| Key to ratings for cytomel: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
| | F M | | | | ||||
| Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading. | ||||||||
| 4 | lose weight | headaches, increased energy, trouble getting to sleep, increase pain in past nerve injuries, increased sweating | this is a great drug. heightened my mood so i think it would be a good depression medicine. as far as weight loss goes, this is a magic pill | F | 25 | 2 months | 1/21/2010 | 4 | sluggish thyroid | Stomach cramping, muscle jerks, lip numbness | I recently got put on 5mcg cytomel with 125 mcg synthroid and a natural thyroid supplement. I'm also on cymbalta, concerta, vit D (really low levels), iron (again, levels pretty low) and calc/mag. So it's hard to know what is causing this | M | 18 | 1 months | 1/17/2010 | 3 | added to my synthroid daily reqmt. | For the first time in my life I am experiencing headaches similar to migraines, but I'm not sure if this med is the cause. No heart palpitations, but definitely major sweats some days and some nights. This week it was major sinus infection symptoms, fatigue, and major sweats. Had to miss 2 days of work. | I've only been taking Cytomel 5MCG for appx. 3 wks in addition to my Synthroid 137MCG. I definitely noticed my energy level increase, and can't wait to see if it helps the weight gain. I'm looking for answers to the symptoms I'm experiencing. I also quit smoking 2 days before I started taking Cytomel so that's not helping me figure out the affects. | F | 47 | 3 weeks | 1/14/2010 | 5 | None other then weight loss | runner so not something I needed. But, other then that, I am very thankful my physician knew about this. Armour thyroid did nothing for me other then make my haif fall out and give me a rapid heart beat. Love this stuff!! | F | 40 | 4 days | 1/8/2010 | 5 | hypothyroidism | If I take too much over time I feel hyper so I just drop back on the dose. It does suppress TSH and T4 so most doctors want some addition of T4 if they are even willing to give you T3. Over the 10 years that I have used T3 I found the compounded formula to be easier to adjust than Cytomel although it is always a good back up if the compound formula looses its strength. | In addition to hypothyroidism I also have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. With CFS patients it is fairly well established that they have problems converting T4 to the active form T3. The T3 is what goes to work in many body functions, not the T4. Most doctors only test T4 and TSH and can miss if you are hypothyroid. Insist on having your T3 tested. If using T3 it is best to supplement with T4 to maintain a balance in the thyroid chemistry. Other important condsiderations that many doctors do not know of are the interaction of thyroid hormones with a protein pump inhibitor like Prilosec or Omeprazol. A PPI will reduce your thyroid function. So do some SSRI like Cymbalta. If you are taking any other drug do a search of that drug and how it interacts with thyroid medication. Wait for the eye-opener your doctor does not know about! Always take T3 4-6 hours from calcium which seems to be in all our foods and iron as they compete for the same receptor sites in the body and they win out over the T3 usually. If you are female you most likely already know the biggest challenge is HRT as it interfers with the use of cytomel or any form of thyroid medication. It takes time and patience to get the dosing right and it is important that you have blood work done every 6 months in the beginning so you do not go hyper or stay undermedicated. Feel well. | F | 60 | 10 years | 1/2/2010 | 5 | Thyroid | Rapid heart beat now and then.. | Thanks to Cytomel I feel like I'm back amongst the living. For a year or so I was walking around in a gray fog, now I'm clear, sharpe and feel alive once again. | M | 59 | 2 months | 12/17/2009 | 4 | Hypothyriodism | Headaches, slight diareha. | I was diagnosed with Hypo at age 12. I have steadily gained weight over the last 2 decades. Impossible to lose the weight. I take synthroid .137 mcg. I still felt sluggish, brain fog, could not lose weight for anything. I begged my Dr. to let me try Cytomel. It has been almost four weeks of 25 mcg plus a slighter lower dose of the sythroid (112 mcg). I have lost 7 pounds and actually have energy! It is great. My doses for the cytomel need to be adjusted so my Dr. just called me at home this evening (yes, he is awesome) to tell me to take the cytomel every other day. We still need to play with the doses. Overall, I feel hope that this weight may actually come off ! I don't feel like I need to eat so much and I have the energy to move and exercise. I love it, hope it works out for me. | F | 34 | 4 weeks | 12/3/2009 | 4 | Hashimotos | Rapid heart rate at first, dry hair which improved a little when I switched back to the generic version. MY HAIR LOSS which was massive stopped with this drug. | I took Armour and it caused massive hair loss for me. At the time my TSH was in the normal range, Naturethroid and synthyroid all had hair loss for me. Tried Cytomel as a last ditch effort and the hair loss stopped after a month or so. THANK GOODNESS | F | 41 | 11/19/2009 | 3 | Hypothyroid | have not started it yet. | Will start 25mcg of Cytomel in the afternoon and 50mcg of Synthroid in the morning. Should I take Cytomel in the morning or afternoon? | F | 55 | 11/19/2009 | 4 | Hypothyroidism | Headaches. But I feel increased energy. | I think I was hypothyroid since I was a teen. My lowest temperature was 92.7 and I felt sluggish and dead. Went up to 182 pounds from 151 in a year. I had every symptom of hypo, but doctors refused the more advanced testing. Finally learned I was extremely hypothyroid. I got on Synthroid/Armour and lost 53 pounds in a year without deprivation. After 18 months, I started gaining weight and feeling sluggish. Now I am taking a combination of Synethic t-4 and synthetic t-3 and am starting to lose weight again. | F | 51 | 30 days | 11/8/2009 | 5 | Hypothyroid | None | I finally feel human again. I had been on Synthroid for 7 or so years, but like many, I never felt like I went back to my pre-hypothyroid self. Finally, my body stop converting Synthroid to T3 and so I consulted an Endocrynologist and ended up solely on T3/Cytomel. It took at least eight months of trying different doses to start noticing any significant shift. Now, I am lighter than I've been since adolescence, I have a healthy sex drive, I have energy, an appetite, better mental clarity, and therefore confidence. I get the occasional heart flutter, but my blood pressure is low and my doctor is pleased! Sadly, I felt like my chronic depression, sluggish metabolism, extra weight, and feeling fuzzy were my new "normal" when on Synthroid. It took being persistent with my GP to go outside the hypothyroid protocol who subtly suggested that I was looking for a quick fix to lose weight. It was so much more than that. My quality of life is SO much better now. | F | 43 | 1 years | 11/2/2009 | 4 | Hypothyroid | Feeling better overall, MORE ENERGY, a little bit of weight loss, some achy joints | I was on Armour Thyroid, but with all the backorders and stuff going on with dessicated thyroid, I decided to try a Levoxyl Cytomel combo. I seem to be doing well overall and my energy level has improved. I have some joint pain...hope this goes away in time. I take Cytomel once in the am (with my Levoxyl) and once in the afternoon by itself. For me, it seems to be more "consistent" than the Armour..I would have good days and bad days on that and then they reformulated it, which caused hypothyroid symptoms to return. Also, could not drop any weight on Armour, but the Cytomel seems to help with that (a little bit...but at least it is something!). If you don't feel good on T4 alone, ask your doc about adding some T3 to your treatment...it may make a positive difference in how