SYNTHROID Reviews (LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM)Average Rating: 2.6 (900 Ratings)Filter ResultsCompare SYNTHROID with similar:
Type: Rx Drug
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Results are sorted by length of time drug was taken longest to shortest. Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 |
More on SYNTHROID: Reviews Summary | Drug Safety Information
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR SYNTHROID | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
| 5 | goiter noticed at age `` | I am 61 and have been taking hyroid medicine for 50 years. IN APril 2006 I ran the Boston Marathon and biked 300 miles the next week. | At age 51 I had the doage increased because I was feeling tired. The dotocr gave me a blood test, and the small increase in dosage increased my energy within days. I am a vegetarian, keep my wieght down, and do hard workouts. | M | 61 | 50 years | 6/26/2006 | 1 | under-active thyroid for 46yrs. | Leg cramps at night. Terribly painful. Loss of sleep. Would lie awake for hours. Felt depressed. | F | 65 | 46 years | 1/16/2010 | 5 | hypothyroid | I have had no side effects but needed dosage change throughtout the years | I was diagnosed with hypothyroid 47 years ago and have been on this wonderful drug for that many years. I have to have the dosage changed periodically because of stress or other sypmtoms of life changes. You know your body and when you are getting symptoms of fatique,loss of memory, anxiety ,weight gain etc call your doctor and get a blood check, if there is no change then your symptoms are the best sign and ask for small dosage change and see if it helps. I have all the confidence in this drug and know that other health problems can effect thyroid or you may have other meds for other problems beside the thyroid,. Get to the best endocronologist you can and make sure he or she is willing to work with you and your symptoms | F | 57 | 45 years 112 1X day | 2/15/2010 | 5 | hypothyroidism | The thyroid gland affects every part of your body, skin(oily, or dry, acne or exema) hair, bones, nails, cotton mouth, mood (low sex drive, lethargy, suicial tendencies, anger issues) heart rate, weight gain or loss, metabolism, energy, brain function, sleeping all the time or insomnia,feeling too cold or feeling too hot, uncontrollable sweating, muscle atrophe, soarness, retaining water, excessive fat tissue. The list goes on, but the one thing that is not to blame is synthroid. This drug is only helpful to people with this defect. One thing that is not fully understood is that everyone has a different level they need to be on, and the manufacturer doesn't always make that perfect dose for your particular case, and doctors really don't fully understand that a couple of mcgs can make alot of difference. If things aren't working for you than you have to experiment with taking maybe a 135mcg, along with a 50mcg, or a 100mcg along with an 88mcg. Your doctor will work with you, but you hav | F | 47 | 39 years | 2/27/2006 | 2 | Hypothyroid | Exhaustion, steady wt gain in spite of low appetite & frequent exercise, pains in hands, feet & outer hips, difficulty thinking clearly, obnoxiously teary. | On 'max dose' for close to 40 yrs after undergoing radioactive iodine ablation. Sometimes test results would be in the low normal range of 4.0-5.5, sometimes above 6.0. Was refused higher doses because it 'might cause osteoporosis'. Have switched to Armour Thyroid - doc doesn't like it, but I'm feeling human again, & close to 90 pounds literally fell off. Not perfect, but wishing I hadn't lost almost 4 decades before finding there was an alternative. Also found there is a 'sweet spot' at the high end of the new range of .3-3.0 where I feel best, though doc is also resisting that idea. If Synthroid isn't working for you, Armour is worth a try. It's also faster acting & cheaper. | F | 55 | 38 years 2.0 1X day | 3/22/2012 | 5 | goiter thirty years ago | hard to tell...seems to have positive effect when taken faithfully of keeping energy and temprament at steady keel even through menapause | not sure I ever needed this drug - not automatically given for goiters today - but don't think I experienced side effects that I ever noted...thought taking it regularly may have helped keep weight and energy level in check, but have been lowering dosage and not feeling the loss of it even after 33 years! I think folks should take it if it's recommended. It's been used for so long. But the generic versions should be avoided. That's for sure. Not sure why, but when I took generic version, I felt for the first time like someone with an out of whack thyroid. | F | 62 | 35 years | 1/15/2006 | 5 | Hypothyroidism | The only issue I have ever had was when different Doctors prescribed different thyroid meds. From Synthroid to generic Levothyroxine, back to Synthroid, then back to generic. My heart rate began jumping around, short of breath, sweating. Asked one of my Doctors when he refilled my prescription to put me on synthroid and keep me there. His response was "Levothyroxine is chemically the exact same thing as Synthroid". Maybe it is, but they act differently in my body. For me, they are not the same thing. I wound up in the hospital because of my heart rate jumping around. A Hospitalist over dosed me on Amiodarone and sent me into cardiogenic shock. My heart was working at only 20%, I was unconcious, my internal organs shut down, I had to be Trached, on oxygen, Cathitorzed, put on presser drips, fed through a tube in my nose, dialysis, I couldn't urinate, or