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Stopping levothyroxine - suddenly or slowly?

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cata27054
cata27054

After having a bad flu I got a thyroid inflammation and had to take levothyroxine. My doctor wants me to stop it from one day to the next, to see if my thyroid has recovered or not and says that leaving the medicine slowly does not work. Several people tell me to slowly reduce the dose until leaving it because it would be a shock to my body if I did it unexpectedly.

I really do not know what to do, I do know that I do not want to experience all the awful symtoms again.

I appreciate any suggestions.

Cheers!

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • dave64969
    dave64969 cata27054

    Posted

    I am not a doctor and have no experience relevant to your situation. However, common sense would indicate that tapering off over a couple of weeks can’t hurt you but stopping suddenly might.
  • gwanwyn42509
    gwanwyn42509 cata27054

    Posted

    well all I can think is lucky you to have a Dr who really seems to be concerned instead of just putting you on thyroxine and leaving it there. I think i would follow his advice after all it appears you have only been on it a short time. I would suppose that the longer you are on it the less chance you have of getting off it as the thyroid will give up the fight and just go with the flow. Just my opinion. I have been hypothyroid for 25 years ( now hyperthyroid ) and I wish that I had tried harder with diet etc to put it right. My daughter feels the same ... she is hypothyroid. also try exercise everyday. the body is amazing and can with your help  sometimes readjust
  • JayValle
    JayValle cata27054

    Posted

    I would say taper, so your body doesn't feel withdrawal. Google it. You'll find articles on tapering vs abrupt stop. Feel better :-) 

  • gwanwyn42509
    gwanwyn42509 cata27054

    Posted

    well Dave may be right, but in my experience nothing stays the same  with all the research going on. what do the American web sites say ? these seem to  "be on the ball ". worth looking at . Why not join British Thyroid Foundation of a cost of £15 a year. They might be able to help

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