you feel! | F | 41 | 2 months | 10/28/2009 | 3 | hashimotos disease | I was on Armour Thyroid for 1 year and became hyperthyroid. I was then put on T3-7mcg/T4-28mcg. combination which is what I am now taking. | I have much more energy and stamina since taking the t3/t4. Im much happier as well as have noticed skin and hair improvements. However the first month was rough im not gonna lie, heart palp. weight gain15 pds, and achey all over. But these symptoms were most likely due to the switch and that I was hyper from the armour. So far only a few pounds lost and now just this past month though I am having terrible headaches and sinus pressure and sweating. Im calling doc on monday to adjust dose. | F | 38 | 4 months | 10/2/2009 | 4 | Panhypopituitary w/Hashimotos | I have no pituitary function since tumor removed, but have been hypopituitary all of my adult life. Do notice mild hot flashes with evening dose, but otherwise doing well. | Endo has tried several doses over the past couple of years since I do not get some readings with no pituitary function. I am back to original dose of thyroid, .125 and 5.mg cytomel once daily, low because of my age. He is hoping to increase my non-existent metabolism. Was on cytomel several years ago, but with lower synthroid, .112 , and went off the cytomel after several months. Trying again with more synthroid. Maybe there will be miraculous weight loss, especially if I stay away from the chocolate. | M | 63 | 9/11/2009 | 4 | Hashimoto/hypo | Extreme weight gain, lack of any motivation and fatique | I have been back and forth between Armour and Synthroid. I like the idea of "natural" unfortunately I tend to do worse on Armour. My Hashimoto antibodies were very high and are starting to come down however, my weight is increasing rapidly. I just started to show signs of Perimenopause, too. T4 is low now (.01) and T3 is low range. Endo just prescribed Cytomel (.5 2x day) and Synthroid (112mg). Thinking I need a lower dose of Synthroid but will see in 6 weeks. Post 9/6 sounds exactly like my story. Interested in keeping in touch. | F | 42 | 1 days | 9/8/2009 | 5 | Hashimotos | Slight diarrhea, otherwise none. | I have Hashimotos and had all of the symptoms that we are all so familiar with on this thread. Extreme fatigue, bloating, weight gain, depression, hair loss, joint pain, insomnia, etc... Once on Armour Thyroid (the original formulation) and birth control pills (perimenopause) I began to feel good again. Once Forest reformulated Armour all of my symptoms began to reappear. It was subtle at first and eventually got to the point where I called my doctor to discuss a medication change. He decided to put me on 5 mcg of Cytomel with 50 mg of Synthroid in the morning and 5 mcg of Cytomel in the afternoon. Fortunately I have a wonderful Endo and he is very open and supportive to trying things to see what works. He told me that I should start seeing the effects of the new drugs within two weeks. Well, let me just say that I felt the effects in 24 hours. I honestly believe that I wasn't getting any T3 in the Armour. I couldn't have been. The change was dramatic. Energy, positive outlook, better sleep, ability to exercise and loss of carbo cravings all the first day. Call me crazy but I would love to analyze the Armour I was taking to see what it really contains. I haven't been on long and am at a relatively low dose but I would encourage anyone that is considering making the switch to consider Cytomel. So far so good. | F | 42 | 1 weeks | 9/6/2009 | 3 | Thyroid cancer | occasional elevated heart beat and agitation (Non professional advice) make sure you don't take this at the same time (in the day) as renagel or similar drugs. They some how negate eachother (no other effects). Talk to you doctor if you are taking both because mine missed it and let me go with almost 0 T4 levels for weeks. | My doctor said that your brain likes T3 better. Apparently this has not been proven, but it is true enough for a well respected doc to say it. Anyway without my body producing any T4 or T3 they started me with Synthroid (T4) and with tiredness and depression they kept increasing it without as much effect as we would have liked. They tried cytomel without effect. Right after my surgery (but before treatment) I was on only cytomel and it worked well. So mixed results. | M | 21 | 2 months | 7/21/2009 | 2 | low end of normal t3, | When I take cytomel 25 in the a.m. it makes me feel extremely tired, almost like I took a sleeping med. I cannot function and will sleep all day after taking it. Has anyone had this side effect or know why this happens. I've read all of the postings on this site and another site and it seems like the majority of people who take cytomel have had excellent results. On the product info sheet you get with your script from the pharmacy it lists most of the effects as more on the hyper - energetic end of the scale, however i noticed one sentence that said "cytomel is also used to lower thyroid function in certain diseases such as goiter and hashimotos." As far as I know the only thing I've ever been told is that I have hypothyroidism and recently was told I was on the low end of normal t3. If anyone has any info as to why it causes some people to feel extreme fatigue, edema, weight gain,rashes exc., I would be very greatful for the info!! Thanks. | Extreme fatigue apon first starting cytomel. Looking for answers | F | 39 | 2 weeks | 7/5/2009 | 4 | low-end normal thyroid | None. | It has given me extra energy. I am giving it a four, though, because it is not a permanent solution to the thyroid problem itself. I am on the low end of normal and that has to be watched. | F | 41 | 1 years | 7/3/2009 | 3 | underactive thyroid | Endless list, depression, weight gain, period problems, fatigue, memory loss so bad couldnīt even remember every day words. Used to drive my car and not know where I was or where I was going! Since taking Cytomel all of my symptoms have improved to some degree but I could do with more help. | I take 12 mg of cytomel plus 100 mg of thyroxine daily. I have just started taking provera (progesterone) for multiple uterine polyps and it has helped my depression and loss of appetite. I donīt feel so overwhelmed. I believe that I have the polyps as a result of my underactive thyroid. The combination of my meds means that I am feeling better than I have been for the last 30 years. | F | 44 | 5 years | 6/21/2009 | 5 | fibromyalgia | None! Well, a slightly elevated heartbeat. | My nurse practitioner slowly raised my dose. When I began feeling somewhat hyper she dropped the dose a bit. My body tolerates 50mcg well even tho my thyroid tests indicated low-normal readings before I started Cytomel. The advantages for me have been nearly endless. More energy, less aching, a happier outlook! Love the stuff! | F | 46 | 1 years | 6/5/2009 | 4 | Depression, Chronic Fatigue | I haven't experienced any real side effects. | I have increased energy and feel like my old self is coming back, I hope to lose some of the 70 lbs that I have gained. | F | 44 | 30 days | 5/31/2009 | 5 | Severe Depression | Dry brittle hair, some falling out, burning scalp, some weight gain/edema. | Tried 35 antidressant drugs for severe treatment resisitant depression - the kind where you are in bed 23 of 24 hours a day. It's a bad place to be. And it's not a mental thing only, the physical is as bad, or worse...wondering if you have the energy to climb the stairs, to get to the bathroom. Cytomel changed that in one day. 20 years of depression gone in one day. It was like someone gave CPR to my soul. Very hard to describe. You take a look around at your house...not cleaned in 6 months, and you can't quite contemplate the change. It's actually quite scary the change - you're alive again. Cytomel gave me my life back. And at only 5mcg's twice a day. There really needs to be some more research done on depression as the drug co's seem to have settled on the neurotransmitter model. Well, I'm living proof that they are wrong. Try it! | 40 | 1 years | 5/9/2009 | 3 | Hypothyroid | With the fast release I would get palpitations and felt shot of breath jumping and anxious in the morning - later I would feel cold and sluggish. I now use the Cytomel compounded for slow release - works better. 