Switching the way I'm taking my levothyroxine, is it okay?

Posted , 4 users are following.

I've been taking my pill without water every morning for years, I recently had my dose increased by my doctor and was told by my pharmacist to start taking it with water.

So, is there a chance my dose could be too high now since it's been increased and I'm now taking it with water?

I'm not worried that it would be a little too high but could it be dangerously high?

My last TSH test was over 4.0 so I have a way to go before I get too high...

Thanks!

 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    What reason did the pharmacist give for this? I have had underactive thyroid since birth and have been taking Eltroxin and later Levo all this time (now 53). As a child I was never told anything about taking the tablets at a particular time of day or in a particular way. I only heard it for the first time from a trainee pharmacist about 5 years ago. No doctor has ever said anything. My brother has only recently been told to take them before eating.
    • Posted

      Pharmacist said it could affect the absorbtion, so that's why I started worrying that I might start absorbing too much now.

      Before, I was told that the pill could get stuck in my throat but I didn't care about that so never took it with water...but I guess that is something we should worry about since it expands pretty rapidly they say.

    • Posted

      They do say to take levothyroxine with a good amount of water, to make sure it doesn't start disintegrating in your throat. I wouldnt be worried about it massively increasing your levels though. If you weren't absorbing any of it before you started taking it with water, you would know about it and have bad symptoms.
    • Posted

      My symptoms were pretty bad and my TSH kept creeping up each year that's why my dose was increased, just wish I didn't get the dose increase and the new instructions on the same day... rolleyes
    • Posted

      Oh I see- yes I do agree with layne, try not to worry too much. Look out for hyper symptoms such as racing heart/palpitations, feeling hot and weight loss. These are good indicators that the dose is too high. If you aren't suffering with any of them, the dose shouldn't be too high. Make sure you get your bloods done again in 8-12 weeks time to be sure
    • Posted

      Ah okay, thanks! I won't worry then, they want my blood in just 6 weeks anyway,

      But is it possible to get dangerously high? My dose was increased from 112 to 125.

    • Posted

      Hi liza, I wouldn't have thought so but I'm no doctor - might be worth having a chat with your GP in the meantime if you're concerned?
  • Posted

    Wow, I've only heard take it on empty stomach and with water. I know my brother and mother don't so that but we've been fortunate to not have it too bad. 

    Just keep aware of your body. But don't think on it too much, our minds can often affect us too. wink 

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