poop. Was in the hospital almost 2 months. Doctors told my wife I would not be coming home. The Synthroid did NOT do this to me. The DIFFERENCE between .175 mcg of Synthroid, and .175 mcg of generic Levothyroxine caused the rapid heart and erratic heart rate issue, The Hospitalist overdosing me on Amiodarone to bring my heart rate down, almost killed me. As far as I know, that "Dr" is still practicing his version of medicine. | When Doctors get the Synthroid dose correct, there are zero side effects for me. When not on enough, I have the typical low thyroid symptoms. When on too much, my heart rate goes wacky as described above. Doctors are supposed to titrate synthroid up, very, very slowly in the smallest dose available. It takes at least 30 days for this med to reach the full level for a specific dose in a person's system. Then up to 3 months before you feel the full effects of the medication. If your Doctor increases this med in too large of dose and/or increases it too quickly, it can kill you. Beware of wack job Doctors. They do exist, and all of their mistakes are in a cemetery. | M | 65 | 35 years .175 mcg | 9/20/2019 | 4 | hashimoto's | None as long as I don't take too high a dosage. | If you are having depression and brain fog, try cutting out gluten. After years of depression and a more recent bout of brain fog and fatigue, I eliminated gluten from my diet and felt much better. I also lost 10 pounds. Also, my dosage of levothyroxin has changed over the years. I do better when I take the lowest dosage which keeps my thyroid in an acceptable range. | F | 63 | 35 years 50mcg 1X day | 1/3/2011 | 5 | Hypothyroidism | None, although recently have experienced joint pain that has not subsided | I have been taking Synthroid or Levothyroxin (depending on which GP prescribed and what insurance I was on) for 30 years. I feel it has done its job well. I have suffered throughout the years with other issues that have similar symptoms as others described in this post such as severe fatigue which was diagnosed as hyperparathyroidism (parathyroid is different than your thyroid). Once I had the offending parathyroid removed I felt much better. I have never been heavy but I also do not lose weight when exercising regularly and watching what I eat. I am also hypoglycemic so I eat very well. | F | 47 | 30 years | 7/30/2009 | 5 | removal of thyroid tumor | NONE | I have been on Synthroid now for over 30 years (since 1978) without any problems whatsoever. Just recently my doctor talked me into trying the generic version. What a mistake. After only a week on it I had horrible symptoms - mostly extreme heat at night while sleeping - sweating like you would not believe. I stopped taking the generic for about 4 days and went back on the Brand 3 days ago. All is back to normal. Those who say brand and generic are the same are all wet - They are NOT the same... | M | 64 | 30 years | 6/20/2009 | 4 | hypothyroid | Can't seem to sleep w/o taking Excedrin or Tylenol PM everynight. Terrible memory. Low sex drive. | On Levothyroxine 125mcg Hair loss problems - I found drinking Brewers Yeast helps. I buy Twinlab's Super Rich Yeast Plus. No longer an issue.I've never experimented w/other Thyroid medications but know I can't survive w/o one. Feel feverishly tired without it.I'm assuming the memory and low sex drive can't be blamed on the medication but on my poor performing thryroid. If I could find a pill that fixed the insomnia,sex drive and memory loss,I'd switch. Just don't feel like going thru the search. | F | 51 | 30 years | 3/27/2005 | 1 | Hypothyroid | THIS drug stole 30 years of my life. I thought I was just a nervous scatter brained though Ph.D. absent minded professor. I stopped sleeping well at 13. As a result my skin, concentration and entire life turned upside down. I spent 20 years avoiding medications (other than synthroid, which i was told i had to take) by using acupuncture and herbs to keep the "heat" and anxiety away. WHAT A NIGHTMARE thank god i am off this medecine. My husband and children will benefit for years to come. I believe if I had continued my hypo would have turned into graves disease. Synthroid is over prescribed and is NOT a weight loss pill as it is often sold to people. | I wish I had know about the class action suit. | F | 43 | 30 years 100mcg 1X day | 5/1/2010 | 4 | born without thyroid | As I was born without a thyroid I have been on this drug my whole life. When I was growing up I decided I didn't want to take this drug and always told my mother I had taken it. My doctor told me if I didn't take it eventually I would DIE. He tried me on the synthroid brand and I then started having more energy. I am able to work and play with my 9 year old daughter. Reading the other reviews some people aren't happy with this drug but finding the right dose for you takes time. I have found when I get my dosage upped 100+ it doesn't suit me, I am better on 75mcg or 100mcg. | F | 29 | 29 years 75 1X day | 3/18/2011 | 5 | hypothyroidism | None that I am aware of. | I have been taking the same med, synthroid, since age 11 when a goiter was discovered along with hypothyroidism. They said I will on this for the rest of my life, which must be true because I am 39 and still on it. I notice that I have a low body temp usually, get cold easily, and have trouble losing weight. Other than that, no real issues. | F | 39 | 28 years | 4/6/2007 | 5 | I was born without a thryroid gland | I am overweight and have difficulty losing weight. Most of the side effects are from not taking it like I should. If I get behind on