50ug synthorid and 5 ug cytomel. | I can't think of any good reason for the standard drug to not be slow release. | M | 54 | 2 years | 4/24/2009 | 5 | no thyroid function | none | Took synthroid starting in 2003 was never happy with that. No Dr would beleive I was allergic to it. 3 mts ago started on cytomel and got my life back. Also this cured my fibromyalgia I do not have pain everyday of my life and now need to get back in shape. thank you for this drug. Why don't Dr listen to there patients so many years and so many tests. Thank god my struggle is over. | M | 54 | 3 months | 3/27/2009 | 4 | thyroid cancer (surgery 3 yrs ago) | Insomnia | My endo reduced my Levoxyl from 200 mcg mon-sat to 200 mcg mon-fri and 100 mcg on sat because my TSH was below normal. TSH checked three months later and it dropped lower but I was not having signs of hyperthyroid. My endo suspects my cancer may have returned so she wants me to have another thryoid scan. I was supposed to have only blood test with thyrogen since last three scans were "clean". She wants me to go through hormone withdrawel and has me taking cytomel 25 mcg 1/2 a pill every 12 hours for 30 days and no Levoxyl, then nothing for two weeks, then scan. I expected to start feeling hypothyroid but instead am feeling great - normal again. I didn't know if this is normal or not. Cytomel is not a common drug used in my area because the pharmacist had to retrieve it from another store (their branch). I've only been using it for 9 days and I don't want this great feeling to go away. I also don't feel the urge to eat all the time and I have energy that I havn't felt in year | F | 44 | 9 days | 3/11/2009 | 5 | added cytomel to synthroid | improved mood, weight loss, not as cold | Started taking Cytomel to raise my T3 levels. Well, it raised my T3 levels, but also has just improved my overall well being. Great drug! I take 175 mg. Synthroid and 12.5 mg Cytomel (half a 25 mg pill). | F | 41 | 2 years | 3/6/2009 | 5 | thyroid cancer | when started on 20mcg taken 3 times daily, cramp in back,. memory blanks. | feel fine except have reached menopause weight piling on now not so much energy starting to feel very cold all time must go to doctor to see if dosage should be changed | F | 52 | 7 years | 3/6/2009 | 2 | Hasi and pituitary tumor | initial dose was 5, then after >5yrs have increased to 10 total, w/o an noticable difference | experimenting on my own now after reading more about this.raising doses to 15, perhaps 20 to see if I get any noticable differences.former spouse has a MS in Med Tech and is most familiar with test results-may be my new sounding board--need to be able to work again. former college wrestler and was in very good shape till 40 when this all started--wrecked my life too--nasty disease. | M | 52 | 3/3/2009 | 5 | Hashimoto's, total replacement | None in particular that could be attributed to Cytomel | 15 mcg first thing in AM, feel great all day, even workout in evening. Tired at 10 - 11 PM. | M | 56 | 8 years | 2/26/2009 | 5 | Hashimoto's Thyroiditis | None unless I took too much and then my heart would race. I now take 25 mcg in the morning, 25 mcg in the afternoon, and 12-1/2 mcg in the evening. | I was on Synthroid, then Armour thyroid -- neither of which provided me with much relief from my chronic fatigue. Cytomel gave me a life I never had. I also learned, prior to taking Cytomel, that I have Celiac Disease and I believe my thyroid disorder is a result of having had active Celiac most of my life. | F | 65 | 2 years | 2/24/2009 | 2 | Betterment of Life (per doc) | Terrible itching then started splitting my skin and acne like lesions........ | It has been two weeks since I have not taken Cytomel. So far so good on the itching (none) and lesions are going away and when my husband touches my back it is not like nerves shooting all around.......I ALSO HAD PARATHYROID taken out - becuase of overgrowth - no cancer! THAT helped me immensley with clarity of mind etc. I feel pretty good and would feel better IF I COULD GET 30 lbs off me. | F | 46 | 2 years | 2/21/2009 | 5 | fatigue, depression, weight gain | none at first, but it seems after 2 months I've been having chest pain, does anyone else experience this? I'm going to the doc to discuss this. | It made me feel like a human being again after so long ! | F | 48 | 3 months | 2/4/2009 | 4 | hypothyroid | The first pill I took (5mcg) 10 min later I felt a SLAP of energy. | I just started this today but so far love having some energy, I even cleaned my kitchen this morning and feel fine! I am really hoping I can loose some weight with this too and at least not gain my regular 25 pounds that winter seems to pile on me! | F | 34 | 1 days | 1/5/2009 | 5 | thyroid cancer - total thyroidectom | I am currently on combined dosage with synthroid. At first, when only on the cytomel post op, I felt amazing. Had energy, no depression, weight loss but after being on combined therapy, I rapidly gained weight (6lbs) and cannot lose it, I am fatigued. Endocrinoligist wants my tsh suppressed but I feel like the synthroid is counteracting what my cytomel has done to help me. There are three comments posted by women within my age group who have gone through surgery but have not posted their email. I am hoping they will read and contact me via email. I am really frustrated and wonder if it would be ok to just take cytomel alone. I am tired of being sick and tired. | M | 41 | 8 months | 12/31/2008 | 5 | always tired with just Levothyroid | maybe some headachs but the best side effect was losing 35 lbs. I seem to be satisfied with much less food. | I feel so much better with cytomel. My doctor said we will try it for awile but I hope he dosn't take me off it. I am doing so many things I just didn't feel like doing before. | F | 64 | 1 years | 12/22/2008 | 3 | t3 levels mildly low | wondering if anyone has experienced an inflammation similar to rosecea or worse, with the use of cytome? It may have started gradually over the course of 5 weeks and then totally blew up (on my face only)looks like the worst sunburn that i have ever had. | other than that i have found the cytomel .25 in conjunction with the levo .75 to work fine. wonder is there is a connection or if something else could be happening with with deficient thyroid? | F | 51 | 8 weeks | 12/22/2008 | 4 | T3 at low end of range, hypo signs | The first time I tried it (2.5 mcg) I went hyper so had racing heart, extreme heart palpitations, pounding heart, extreme dizziness, headaches,intense ringing in ears, probably should have gone to the hospital it was so bad. Only took me 4 days to go hyper. Am trying it again starting with 2.5 mcg. On that dose I had no side effects and it was making me feel better. After 2 weeks (just today) am upping to 5 mcg. Am having some irritability, sweating, some pressure in my eyes. Will see what happens in a few days. I know these may subside. | Am writing this for the lady who posted 11/02/08 who has had hypothyroidism since she was 12, I hope you find this it may help. After my first epxerience I found out the reason I went hyper was because I was adrenally fatigued. I had done an adrenal saliva test 2 years before I started the cytomel and the test showed I was fatigued. I guess the doc thought I was all better and prescribed the cytomel without doing another test. Well I found another doc (Dr. Lowe) and he had me do another adrenal test. He said it was likely I was still adrenally fatigued. Sure enough I was. You are not supposed to do thyroid meds