Just been diagnosed with an overactive thyroid

For me the beta blocker worked instantly.  So did the thyroid blocking drug.  I would say it is easier to comment if we know the dosages you are on.

Okay, the other thing to know that would be helpful in our commenting is the actual thyroid lab values that were done on you.  I have recommended that patients learn about those lab test values and what they mean and always get and keep a copy of any blood work done on you.  I found for myself, that has made a huge difference in my success.  Based on the dosage of meds you are on, I would think your thyroid lab tests are extremely high in which case I am not sure how long it would take you to feel better because my levels were not too far out of sight and my meds dosages were considerably less than yours.  I felt better almost immediately when starting meds and 2 out of 3 of my labs normalized right away but my TSH was abnormal for the first two years after diagnosis when I did some research and added supplements to my medical treatment plan.  I got my Free and Total Carnitine levels tested and this showed I was deficient in Carnitine.  I got my vitamin D tested and this also showed a deficiency.  My Magnesium level was low although not abnormal but I added this supplement as well.  What really helped was adding in all those supplements as well as I switched from taking Regular L-Carnitine which I was on for a year to Acetyl-L-Carnitine which very rapidly and dramatically influenced my lab tests.

Hi, I can't tell you how long the drugs take to work but I'm going through the same thing since the beginning of December. At first I started on 10mg propranolol and 10mg methimazole. Within one week I went to the ER 2 times because of breathlessness and chest tightness. They couldn't figure out what was wrong the first time. Second trip to the ER I was told to stop Propranolol and the symptoms went away. Now I'm on 20mg methimazole and 2.5mg bisoprolol. The bisoprolol makes me *extremely tired*. I also have joint pain and overall malaise. Beta blockers are awful and serious drugs. I'm too scared to take the higher dose of bisoprolol because of the side effects and unfortunately the 2.5mg is hardly doing anything for me. My endocrinologist brushed off my cardio symptoms and told me to wait for the thyroid drugs to kick in. Well, guess what it's been almost 4 weeks and I feel no improvement. I was diagnosed with Graves disease in 2011. It has always stayed subclinical. Last July I had my first baby and here I am. My levels are way off and I'm taking drugs for the first time...I'm hoping for remission but I'm all too aware of how autoimmune diseases are. I've had psoriasis for 22 years. Theyou are fickle.

Hi, Just looking for some general advice with regards to hyperthyroidism/ medication.

I'm 22 and 2 months ago I was sent for a blood test as for the past 3 years at least I have suffered from almost constant headaches, sweats, joint pain and other symptoms. Came back as hyperthyroidism, something I had never heaven heard of before, which explains a lot of the symptoms I was/am having.

My Dr urgently referred me to see a specialist but I am still waiting to receive a letter with an appointment. I was put straight on carbizamole 20mg and given propranolol which I was told to take when I felt necessary. I have difficulty swallowing tablets from a young age and have tried everything just can't do it so it was quite daunting for me.

I have been taking the carbimazole now for about two months and have felt terrible I can not stay awake and feeling nauseous and also finding it hard to concerntrate.

I have recently been told I need to start taking the propranalol once a day. I work as a legal secretary and am quite worried about all the possible side effects such as dizziness and tiredness and just generally not feeling like myself.

Anyone been taking the same medication and are able to let me know their experiences I would be grateful.

Thank you

Hi Lu-Anna, I too was freaked out when diagnosed I never even knew what a thyroid was!! I'm 18 mths down the line now and getting better! I think it's really important you address your diet too! Pale mostly vegetable based has helped me sooo much!

Hey there, I'll cut straight to the point in giving you some light at the end of the tunnel.

In May 2015 I started feeling really ill, especially when I exercised in any way. I would feel dizzy and sick and started losing weight rapidly. I was a healthy 33 year old guy, no medical issues.

I felt this way for the next 4 months and lost 3 stone in weight (42lbs). On numeorus occassions I would nearly pass out and felt short of breath. As for sleep, I had heart palpatations whenever I lay down and struggled to get to sleep, then when it came to getting up, it was a real struggle. I also noticed I started getting really puffy eyes in the mornings and they wouldn't go until mid morning, if at all.

Eventually I ended up in A&E after I had some sort of episode at home one night, sweating, shivering and feeling weak. I started to think I had diabetes. 

I was diagnosed with Graves disease, or hyperthyroidism. An over active thyroid. I was immediately put on 40mg per day of carbimozol and 40mg of propanolol. I didn't notice an immediate change but within a few days I noticed the propanolol was relaxing me and slowing my heart rate (this med is also used for people with anxiety, of which I didn't have). The carbimozol worked over time but nothing that I really noticed other than one major thing..weight gain. Taking the 40mg a day actually pushed me to under active, slowing my metabolism right down and this caused me to feel even worse, I bloated up to nealry 2 stone heavier in no time and felt like I could sleep forever.

Over time  I had numeorus blood tests and appointments with an endo and my carbimozol was reduced to 20mg per day and then 10mg and then 5mg, then 5mg three times a week. I was also taken off the propanolol around June 2016. It was only when I was reduced to 5mg three times a week that I actually noticed within myself a difference, I felt healthier again and much better than I had. Overall throughout my treatment I felt tired, lethargic, out of breath bloated and weak. 

I had a call in December 2016 from my endo after my last blood tests telling me I needed to stop the carbimozol as my bloods were normal. I'm now what I would consider to be back to normal, I feel lively again, clearer headed, sleeping great and back exercising without feeling awful. 50% of people diagnosed with graves actually clear it after a course of meds but stick with the meds, do not self medicate and think you can skip a tablet here and there, it'll only give false blood tests and prolong the issue. 

Good luck, hope it works out.