Newbie here--problems with Synthroid

[Abigail1967]

I had a total thyroidectomy on 12/29/04 (multi-nodular w/ large goiter but no cancer) and have been on Synthroid since that time. I was started on 50mcg and within 3 weeks of beginning the Synthroid, began to have terrible headaches and vision problems. I also developed some symptoms of being HYPO and my endo. upped my dosage of Synthroid to 75mcg per day. I told him about the headaches and he said he didn't think it was the medication.

I began to increase the dosage to 75mcg 2 weeks ago and the headaches became unbearable! I couldn't even sleep lying down. It feels like my head is filling with fluid or blood and that it might explode.

Three days ago I took myself off of the Synthroid and by the end of the second day the headache was completely gone and the brain fog was lifted. I went to see my GP yesterday and told him everything. He wants me to try cutting the 75mcg tablet in half, taking half in the a.m. and half in the p.m.

I took half this morning and the pressure and pain in my head have already returned. It feels like every vessel in my head has blown up like a balloon and that I might have a stroke. Exercise, activity and the like make things much worse.

Also, the synthroid causes me to have stomach pains and to retain fluid around my midsection, always leaving me feel bloated.

I realize that I cannot live without thyroid replacement and that death is final. But I am NOT willing to live like this.

Can anyone help?

[Changedusername]

You just gotta try to switch meds. Not everyone handles synthroid well. I don't know why doctors always try to push that crap on everyone. A little shot of Armour might make the world of difference for you if its that bad. You have to talk to your doc about switching if that's the case. And, yes, if you had a total thyroidectomy, you NEED hormone every day and do not want to turn yourself too Hypo.

[Benzi]

Welcome to the board, There is a period of several weeks while your body gets used to the new dose. If you had a TT you have to take something, some people have better luck with unithroid or levithroid. Even 75 is a pretty small dose and am surprised he started you at 50 most people start at 100 and then go up or down. I too get the headache and after about 3 weeks it go's away. I get this everytime my dose is changed up or down. The water retention is the same it will go away. If you stop your thyroid meds altogether you will only get worse and may end up losing a lot of hair in about 2 weeks, even if you go right back on your thyroid meds.

[midwest1]

I agree. You need to find a brand that will work for you. Obviously Synthroid isn't it. Some doctors refuse to prescribe anything else. Synthroid wasn't for me either, but the endo I saw Rx'ed only Synthroid. I had to switch doctors to get treated properly.

[midwest1]

After reading Benzi's answer to you, I have to back off mine somewhat. She has experience with TT and replacement, which I don't. However, it's still possible that the brand doesn't agree with you, so keep that in mind.