taking my pills I get severe headaches and want to sleep all of the time. | I have been on synthroid since several days after I was born when they realized that I did not have a thyroid gland. I always appreciated was the taste, because it tastes like candy. I also appreciate that with my insurance it is not extremely pricey since I have been warned by several doctors that the generics can be unstable. | F | 27 | 27 years | 6/2/2009 | 3 | Graves then Iodine 131 | dysthemia, fatigue, slow cognition, dulled memory, water retention | I have been on doses ranging from 150 to 200 mcg. over almost 30 years. This drug alone is not sufficient to replace normal thyroid function. Combination therapy is the proper treatment. Find an Endo who will allow you to add small supplements of T3 (Cytomel 5 mcg) or preferably Armour (1/4 grain). Armour has calcitonin, T1 and T2. They make a difference: only then will you feel normal. | M | 44 | 27 years 175 1X day | 10/21/2011 | 1 | hypothyroid | I am hypothyroid and taking high does been taking this dose for a year half and ok till feb. wonder why? synthroid patent expired and drug companies can change them. | What people need to know is this. if you will listen to me? I am a sufferer like you. you have to complain to the FDA and have your dr do it with you. I recently talked to them. They say no one is complaining. YOU HAVE TO COMPLAIN TO FDA NOT YOUR DR? he can't help you. The reason? FDA TOOK ACTIVE THYROID HORMONE OUT OF SYNTHROID AND LEVTHYXNE. they claim only 5 percent but you do the math. the pills before 2013 were 90 to 110 percent potency/ FOLKS YOU HAD MORE HORMONE THAN U DO NOW! Now the pill is 95 to 105 percent potency and falling 74. percent. People! that is bad! We need more hormone. You have to tell FDA you want a form to have your doctor insist FDA go back and put the adequate amount back in . 90 to 110 percent or nothing will happen. They were going to change it back to 90 110 if there were enough complaints but yu guys need to complain or they will stay this miserable pathetic lack of hormone pill. Im trying to get us together and educate all so we can fight and bring back the amount back in our pills. So people don't just send medwatch? You have to get form from fda and ask they send you the form for to increase hormone to 90 110 percent back again and have your dr agree and fill it out and then send it back to fda. if doctor does't, go to another one. I feel like crap> help me and you feel good again and do what I asked for you and me so we can get this fight going. Thank kimi please im trying to change things for us you can even call me I want to talk to you | F | 46 | 27 years 400 1X day | 2/24/2016 | 1 | synthroid | extreme hypothyroidism | I see the dates of these comments were when synthroid was a GREAT PRODUCT AND ABBOTT WAS STILL HERE IN THE US. But now FDA HAS TAKEN THYROID HORMONE OUT OF SYNTHROID AND ALLOWED DRUG COMPANIES TO CONVERT IT INTO GENERIC. THEY CALL IT BIOEQUIVELANT SYNTHROID. PHOOEY! THE DRUG SUCKS NOW! WE HAVE TO TELL THE FDA TO PUT BACK 90 TO 110 PERCENT THYROID | F | 48 | 27 years 1X day | 4/9/2016 | 1 | Hypothyroidism | Was on synthroid 100 mcg 27 years ago which in subsequent years was reduced to 59 mcg due to the development of dizziness , gastrointestinal symptoms etc In October Endocrinologist in response to TSH Of5.4 but normal t 4 recommended that on weekends I take an additional 50 mcg pill Three months later started having palpitations Didn't link the two initially and them muscle weakness and hand tremors and dizziness . Realized there was a possible connection because symptoms would exacerbate two to three hours after morning dose . I stopped the extra dose and brought this to attention of endocrinologist who refuses adamantly to see a connection. I do not feel well It is very hard to get an appointment these days But have been able to get one 10 days away Will also go to a new GP Since existing one despite my enumeration of symptoms Insists that it is not the synthroid Very distressed | F | 64 | 27 years 1X day | 2/27/2023 | 5 | Hashimoto's disease (hypothyroid) | None. However, I am only 52 and have osteoporosis. Because the dosage of this medicine has to be carefully monitored, there have been periods of time when I have been taking too much synthroid, before I realize it through bloodwork. This may be a contributor to the relatively early appearance of osteoporosis. | I was shocked to read that people are taking Armour Thyroid. Are they aware that this medicine is derived from pig's thyroid glands?(it says on the website "porcine" for the source) This is what physicians used to use before synthetic thyroid was invented. Its great downfall is that it is much more difficult to create accurate dosages of the medicine because the amount of thyroxine may vary from animal to animal. I tried this when I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism in my mid 20s and I felt much better when I switched to synthroid. | F | 52 | 26 years | 1/18/2008 |
SYNTHROID (LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM): Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone is important for maintaining normal mental and physical activity. In children, having enough thyroid hormone is important for normal mental and physical development. This medication is also used to treat other types of thyroid disorders (such as certain types of goiters, thyroid cancer). This medication should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels. FDA Approval Date: 2002-07-24 (Sources: U.S. Centers for Medicare Services, FDA)