Self medicate

Posted , 6 users are following.

Hi everyone just need some advice, I've been on 200mg of levothyroxine for about seven years, it's been a while since I had a blood test. I've been feeling unwell for a few months and am getting worse. I'm showing some symptoms of being over medicated. Depression, racing mind, fatigue, irritable. I will obviously make an appointment to see my GP but in the meantime should I cut back my meds? I take 2, 100mg tablets daily. I am thinking of just taking one I may have to wait up to 2 weeks before I can see my GP. 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Buy one of those cheap blood pressure monitors and check your pulse and blood pressure.  Ideally you should be about 120/80 and a pulse about 75.  I was over medicated for months and the blood pressure and pulse were dangerously high.  A quick check with one of these may be able to help you whether to cut back on meds.
    • Posted

      Thanks for the reply Auntyjojo, I'll do that. I feel as though my blood pressure may be too high. It Will be interesting to see The readings. I do struggle to sleep well, never feel relaxed and consume way to much sugar. I just wonder if my thyroid is making me worse. 

  • Posted

    Can you call now and just have your doc order the tests cause it would be better if you could be tested now without having to wait for an appointment. That is what I would recommend. I wish I had been better informed as to the actual SE of this drug cause I wouldn't have spent so much of my life rationalizing and confused about what was happening to my health while being reassured about my sx that my doc was willing to refer me to orthopedics . I liken personally this drug to a type of speed that can do very real damage to your life and general health 

    • Posted

      Hi Cathy your right I could just order the tests. I'll phone first thing Monday morning. My doctor never said anything about taking my meds on an empty stomach half hour before coffee/food etc, I only read about that on the thyroid uk website. I'm probably now getting more thyroxine absorbed into my blood than I was which is making me feel bad. I'll get the tests done then sit down with my GP to discuss my results. In the meantime I might just wash it down with coffee like I did before. 

  • Posted

    Mike, if you can handle it, it would be wise to hold off cutting back the meds until after you have seen the doc and had another blood test. Otherwise the test results may not represent your current condition.
  • Posted

    Hello Mike, 200mg is a very high dose. Can you give us more Details? ss

    here’s the plus.  Best to    drop when you know   I

     

  • Posted

    Yes.. your on a very high dose.  I imagine that is because your taking your medication with coffee?  You definitely should take with some water only and wait at least an hour before eating.  All food and drinks, including coffee, will lessen the absorbtion on the levo.  Now.. when you start taking correctly, you will find that you will be able to go down on your dose. But.. you can also continue to take with the coffee if want, just remember that consistency is key, so you'll have to keep taking it that way, because once you stop, you will have to find your new optimal dose all over again.   I agree with Dave, do not change your dose now.  You need to see where your level is at, with the dose your currently on.  You can call your doctor and he will call in blood work for you at any time, for patients with hypothyroidism.  So, call first thing monday morning and get that done...

    • Posted

      Thanks everyone much appreciated. I won't do anything rash just yet I'll get blood test done and take from there. I need one doing anyway, it's been well over a year since my last one. Cheers guys!! 

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.