if you have an adrenal issue. It will cause you grief. It even says this in the literature that comes with the cytomel. So I have been taking Isocort for the last 2 months to help my adrenals and am know trying cytomel again. The Isocort was very helpful. If you've been taking thyroid meds for a long time and didn't have an adrenal problem you can still develop one o | F | 53 | 2 times | 12/12/2008 | 4 | Added cytomel to synthroid | Not as cold or tired; T4 absorption mildly improved per blood tests. | Dosage of synthroid is only .125 mg., allegedly to 'prevent osteoporosis.' Sure doesn't prevent getting fat! Tiny amount of cytomel really helps without giving any 'hyper' symptoms. Have lost 2 lbs. in 3 monthsnothing dramatic, and may be due to more exercise, because now I feel more like exercising. Much better to feel alive than dead.... | F | 63 | 3 months | 12/8/2008 | 3 | thyroide removed, low energy, foggy | first three days I felt wonderful mental clarity and energy; excess sweating during a workout; hot flashes; chills; about 1 week into taking cytomel experienced abdominal bloating; stomach cramps (gas); mental clarity not so acute; muscle fatigue (hip muscles); feels like weight GAIN not loss for me (perhaps the bloating); good sleep, lots of dreams; nausea | 10 mcg once a day with 137 mcg levothyroxine at bedtime on empty stomach. After 1 week was advised to take cytomel at this dosage only every other day to see if stomach cramps and bloating abate....will see | F | 42 | 14 days | 11/25/2008 | 5 | mild hypotyriodism | When I first started taking it, it made me feel like I was on speed,high heart rate, but now I feel awesome! | I am taking 15 mcg in 2 doses in the day. So far I've lost 6 lbs. ,no more bladder infections, I have energy from the time I wake up until I go to sleep, I can work again,I'm keeping the house clean,I'm not depressed anymore, no more afternoon naps, and so much more. It's a miracle drug for me and I thank God everyday that I found it! | F | 34 | 21 days | 11/19/2008 | 3 | graves disease w/radioactive iodine | Was taking levothyroxine .175 since I was 20 then had antibodies no explanation added armour 1/2 grain to the levothyroxine they aren't manufacturing anymore now replaced that with cytomel 25mcg | slight headache in the a.m. after taking, no weight lose but do fill full after very small meals some hand tremors mood swings are better wish doctors understood the functions better I was given enough radioactive iodine to kill an elephant and still have problems with my thyroid levels say normal but still have hair loss not as fatigue with the cytomel but I just want to feel better so take what they say. If any endocrine doctors read this I would be interested in what they have to say about my case please contact me. | F | 35 | 20 days | 11/9/2008 | 4 | Have Hipothyroidism since I'm 12 no | Synthroid, Thyrolar, Levothyroxine, Levoxil, Armour made me deathly ill am toxic to them. I really thought I was going to die, 105 fever no control of my body at all was carried to the doctor who couldn't find any thing wrong with me until I stopped taking the meds all sytoms went away. | I have been taking Cytomel for 3 years now 50mcg in the morning and 50mcg at night. I have gained 60 pounds in 6 months have lost 80% of my hair and still feel like crap. I keep going up and down with dosage but hasn't helped. Bloating, sinus infections, sever headaches, fatigue,leg cramps over all body aches every were. Hurts to get up off the couch to make dinner or clean house but I do do all those things because I need to keep moving to avoid feeling like crap. If anyone out there knows of the easiest way to get rid of this feeling and to be able to lose weight with out starving myself please let us all know! Thank you! From Chicago | F | 61 | 3 years | 11/2/2008 | 4 | my levels were low | none except twice within a week i had two heart palpatations while walking up and down a flight of stairs.i go to urinate often since taking cytomel. | what are the high and low tsh levels rated for? And how high is normal? | F | 59 | 1 weeks | 10/24/2008 | 1 | Hypothyroidism | I was taking Levothyroxine 200 mcg before my doctor put me on cytomel. He hoped the cytomel would help me to lose weight. He reduced my levo to 125 mcg and put me 50 mcg of ctyomel. I have seen no weight improvement in six months, in fact I gained 4 pounds. My pulse is always to fast and I often have chest pain. My doctor recently reduced the cytomel to 25 mcg a day but so far I have had no relief in the chest pain. I was much happier with just regular levo, I had no side effects from that. | F | 31 | 6 months | 10/23/2008 | 5 | Hashi's/nodules/depression | Very slight headache the first few days. | I am taking Cytomel 25mcg in afternoon with 3 Grains of Armour...The Cytomel has made all the difference in how I feel. I feel like my old self. Increase in feeling of well being, sex drive, energy, and motivation. I have taken just Armour and Thyrolar2 in the past... I could not stay with Thyrolar due to it's lactose base...so I had to return to Armour which is lactose free....the Armour and Cytomel combo is awesome. My depression which was mild is now gone. YEAH !!!!! | F | 55 | 2 months | 10/20/2008 | 2 | Hypothyroid | Stomach aches, bloating, vomiting, and constipation at first but now it's diarrhea. Frequent headaches and increased pulse. My norm is 85-90 and now I have it at 110-115. | I am also taking 2 x 137mcg of Synthroid. I have heavy menstrual and my thyroid levels were at 34 which from what I was told, they need to be at 8 and that is why i was told take to cytomel. I havent noticed any change as far as in weight but the side effects, especially the tachycardia i can't handle. oh, and the hair loss in the front, scary. One more, muscle pains lower back, cramping on my legs. I cant very well sleep, also i have increased urination at nights. I normally would go twice per night and it's now at 5 times per night. Maybe that is why i am also so tired when in the mornings. | F | 34 | 1 weeks | 10/20/2008 | 5 | thyroid removed | Before Cytomel was added to my synthroid, I was cold, had brain fog, bloated atomach and abdomen, no energy and could hardly drag myself out of bed. My t4 and t3 counts were "normal", but due to my synptoms, my Endo added the Cytomel. | I've only taken Cytomel for 5 days, but have not been cold or had brain fog! I have been "jittery" with some hand shaking and a mild headache for a short time in the am after taking the dosage(5mcg), but I have energy now to do things I have not been able to do since surgery. I know that 5mcg is not alot and 5 days is a short time, but I can tell a difference already. I have noticed that my hair has started to fall out again (it was prior to having my thyroid removed), but it is mild and a small price to pay for feeling better. I'll see how things go for the next few weeks until I get bloodwork done again. | F | 48 | 5 days | 10/13/2008 | 5 | hypothyroid | Before cytomel I was puffy and swollen and still very foggy. I also take 50mcg of levoxyl. The combination pulled me from depression and helped me to lose weight. I love it and am glad I tried it. I first read about it in "The Thyroid Solution" book, took the info to my doctor and she prescribed 5mcg, which was not enough. The second week I went to 10, still was not enought and then spent 2 weeks on 25. Finally! After I got the dose in my body for several weeks, my blood levels went down and my doctor reduced again to 5. So far so good! I went to the doctor over a year ago for hypo symptoms, lethargy, extreme fatigue, weight gain, depression. My blood test was normal but high, my doctor did not know the levels have changed! When I went back a year later, my levels were well above normal, I was barely functioning, could hardly drive a car. Forgot where I was going. I was really swollen, pale, dry skin, hair falling out and