden]

For me, the morning headache is due to a drop in thyroid hormone. Do you find that once you've taken your levo it gradually goes? You could try splitting your levo dose, 50mcg first thing in the morning, 25mcg last thing at night. That might help smooth things out a bit.

[MsWhistledown in reply to Forestgarden]

Thanks Forestgarden. I was taking my Levo at night and found that the headache would wake me up in the middle of the night and carry on until later in the morning. So, it does seem it is being triggered by the Levo. I didn’t take any last night and I still got the headache and reverted back to taking 50mcgs this morning. Will maybe give the splitting a try. Tomorrow morning take 50 and later in evening/before bed take 25.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

migraine is common hypothyroid symptom. You might be able to ween of Nortriptyline once thyroid levels are optimal

[MsWhistledown in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks SlowDragon. I really hope so. I do not want to be on Nortriptyline for much longer. Too many side effects to deal with.