Levothroid (hot flashes, thyroid, blood, lose weight)

[73JP]

Is anyone taking Levothroid?

I was recently at the Endo and he wants me to take Levothroid. I've done research and it has horrible sise effects. I was already noticing that I've been gaining weight and this meds side effect causes weight gain. I've been really tired lately and this med causes fatigue. I've had mucsle aches all over and this med causes muscle aches

How is this suppose to help me? You know how Drs. are...they roll around the question.

What are ya'lls experience with this or what have you heard?

Thanks so much

[bellalunatic]

Well, do you mean Synthroid or Levothyroxin? Technically the same, except that one is a brand name and one is a generic.
I take the generic.
Why does your Endo. want you taking it?

[AnonChick]

Levothroid is another brand name for levothyroxin. It is used to treat hypothyroidism. 73JP's research is very clearly flawed. Levo is prescribed to combat the illness that causes the symptoms he has. It does -not- cause those symptoms, as he claims his research shows.

NOT taking it, or taking too little, can result in those symptoms. That is of course only for people with hypothyroidism, or whose thyroids have been surgically removed or otherwise compromised.

If your endocrinologist has done tests (including, most likely, a needle biopsy) and has determined that it is -definitely- your thyroid causing the problem, then taking the Levothroid will alleviate the symptoms, because it will provide your body with the hormone that your own thyroid is (for whatever reason) unable to produce.

[SXMGirl]

I take it and have no major side effects. You may gain weight initially, but at some point it will level off. Once you are diagnosed, you must take it every day. You should have had a blood test and that's why you were prescribed. I do take it at night instead of the morning, which is in the directions and I find that works better for me. If you have just been diagnosed, you will probably have a blood test every few months in order to get your dosage correct.

[kmalone4]

Also be sure to take it the same time every day. My hospital administers it around 7am.

[SD4020]

Also go with brand name instead of generic in this case. Thyroid levels need precise dosage. Generic dosages can be off as much as 15%.

The specialist was adamant about it being brand name and that the dose be precise.

[NEOhioBound]

Originally Posted by AnonChick

Levothroid is another brand name for levothyroxin. It is used to treat hypothyroidism. 73JP's research is very clearly flawed. Levo is prescribed to combat the illness that causes the symptoms he has. It does -not- cause those symptoms, as he claims his research shows.

NOT taking it, or taking too little, can result in those symptoms. That is of course only for people with hypothyroidism, or whose thyroids have been surgically removed or otherwise compromised.

If your endocrinologist has done tests (including, most likely, a needle biopsy) and has determined that it is -definitely- your thyroid causing the problem, then taking the Levothroid will alleviate the symptoms, because it will provide your body with the hormone that your own thyroid is (for whatever reason) unable to produce.

Actually some side effects of of Levothyroid IS weight gain and some people do end up more tired using that

Levothroid (levothyroxine) medical facts from Drugs.com (Ask you doctor about side effects of generic thyroid-they DO exist)

I had bad side effects on Levothyroid and Synthroid (sleep problems, weight problems, heat intolerance, itchy skin, ect) and once I switched to natural thryorid, Armour, within two weeks I started feeling much better. Even my nails are improving finally

[Cunucu Beach]

When I was in my late 50's and early 60's, I started gaining a lot of weight--over 60 lbs. Also had an elevated cholesterol. Thyroid tests showed insufficient thyroid activity. I started on levothyroid. Felt a lot better after a few weeks and the cholesterol was back to normal within 3 months. Had to really work at getting the 60+ lbs. off but finally reached a normal weight again. My advice is that if your thyroid function tests are abnormal, take the medication.

[tyvin]

First I suggest that you know the reason the doc wants you to take it. If it's hypothyroidism then taking it will alleviate you feeling tired all the time. About weight gain; eating sensibly and exercising is the key.

Levothyroxine is designed to be taken at the same time every day on an empty stomach. Early in the am or before you go to bed is the best time to take it. Know your lab numbers concerning your condition so you may follow it and keep abreast of your condition.

[Miborn]

Originally Posted by NEOhioBound

Actually some side effects of of Levothyroid IS weight gain and some people do end up more tired using that

Levothroid (levothyroxine) medical facts from Drugs.com (Ask you doctor about side effects of generic thyroid-they DO exist)

I had bad side effects on Levothyroid and Synthroid (sleep problems, weight problems, heat intolerance, itchy skin, ect) and once I switched to natural thryorid, Armour, within two weeks I started feeling much better. Even my nails are improving finally

Actually it does not say weight gain it says changes in weight.
#

nervous or irritable feeling; (This can be due to to much)
#

fever, hot flashes, sweating; (This can be due to to much)
#

changes in your menstrual periods; (they will get lighter)
#

appetite changes, weight changes; (you will probably lose weight)