getting fat! | Cytomel and Levoxyl helped me get my life back! It took almost a month but finally I am feeling good after feeling bad for years. I am so thankful. | F | 46 | 2 months | 10/6/2008 | 3 | Hypo - 14 yrs. | I was taking 5mcg with 100mcg of Levoxyl with not great results...severe headaches, brian fog, extreme mood swings, went from 145lbs. to 202lbs., severe depression, suicidal thoughts, joint pain, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. I was a wreck. Doc just switched me to 25mcg in the a.m. and 12.5 mcg in the p.m. The only noticable side effects have been sweating more - haven't done that in years! I have a diminished appatite. Also slight insomnia. However, I do suffer from sleep apnea and use a c-pap at night. | I am praying that the cytomel will work. I am tired of being tired and pretending that everything is fine. It's not and hasn't been for 14 yrs. If you tell someone how you really feel everyday, then they think that you are a whiney crybaby. Well, most individuals don't understand how draining an autoimune disease can be on you physically, emotionally and spiritually. So we'll see what happens in the next few months. | F | 45 | 6 days | 9/16/2008 | 4 | total thyroidectomy/cancer | Intolerance to heat - doesn't take much to work up a sweat; some muscle aches and restless legs; fatigue; tingly feeling all over at times but not much change in weight. Really screwed up monthly cycle. Some days I feel absolutely useless. Nevertheless is better than being hypo with no meds at all as was the case before taking the radioactive iodine treatments. Will never do THAT again. | So far so good but wnder what long term will bring now that I must take this daily for the rest of my life. | F | 46 | 8 months | 8/11/2008 | 4 | total thyroidectomy | had surgery a year ago. on 150mcg Synthroid (was on Armour before surgery). docs were good about adding cytomel a few months post op. It has made a huge difference - lifting depression, making it possible to workout - no more shortness if breath, and could get through the day AND evening without a nap. As far as side effects go, during the first week, cytomel gave me muscle twitches. these subsided after a couple of weeks. palpitations continued for about 6 months. I still have some chest pains on occasion, and still get a tingly feeling around my lips 20 minutes after I take a pill. (I'm up to 15mcg, split into 3 doses throughout the day.) Some skin symptoms improved - less acne/oily, less dry, but I'm still losing my hair and my nails developed ridges for the first time. | I can't live without cytomel but I would like a better thyroid replacement. When I still had a thyroid gland, the supplements seemed to help more. I believe the mysterious thyroid hormones - T1 and T2 - play a larger role than are suspected. timing is also important - if I don't take my synthroid by 6:30am I feel jet lagged all day. My endo says all his STT patients say "there is a window" of time in the morning you've got to get your meds on board. my TSH is lower than 1 (suppressed to prevent cancer regrowth), and the antibodies are no longer detectable. But It is very hard now to lose weight and frankly, the fat just seems a lot more flabby and inaccessible. I call cytomel my "happy pills" - but if my hair and nails don't improve I'm going to ask my doc to try something else. Thanks to all of you for describing your experiences. I share your symptoms and it's nice to hear what you've tried and how you're coping. | F | 44 | 1 years | 7/2/2008 | 5 | low thyroid, depression | Rapid heartbeat when I upped it to 45 mcg, but lowered it to 35 mcg, and just fine now. Am experiencing some back pimples and on my chin, but no biggie. | I have gone from 125mg of Zoloft, to 6mg now,( since October) and will stop in two weeks. Also cut my klonopin from 2mgs per day to .25mg to sleep each night. I was on Zoloft and tried many other antidepressants for 7 years. CYTOMEL WORKS! NO DEPRESSION, lost almost ten pounds, no more afternoon naps, hair is growing in thicker. You should get your T3 and TSH levels checked about every 4 months. | F | 51 | 5 months | 6/24/2008 | 5 | depression and fatigue | maybe more headaches, hard to tell though | like someone on here said, I've tried so many antidepressants, all left me jittery and numb, but cytomel changed my life in one day, I was so miserable and now I'm well, it's miraculous for me, and for years I was tested for low thyroid, it always showed up normal, if you have the symptoms, give it a shot | F | 39 | 3 weeks | 6/17/2008 | 3 | Stalled out Thyroid for 14 yrs | none; as of yet or not really working. | Was put on Cytomel, because my thyroid meds weren't working in 2yrs increased from 50mcg to 150mcg with lacking of energy and aproaching menapause, depression on all kinds of meds extremely over weight before hypo thyroid my weight 145lbs. 14 yrs later 278 lbs copd bad C 210 good C 90. Levo dropped to 100mcg Cytomel 25mcg no change as of yet only 7 days. | F | 47 | 7 days | 6/17/2008 | 5 | hypothyroid | All positive... energy, clear-headed, no more pain... | After years of being fat, miserable and generally bitchy, my doctor prescribed Cytomel instead of Synthroid. I loved it! I did so well on it for 2 years until I moved back to Canada. The Canadian doctor was worried about side effects and wouldn't prescribe it. Recently, I have found a new doctor who understands Cytomel. I see her Friday and will be back on soon. I miss my old self. | F | 41 | 2 years | 6/16/2008 | 2 | Hypothyroid | Extremely painful headaches, confusion, short term memory loss,calf cramping,weakness, anxiety, nightmares | Was put on it b/c was not getting results with Levothyroxine. Lost 5 pounds in 4 days, then the headaches, confusion and memory loss set in. Had to leave work the pain was so bad. Calf cramp that had to be worked out by a massage therapist. I just quit taking it, no matter what my doctor says. | M | 60 | 8 days | 6/14/2008 | 3 | I am hypothyroid | I was taking 112 mcg of Synthroid and my TSH levels were considered optimal. Despite this, I was bloated, puffy extremities, my skin was extremely dry, my hair was brittle, nails were getting ridges. I asked my endocrinologist to try me on some Cytomel and she dropped my Synthroid dose to 75 mcg and added 5 mcg of Cytomel twice a day. Hair seems thinner but puffiness of extremities seems better since adding Cytomel. Not sure of dry skin changes since the weather has also changed during this period of time. | I notice that I am very tired in the late afternoons before taking my second dose of cytomel and am wondering if I am undermedicated. My current TSH after taking the combination of Synthroid and Cytomel for 7 weeks is considered optimal so she is reluctant to make any changes other than to return me to the 112 mcg of Synthroid only with out Cytomel. How do doctors determine the dosages of Cytomel and Synthroid when they drop the dose of Synthroid to make room for Cytomel? Is there a chart? Is it based on how the patient responds to the meds? | F | 60 | 9 weeks | 6/9/2008 | 5 | Hypothyroidism | Jittery for a few days | Started on Synthroid, which corrected my TSH, but did nothing for my symptoms of low energy, brain fog, sleepy. I now take 5mcg of Cytomel twice a day and things are great. My TSH is still on the high side, but I feel so much better. The Synthroid just didn't do anything for me. | M | 52 | 60 days | 6/3/2008 | 3 | HYPOTHYROIDISM | Headache for a few days in the beginning. | Dr. changed me to Cytomel because of Armour nationwide shortage of drug. | F | 57 | 14 days | 5/26/2008 | 2 | hypothyroid | Severe leg, ankle, feet swelling. Heart palpitations. Itchy skin, hives. | I have been on Synthroid for years, Dr added cytomel. Heart palps occured the first week, they have since quit. However, the severe swelling is continuing, with no let up. Have had some headaches too, but nothing to severe. I