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Just been prescribed Levothyroxine and I'm concerned with the possibility of having a thyroid crisis

Posted , 4 users are following.

kat0
kat0

Good evening,

                     

I hope everyone has had a good day. Today I have been prescribed 40mg of Carbmizole and 75mg of Levothyroxine. 

As I was diagnoised with hyperthyroidism then the side effects, I believe, will be easy to spot. However, I am anxious about taking them due to the chance that they could cause me to have a thyroid crisis, which could result in some serious implications such as a coma or worse.

This has caused me to be scared about taking the medication. 

Could anyone shed their knowledge on weather this reaction would happen instantly or any re-assurance that if I take these tablet that I am not going to drop dead tomorrow. 

I believe I am most likely being over;ly-anxious and may seem like a 'drama queen' but well, its the fear of the unknown.

Thank you

xo

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Tutu123
    Tutu123 kat0

    Posted

    Hi kat

    I must admit I'm confused (and no expert) but suffer with Hypothyroidism myself. Why would they prescribe levothyroxine for hyperthyroidism? Did you mean to say hypothyroidism? To my understanding taking more thyroixine for a person who already has too much would be a very bad idea!! X

    • kat0
      kat0 Tutu123

      Posted

      Oh my, I haven't explained myself very well. Okay so I was  diagnosed as overactive  april 2015 and put on carbimizole ever since. The thyroid has gone over to under and vice versa over that period of time.

      The doctor has prescribed me Levothyroxine so it should calm down and stop yo-yo-ing from over to under. I saw him a month or two ago and he was under the impression I was slightly underactive. 

      After my blood test, I recieve a letter last week asking me to take Levothyroxine , so I assume i am underactive and this is to increase my hormone levels so its neutral again as it were.

      Have I explained myself better...

      Thank you for commentingcheesygrin

    • Tutu123
      Tutu123 kat0

      Posted

      Hi kat that makes a lot more sense thanks for explaining smile

      From personal experience I would increase meds as gradually as possible. I am assuming you're going from taking no levothyroxine to 75? I was massively over-medicated and overdosed with levothyroxine and know the side effects can be nasty and can wreck your thyroid gland. My advice would be to see and endo rather than just a Gp (if you're not already) and take it slowly with the meds x

    • kat0
      kat0 Tutu123

      Posted

      I am under the endocrine part of the hospital. I have a doctor who has a phd and other qualifications which make me confident in his knowledge. I have gone from 0 to 75mg, I have literally just picked it up from the pharmastist today. 

      Thank you for your knowledge. When you have experience the nasty effects what have they involved, if you do not mind me asking...

    • Tutu123
      Tutu123 kat0

      Posted

      Generally they tend to increase levothyroxine by 25mg every couple of months, but maybe you need more, I don't know your results or symptoms and i don't know much about hyperthyroidism.

      When I was overreplaced I had a fast pounding heart and my hair loss worsened. Those were the main symptoms and i struggled to sleep at night

  • shellyC19
    shellyC19 kat0

    Posted

    Hello kat0:

    My name is Shelly and I am a nurse in the USA.  I have Hashimoto's thyroid disease since 1987 and I know both sides of the disease well.

    Carbimazole reduces Thyroid hormone output, so 40 mg is a good sized dose.  Most are on 10 to 20mg.  However you need to have a normal level of thyroid hormone to keep the body in good shape.

    Levo is based on body weight some, it comes in 25mcg, 50mcg 75mcg, etc....it muct convert in the thyroid from T4 to T3.   When you take a replacement hormone it can build up in the body so some doctors say take one day off to allow the body to even off.

    Now I suppose your doctor is basing this dose off of blood work and your weight.  So go slow and if you feel your HYPER again, stop the dose and call the doctor.  You may want to try a drug holiday 1 day a week like a Sunday so you will not go overboard.

    You have to play around a bit to find your balance.  Any questions just ask,

    Shelly

     

  • Scazzoh
    Scazzoh kat0

    Posted

    Hi KatO, if I need to adjust my dose (I have been hypo for a number of years) I go VERY SLOWLY indeed, cutting a 25 mcg in half and taking that amount until the symptoms have gone - this could take a number of weeks. I know what it is like to be overmedicated, after taking a different brand for a month which made me very ill. Stick to the same brand and keep a record of when you take what and how much, as well as your blood results. This will enable to you look back and notice any differences. Good luck.
  • helena83477
    helena83477 kat0

    Posted

    Do whatever the Doctor says. Reading all the different suggestions on here can make one confused. You're under an endo- trust them as they've trained for years. The advice about going a day without isn't for anybody to make except your Doctor. If you spoke to 1000 people, you would probably get 300 different answers!

    i love these discussions and I have often found them helpful but I certainly wouldn't change my medication if I'm already seeing a Doctor about the condition.

    speak to your specialist about your concerns. I'm sure he'll be able to give you some wise advice.

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