have taken cytomel now for approximately 4 weeks.. | F | 48 | 4 weeks | 5/23/2008 | 3 | hypothyroid | The reason I started taking cytomel was because I had fatigue and night sweats really bad. My doc (Gynecologist) rec. taking 5 mcg in the morning. | I haven't had a night sweat since I had started the meds, I think that I might be slightly more energetic. I'm wondering if I should see an endocrinologist so I can fine tune my levels and hopefully start to feel more energy. my last tsh was 4.58 and by doc said that she wants it not much over 2.0 - any thoughts?? | F | 36 | 7 days | 5/21/2008 | 1 | Hashimotos | Depression, Fatigue, Insomnia, Acne, Oily Skin, Increased Sweating | 5 MCG of Cytomel plus my 50 MCG Synthroid. I feel just like I did before I was treated for Hashimotos. I'm getting off the Cytomel, and then the doctor will just increase the Synthroid. | M | 24 | 2.5 weeks | 5/21/2008 | 4 | hypothyroidism | I was on 100mcgs. of Synthroid for 3 years. Adding Cytomel to 100mcg of Synthroid for the last 3 years has greatly improved my frame of mind, energy levels and ability to lose weight. I have the 5mcg. tablets and dose daily from 2.5mcgs 2x/day to 2.5mcgs 3x/day depending on how I feel. If I stay on the higher dose for more than a week, I start feeling edgy, so I alternate every other day from the 2x to 3x/day levels. Remember that you can split your pills and do not have to stay with a dose because it's the manufactured mcg. level. | I have recently changed Endos. While the new one is tops in his field, he is not supportive of Cytomel. If he requires that I stop it, I will leave his practice as I do not do well on Synthroid alone. I feel best with a TSH of 1.0...He and I have agreed that the combo results in the 1.0 TSH, so he has taken the pressure off. | F | 59 | 3 years | 5/9/2008 | 4 | low t3, depression | occasional rapid heartbeat in the p.m. | I am now on 40mcg of cytomel, starting at 5mcg, and upping every two weeks. I will stop at 50mcg. and see how I feel. I have cut my Zoloft to 25mg, from 125mg, and down to 1/2mg klonopin for sleep, down from 2mg. Am losing weight, about 5 pounds in two months. It starts slowly, give it time, it works. My freeT3 has improved in blood tests. Sleeping well. A lot less depressed and focused. | F | 51 | 3 months | 5/1/2008 | 5 | low thyroid | None so far | I've been taking Synthroid for 10 years and have noticed over the last 2 years it didn't seem to work as well. I was always cold and tired. My family doctor sent me to an endocrinologist who put my on Cytomel in addition to lowering my dose of Synthroid. Now I'm back to feeling normal. I'm not freezing and tired all the time so it's been a good thing for me. | F | 47 | 2 months | 4/24/2008 | 4 | Depression | trembling, sweating....most worried about my blood chem. test, .01 THS with the nornal rating of 4.5 to .1 My doctor doesn't check the results of my blood test regularly. I am scared that the cytomel is causing long term damage. | F | 60 | 2 years | 4/21/2008 | 3 | Hypothyroid | Severe light-headedness with moderate headache. | Took Armour for 2 years worked really well at first then my original symtoms returned. Switched to Syntheroid but felt depressed and bloated all the time. Just switched over to Cytomel and don't feel as bloated but have severe light-headedness with moderate headache. Doctor prescribed 50mcgs, and on the third day (today) decided I can't take this feeling so I cut the pill in half, so far, I still feel light headed with a slight headache. Feeling desparate and considering not taking anything at all, and may turn to a holistic/alternative D.O. Did I mention that I have short term memory loss as well, however that began since starting on the meds. | F | 46 | 3 days | 4/7/2008 | 5 | Hypothyroidism | Wired feeling. | Cytomel has helped me out bigtime! I was just taking synthroid alone for so long and could not lose weight. My TSH levels were normal, but I still felt crappy! I was sluggish, depressed, bloated, and miserable. With cytomel, I am so energized, I can make it through the day. I'm starting to lose weight and actually have the energy to work out. | F | 27 | 2 months | 4/5/2008 | 5 | Hypothyroidism | Increased Hair Loss. Was over active, felt jittery and had difficulty sleeping initially when I first took T3, which disappeared after about a week and have not returned. | After taking increasing amounts of levothyroxine for over 2 years, I still suffered from a lot of hypothyroid symptons. My endocrinologist agreed with me that I was still hypothyroid and so prescribed a combination of T3/T4. During the first 5 weeks I took 10mcg T3 with 75mcg levothyroxine and within days was feeling a lot better, but noticed my hair loss had increased. In the last 3 weeks I have increased the T3 to 20mcg daily with 75mcg. As a result, I feel 100% better and my hair loss has diminished. So hair loss could be a temporary side effect of T3. I sleep well, feel warm, have softer skin and more energy. For the first time in 2 years, I can now exercise, my breathlessness has vanished. Also, brain fog and depression have disappeared. For myself, combining T3 with T4 has produced a remarkable improvement in my health. | F | 66 | 8 weeks | 3/19/2008 | 3 | Hypothyroid | A little bit of a "buzz" at first but that's gone away. | I'm only taking 25 mcg Cytomel; no synthroid and at the beginning I was feeling good, however, as time is going on I'm feeling less energized. I'm curious if anyone else here is taking only cytomel for hypothyroidand how they feel. | F | 45 | 28 days | 3/13/2008 | 1 | Hypothyroidism | BP went from 140/82 to 148/107 after only 2 weeks, had a Granuloma Annulare appear on skin within days after starting Cytomel, brain fog, restless legs, sweating, fatigue, anxiety | F | 48 | 14 days | 2/29/2008 | 1 | Hypothyroidism | Heart palpatations and fluttering, thinning hair, dry skin, muscle aches, trouble sleeping, low sex drive | Taking together with Synthroid 112mg. Changed my medication from Armour. I had no problems with the Armour but my new endocrinologist did not like that medication. Why change something that works. | F | 62 | 9 months | 2/19/2008 | 5 | hypothyroid | anxiety,leg pain,some insomnia | Today is my second day taking cytomel and i feel like a brand new me!!! I have been suffering with this condition for about 4 yrs now and just found out that it was my thyroid a few months ago! It's been really hard for me to get out of bed each morning and go to work! All i could think was im 24 yrs old and there is no way i should feel like this! fatigue has been my down fall since all this came about and this is only my second day of taking cytomel and i feel so much better! at this time im taking 25 mcg of synthroid and 25mcg of cytomel and so far so good! | F | 24 | 2 days | 2/16/2008 | 3 | Hypothyroidism | hair loss, eye strain, eye infections, dry skin, muscle aches, excreting sugar through urine, sweating, palpatations, etc. | At first Cytomel worked great. I had more energy, slept well, and lost a little weight. After several months, however, my hair started falling out significantly, I have had recurring eye infections, headaches, muscle aches, memory loss, and foggy thinking. There symptoms are improving after only a short time of stopping Cytomel. Armour alone seems to work better for me. Also, a healthy diet with tyrosine supplements (best food source of it is cottage cheese), some coconut oil, and watching soy intake also helps! Good Luck! | F | 27 | 7 months | 2/6/2008 | 5 | Hypothyroid | Some back pain but I don't know if it's the medication or stress from being ill for so long before the medication. (My hands still go to sleep on me now and then) | My Dr. thought I had RA. I Lived on Avil and steroids for pain. I did reasearch on the internet and found maybe I needed a T3 medication as well as T4. YES*I'm a slow converter its called. Thank God My DR. agreed to try me on Cytomel .05 twice a day. Terrible joint pain is Gone after 8 days.Even the carpell tunel is gone and I'm feeling great engergy. This was a blessing! Thank goodness. Hope the weight comes off now. Working out 3 times a week now. WOW what a life saver for me!Im back! Now I will be going off my Lexapro for depression. | F | 32 | 16 days | 2/2/2008 | 3 | Thyroid removal/cancer | Incredibly intense migraines started the night after I began taking 25mg of Cytomel twice a day. | I am on a one month course of this medication as I am getting ready for a full body radioactive iodine scan after thyroid cancer. I have energy which is a pleasant side effect but I've been terribly depressed and the headaches go on day after day. I am sleeping well so that is nice. But the headaches are so overwhelming it's going to be difficult making it two more weeks on this stuff. | F | 51 | 14 days | 1/26/2008 | 3 | Thyroid Cancer | Short term Memory loss. Small amount of Hair loss | Taking 50mcg a day | M | 35 | 1 weeks | 1/24/2008 | 3 | hypothyroidism | 5mcg I was "wired", could not sleep. Taking 2.5 mcg caused sweating and hot flashes for first two weeks then short term memory loss and sensory overload for the next two weeks and now I seem to be over that. | Thyroid removed because of cancer 18 years ago. I was taking 175 mcg Levothroid and had become very depressed. I am also diabetic and through a link I found this site. I got my doctor to prescribe Cytomel (5mcg) and he lowered Levothroid to 150 mcg and the depression immediately lifted but I was very "wired" so I lowered it to 2.5 mcg and went through the sweats and then two weeks ago I started forgetting things -total blanks - and had extreme sensory overload in stores and at a party. I had a blood test done and the numbers were good but my cholesterol was a bit high so I started taking fish oil and plant sterols and I seem to be back to normal. No weight loss - which I am disappointed in because I have more energy and do exercise a lot more. Did anyone else have the mind problems? I would like to increase this to 5 mg or more but don't want to go through that again. | F | 61 | 6 weeks | 1/3/2008 | 1 | low T3 per doctor | anxiety, depression leg pains, sweating | please help me by telling me if anyone had these effects. I am really upset. thank you | M | 40 | 2 days | 1/3/2008 | 3 | hypothyroid? | First week, had headache same time every evening. I'm still suffering from fatigue. I have noticed that I become "sticky" not really sweating when I normally wouldn't (normally very very cold natured, hands, feet). I haven't experienced that sudden burst of energy, palpatations, hair loss, acne,swelling. I have noticed a turn in my emotions, I cry much more easily even though I'm on anti-depressant and have been for years.I also feel a bit of anxiety that I haven't felt before. I believe I'm also not thinking very clearly...I've suffered from horrible memory all my life, brain fog, but it seems to be worse. Appetite has changed a bit but not sure it's from cytomel. I have a hard time going to bed a night so therefore makes for a very hard morning. Just really tired and emotional but I'm waiting, hoping this works out. | I've been taking cytomel at 50,25, 50 ea. day for three weeks now. I would love to feel that sudden burst of energy, see my sex drive return, my depression lift. I want this to help with all of the above mentioned things. I just don't know if I should continue, hang in there, hope it starts working or is it time for me to tell my doctor, this isn't working for me. I'm not taking any other thyroid medicine, I am taking Nystatin for the intestinal yeast overgrowth along with the anti-depressant | M | 48 | 3 weeks | 12/16/2007 | 2 | depression/weight gain/fatigue | Extreme fatigue | Have only been taking 1 dose of 25mcg in the morning for very short period of time (less than a week) but this morning fatigue was at an all time high for no discernable reason (plenty of sleep). No one else seems to have experienced this though so maybe I'll try to push on for awhile although don't know what else could be causing it. Still hoping for "miracle" results some of you have had. | F | 38 | 3 days | 12/6/2007 | 2 | Armour not working | Calf pain--help. Armour led to mood swings--amount in each pill is unstable, I'm told. Was on synthroid for years, then levoxyl? and still felt lethargic. So this time I'm trying synthroid and cytomel combined. My head itches, but my heart seems fine. HOWEVER my calves are killing me. I haven't exercised. My legs do seize up at night (took a sleep study--75 seizures an hour)...but this is ridiculous. Could it be caused by the Cytomel? I've been on it less than a week... Oh, and I take thyroid because I had Grave's disease when I was 15 and had my thyroid removed. That's about twenty years ago. | F | 36 | 4 days | 12/3/2007 | 5 | Hypothyroid | The first day I took Cytomel, I felt like I was on speed, but that sensation subsided after two days. | I was on 137 mcg of Synthroid and felt ok, but my back felt stiff and my knees felt as if they did not have a full range of motion. I still was a pretty negative person. After just days of taking 5 mcg of Cytomel, and reducing Synthroid to 112 mcg, I feel like a new person. I have energy, I smile, I have a 'glass is half-full' rather than 'half'empty' attitude. My hair has gone back to looking shiny and healthy. It looks like I'm losing a bit of weight. I do sweat more, but that's when I exercise. I haven't sweated this much with exercise in years. I will have bloodwork done in Jan 2008. | F | 53 | 2 weeks | 11/21/2007 | 2 | hypothyroid | Headaches, sweating, swooching in neck, increased heart rate, palpitations, swelling of my hands, insomnia. | I was having symptoms that resemble a bad menapause when it dawned on me to look up this drug as I had just started it a few weeks ago. Terrible sweats. I am on Armour Thyroid for several years and was getting really tired in the afternoon so my Doc added this. I had terrible headaches like never before but thought it was from a Grape seed extract I started.( I am not a headache person). I was getting a racing heart and palpitations, Than today when I went to exercise indoors for the first time this winter( I usually ride a road bike) the treadmill said that my HR was 167!(usually 134) I thought that it was broken until I read this board.I guess I am lucky I did not have a heart attack or stroke. I also got what one other person described as a sloshing sound in my neck into my head. I thought I was going crazy. Will be stopping this med immediatly.Its interesting that they don't include Armour Thyroid on this site? | F | 52 | 3 weeks | 11/15/2007 | 5 | hypo thyroid | A strange side effect .... every time my doctor has me increase my dosage, I feel drugged for two to three hours after the morning dose. But not after the evening dose. I feel extremely sleepy and can barely keep my eyes open. I feel like a took a xanex! Weird! Anyone have this happen to them? Any advise or doctors who deal with this? If happened with the armour and the cytomel. Please email me if you have any helpful ideas. Thank. kinman1968@aol.com | I have more energy compared to how low it used to be one year ago. I lost 8 pounds the first month taking it. Better sex drive. So far so good. | F | 39 | 30 days | 11/13/2007 | 4 | fibromyalgia | When I first started my dose of 15mg in combo with 100 levoxl, I felt instantly alert, but with a minor headache. I experienced lack of sleep too. Today I took the cytomel at 1pm, earlier than normal. I feel slight heart palpatations, but I have energy to burn today. I actually excercised, did laundry and all my chores, with still plenty of energy for more. Body pain feels better. Trigger points seemed diminished today. so far so good. May have to drop the dose a tad to get used to it. | F | 49 | 1 days | 10/31/2007 | 1 | Severe hypothroidism | Painful headaches that rendered me unable to function during the day. Increased sweating - water just poured down my face, neck, breasts, underarms, etc. Without exerting myself, I would sweat when I just walked across an air conditioned room. Note: I keep my house 66 - 68 degrees and sometimes that's still too warm! The sweating has kept me from getting a good night's sleep so I'm thoroughly exhausted the next day.Heart palpitations and throbbing neck (I thought I was having a stroke!). After watching my diet and exercising, I did not lose any weight (I gained weight!). I still am feeling the side effects (i.e., profuse sweating, weak muscles, insomnia, night sweats) of Cytomel. I do not plan to take Cytomel again... never ever!!!! | I thought that a combination of Synthroid and Cytomel would benefit me in terms of energy level, weight reduction, relief of muscle pain, etc. Instead, Cytomel became my worst enemy. My muscles are still very weak and I have increased joint pain after having taken Cytomel. I didn't lose any weight and this was disappointing because I modified my eating habits and participated in a fitness program. I have no positive comments to say about Cytomel! Please be careful and listen to your body so you won't go through what I did for three months. | F | 59 | 3 months | 10/27/2007 | 5 | Hypothyroidism | I have not experienced any unusual symptoms with Cytomel | Diagnosed in April 2007 with Hypothyroidism and put on Synthroid .75 - I was feeling worse than ever, energy-wise. In August my physician recommended trying 100 mg Synthroid and .25 mcg Cytomel. I have experienced way more energy and now (Sept/Oct) the scale is starting to budge, after 2 years of holding onto the extra 15-20 pounds and NEVER seeing progress, even while following the same Weightwatchers program since 1999 and trying to maintain my usual 145. I spent 2 years at 155-165. This a.m. I weighed 147! I feel so much better on Cytomel, wanting to exercise as well! I take .25 in one dose each morning. My fellow thyroidites thought it was crazy for my doc to start me on .25, but it never caused me any problems, unless much desired weight-loss is considered a problem. I think not, though! | F | 46 | 2.5 months | 10/8/2007 | 2 | graves disease | by the fourth day...i was so sick from taking cytomel...nauseated with severe headache put me i the bed all day...not sure what to do...only on 5 with 100 synthroid. any suggestions? also racing heart and no appetite. | F | 45 | 4 days | 9/24/2007 | 5 | major depression for 15 years | less heat tolerance, increased sweating | After 6 weeks, 25 then 50 mcg. daily, this has been a miracle drug for my depression. I have probably taken every anti-depressant on the market, still taking cymbalta, wellbutrin and lorazepam. I am happy, not trying to push through a mental and physical fog. Thinking and expressing myself more effectively. Lost about a pound a week with exercise, this was impossible before. For years I was told I had low-normal thyroid levels, at which they used to medicate in the 60's. My mother, maternal grandmother and great-grandmothers had thyroid issues, but my psychiatrist finally got a clue. I feel 20 years younger and suicidal thoughts are gone. | F | 56 | 6 weeks | 9/9/2007 | 5 | Slightly Low Thyroid | Taking 5 mg. twice a day! No itching, no swelling, but heart seems to race. I think it was doing that before taking Cytomel. In fact, I am sleeping better and much more energetic. I am almost feeling a bit of a 'buzz' as I am feeling much better! | I was always tired and didn't know what to do about it! I am feeling better and sleeping through the night! | F | 58 | 25 days | 9/9/2007 | 3 | yes 25mcg a day , one dose a day | cytomel was prescribed for me for severe depression and very low energy. I was told it was for a thyroid because mine was found low and would give me energy. I did feel more energy on it at first, first 6 months. Thought my heart palps were from effexor xr(depression meds) but now i know they are from cytomel. I do swet more, no biggie tho, my hands tremble but no more then with a coffee. I do more but have not lost weight and didnt know you could on cytomel. hair looks dried out, now i know why,if i miss a daily dose i will get a headache. I see it causes insomnia and the shrink knew i was on strong sleep meds and many problems with sleep. But he never explained to me what cytomel really was, nor did he tell me it would help depression. It didnt help depression for me at all but i'm on depression meds. been on it 2 yrs now daily and here you should go off it for 2 months every 6 weeks. That scared me, doc never told me that. however hypo thyroid is in the family.Should I go off it for | M | 38 | 24 months | 9/8/2007 | 3 | hashimotos | dry, brittle hair, lots of enlarged pores and pimples | I was able to lose a significant amount of weight while taking it and had lots of energy. But i was also losing an extreme amount of hair and started to get trembly, blood pressure and heart rate would increase. Within a few days of stopping it, my skin started clearing up and my heart rate came down to normal. | F | 53 | 6 months | 9/4/2007 | 5 | speed my sperm to have a child | the same day taking it i had a great boost of energy that i was lacking. | this really work wwith in 15 days i got my wife prenat with my son. try for another so i taking it again. im telling this stuff work on getting a family | M | 40 | 30 days | 9/3/2007 | 5 | Thyroidectomy/Thyroid Cancer | I was on synthroid 200 mcg after my thyroidectomy 4 months ago for thyroid cancer. Tsh was 0.38. Still didnt feel well and my tsh wasn't suppressed to a sufficient level to prevent cancer re-accurence. Added 5 mcg of cytomel. Feel great. I've had hypothyroidism for 7 years. This is the first time that I've actually had energy and lost weight. I cant believe that it took thyroid cancer for my doctor to add t3 to the mix. In all fairness, I have tried Armour before (15 mcg). For some reason I ad palpitations with it, but I don't with cytomel. | Its great. I have energy, weight loss, and now my muscles don't feel like they are hurting 24 hrs/day. My only suggestion for cytomel is to start with a low dose ans increase slowly. also, take it twice a day instead of all at once. | F | 29 | 4 months | 9/1/2007 | 4 | slow metabolism/weight loss | palpitations, hands got shaky and drymouth | after the 4th week of taking the medicine religiously I started dropping weight quickly. However, this medicine should be taken for weight loss only for a short period of time. | F | 33 | 6 weeks | 8/25/2007 | 3 | Graves diseast | I started taking this as all my hormone levels were to low and I was so tired so my Dr. loweled my dose of synthroid and put me on cytomel. I am feeling much better but all of a sudden, I JUST ITCH everywhere. Not sure how to stop that! Some days, my hands shake. Cannot sleep. If anyone has any suggestions on the itching, please email me. | F | 52 | 2 months | 8/20/2007 | 2 | Graves/Hypothyroid | I experienced Moderate to severe Diarrhea and moderate to severe swelling in hands and feet. I am only taking 5mcg twice a day. I also have a racing heart shortly after taking each dose. I can't take later than 5 PM or it causes insomnia. | I did initially feel better mentally but the insomnia and pain from the swelling far exceed the benefit. I am going back to just Synthroid. | F | 49 | 90 days | 8/19/2007 | 5 | hashimoto's | initial 25 mcg. dose too high (dr. wouldn't listen to my recommenation of 5 mcg.) rapid heart rate, nervousness, trouble sleeping, chest pain. Side effects went away when dose was reduced to 5 mcg twice a day. | I am feeling 200% better now that cytomel was added. Much more energy, sex drive better, itching 90% gone, lost weight, more stamina. My sister is now on cytomel and doing much better. | F | 45 | 5 years | 8/12/2007 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |