Guest guest Posted May 16, 2003 Report Share Posted May 16, 2003 Hi Zoey- I don't know anything about the formulation of Levoxyl and why it's doing this to you. The only T4 products I've been on are generic T4 and Synthroid. There were too many fluctuations with the generic T4 but I haven't had any problems with Synthroid. The only T4 prescriptions that seem to have a stable potency from batch to batch (for the most part-at least better than the generics) are Synthroid, Levoxyl and Unithroid. With the generics, they change the manufacturer sometimes and then the patient has problems adjusting. Take care, dx & RAI 1987 (at age 24) > Hi Jody, , Elaine, and other HRT users, > > Levoxyl is really hurting my stomach and maybe esophagus, too. I think the problem is that it dissolves to quickly. Even with a full glass of water it seems to eat away at my stomach lining. In an attempt to combat the problem, I started putting the levoxyl in a capsule to which I add 5 mcgs cytomel. The capsule has helped make the irritation less severe but it is still irritating. Other than the stomach thing, I feel much better doing the T4 and T3 separately than I did when I was on armour. I should mention that I have never had stomach or ulcer problems or similar reactions to other drugs or supplements. This is new. > > My question is: Has this happened to anyone else? Does anyone know exactly what it is about levoxyl that is causing the problem? And...most important...Does anyone have any suggestions for a T4 replacement that is kinder to the stomach? > > Thanks a billion. Hope you are all well, Zoey > > PS: I saw some of the COQ-10 posts. When I took it, I noticed my blood pressure went down to 100 - 106 from about 112 - 120. > > PPS: Elaine, Good to hear from you. I will write this weekend. We were out of town for a few days celebrating my B'Day. Now it's much work to catch up on. I always pay a price for going away. Z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2003 Report Share Posted May 17, 2003 I have to elaborate on this. All exogenous thyroid hormones are inherently unstable. That's why I think it's better to keep your thyroid gland if you can. But the ones I mentioned seem to have better track records than others. Take care, dx & RAI 1987 (at age 24) > The only T4 prescriptions that seem to have a stable potency from batch to > batch (for the most part-at least better than the generics) are Synthroid, > Levoxyl and Unithroid. With the generics, they change the manufacturer > sometimes and then the patient has problems adjusting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2003 Report Share Posted May 17, 2003 Hi , Thanks. My question is not really about the stability of different thyroid hormones, it is about whatever is in levoxyl and dissolving so quickly that it is irritating my stomach and esophagus and possibly causing an ulcer. I wonder whether this is the same with synthroid, Levothyroid, and unithyroid. I'd like to continue taking the synthetic and to do the T3 and T4 separately. Based on the lack of responses, it would appear that others are not experiencing similar problems from levoxyl....or, maybe not enough people on the board are taking levoxyl. Do you or anyone know of any good and active HypO boards? I've done a bunch of Google searches but have gotten nowhere. I have an endo appt on Monday and would like to have some ideas for alternatives to levoxyl> How are you and your little ones doing? Love and hugs to all of you and everyone else, too. Zoey Re: Levoxyl: Please Help I have to elaborate on this. All exogenous thyroid hormones are inherently unstable. That's why I think it's better to keep your thyroid gland if you can. But the ones I mentioned seem to have better track records than others. Take care, dx & RAI 1987 (at age 24) > The only T4 prescriptions that seem to have a stable potency from batch to > batch (for the most part-at least better than the generics) are Synthroid, > Levoxyl and Unithroid. With the generics, they change the manufacturer > sometimes and then the patient has problems adjusting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2003 Report Share Posted May 17, 2003 Hi Zoey- Oops. I meant I haven't had any problems at all with Synthroid (no tummy problems either). And then I got off on another tangent. I tend to do that when I post late at night as you can tell from that rambling post about whether or not my endo is offended. Sorry about that. I don't know anything about the formulation of any of the drugs you mentioned including Synthroid. Didn't you mention that the formulation of Levoxyl was changed recently? You might try Shoman's website. It's at http://www.thyroid.about.com. Someone else here might have a more specific address for the boards there. The babies are growing and happy. Arthur is already in 6-9 month clothes while Eleanor is a petite little girl. She can still wear all her newborn clothes. I hope your appt. goes well on Monday and that you're able to find some information that will help you. Love and Hugs to you too, dx & RAI 1987 (at age 24) > Hi , > > Thanks. My question is not really about the stability of different thyroid hormones, it is about whatever is in levoxyl and dissolving so quickly that it is irritating my stomach and esophagus and possibly causing an ulcer. I wonder whether this is the same with synthroid, Levothyroid, and unithyroid. I'd like to continue taking the synthetic and to do the T3 and T4 separately. Based on the lack of responses, it would appear that others are not experiencing similar problems from levoxyl....or, maybe not enough people on the board are taking levoxyl. Do you or anyone know of any good and active HypO boards? I've done a bunch of Google searches but have gotten nowhere. I have an endo appt on Monday and would like to have some ideas for alternatives to levoxyl> > > How are you and your little ones doing? Love and hugs to all of you and everyone else, too. > Zoey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2003 Report Share Posted May 17, 2003 Zoey, Try the Synthroid. They should have samples so no cost to you . The reason I GUESS the Synthroid will be different is an odd reason. I have ADHD and it causes me to race on to the 'next thing' before I complete what I am doing at the moment. When I put liquid or pills in my mouth, and am not focused, I forget to swallow. Then as I am off doing something else, I realize 'it' still needs to be swallowed. Weird but true. Done this my whole life, and now I find when I am ON medication this does not happen, so it must be the ADHD. Go figure. = :-o When I took Levoxyl I NEVER forgot to swallow it because the damn pill started dissolving the instant it hit my tongue. No taste, but a horrid texture / feeling. A bit like fingers on a chalk board. I then hard to work hard to get rid of ALL of the rest of the fragments that found their way into various places in my mouth. I take Synthroid every morning, and always before any meds for My ADHD. I often find myself some where else , rolling the pill about in my mouth. It is very solid and all I feel is the pill. I then roll it about a bit more just for the fun of it because it tastes strongly like sugar to me. Side note.... Must be part of the great conspiracy was my very first thought upon tasting my first Synthroid.... After all those years of PTU... which is the substance researchers use to test if a person tastes BITTER ! PTU really IS the most horrid tasting pill ever developed ! We thought it was just part of what we ATD users have to deal with. :-( Try the Synthroid... SUGAR ! And VERY solid. -Pam L - 3 1/2 years Graves', TED, and PTU. Remission due to SLOW reduction of PTU (despite an incompetent endo ! ), improved lifestyle, excellent nutrition, herbs, and looking at the big picture. Pills alone only help the symptoms. We must help our bodies to heal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2003 Report Share Posted May 17, 2003 Hi Pam, From what you said, synthroid might work. I drink about 12 oz water with the levoxyl and it still seems to create a rough spot in my stomach. Sometimes, if i wake up real early, I'll take it and go back to sleep. That's when it gets me in the esophagus. Wonder why all the docs around here prescribe levoxyl???? What are you taking for your ADHD (if you don't mind my asking) and how is it working for you? That's another " hard to get it right " area with meds. You're lucky if you found something that works without the side effects. Thanks for the synthroid tip. I will give it a try. Zoey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2003 Report Share Posted May 17, 2003 Zoey, ***Wonder why all the docs around here prescribe Levoxyl???? Mine does too. I keep forgetting to ask why. I did one time way back when, with no real experience under my belt, so I have figured out how to deal with it on my own. IF I could remember during an office visit, I would get him to " officially " change the scrip. I went to a pharmacy one time that automatically fills with Synthroid ... all scrips unless you tell them otherwise. So I figured it all out by accident. THEN I stuck with the Synthroid. Later another pharmacy fought me on it. Said I had to go pay for another doctor appointment and get the correct brand on the piece of paper. Guess where I drove to with the scrip I had in my hand. ;-) I hope the switch in brand works for YOU. Nothing to loose by trying and everything to gain. Yes... ADHD has been a true education in meds. One a month till I found what is as good as it is going to get for right now. I am just plain exhausted from all the trials up until now. I need a few months of peace and quiet. Stability of any kind sounds good to me right now. Heck, it was out of the ATD roller coaster and right into the ADD med fun ride. Don't get me wrong. .. every step has been a true miracle, and the meds that did NOT work are now crossed off my list. For ME, Effexor SR has been the biggest help I have ever experienced in my life. Yes... I know this is some scary stuff. But it happens to be the ONE right thing for ME. If anyone ever goes on this, please feel free to write to me and I can share. It is a very difficult drug to get through the break in period, and many panic . It is NOT something you can just 'try' as the weaning off takes a good 6 months and is not plesant for many. But that left me with the attention still going in a million directions at the speed of light. BRAND Ritalin seems to be the only thing that helps me. Unfortunately it only lasts two hours. Sheesh... I remember the good old days when three times a day seemed like a lot to remember. My system has always processed everything too fast, so no one seems surprised at this. Only side effect is getting through the rebound as the med wears off. The Ritalin does make me really sleepy at about 20 to 25 min after I take it, so I have to make sure I am up and moving right then, or it knocks me out and I wake up later. Slowing down my brain IS amazing . I enjoy the intensity of human interaction while medicated, because I now can SEE and HEAR the intention of others speech. I still have to use great effort to do this, but the medication gives be the ability to do it, IF I choose to put out the effort. I still treasure my non medicated time. I love my unique ability to hyper focus on a subject, see all the possibilities, and SEE clearly the conclusion / answer. Medicated the same thought process is so much slower than what seems normal to me. Plus, medicated I believe I stay too much in the middle of the road idea wise, and do not take the time to find all the possibilities before coming to the conclusion. I also prefer unmedicated when I am doing any of my more creative work. I can do it both ways, but my results seem superior when unmedicated. I receive the most compliments on my unmedicated work. So there is a glimpse into an adult ADD mind for the rest of you non ADD people. Notice I do not believe the word ' normal' applies. We are all simply different in the way our brains work. This certainly is on topic here, as hyper thyroid must always be ruled out before a diagnosis of ADD / ADHD can be made. The symptoms can appear to be the same . One of the key features , that helps sort it out, is that for a correct diagnosis of ADD/ADHD the symptoms must have been present since before the age of 4 and must have been consistent throughout life. BUT... hyper thyroid people could use the same diet and coping techniques !!! You guys and gals just get to live in our world for a little while. Use it to your advantage... it is not all bad. :-) Zoey... I have all the standard books and web sites for ADD, but never have found a GOOD list or board. Do you know of any ? Any book that is so special you think I might have missed ? Good Luck with the doctors appointment, -Pam L - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2003 Report Share Posted May 18, 2003 Do you or anyone know of any good and > active HypO boards? There was a list I was on a few years ago before I found this one that was overwhelmingly hypO, which is why I dropped out once I joined here. It's something like Thyroidmaelstorm@.... It might be worth checking out. Take care, Fay ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2003 Report Share Posted May 18, 2003 Although it's against the common wisdom of the group and a lot of medical literature: don't take levoxyl, or any other drug that irritates you, on an empty stomach! Because any pill at all causes nausea for me when taken on an empty stomach, I wait until after breakfast to take my thyroid replacements. As long as you are consistent, you will adjust the dosage to do what it's supposed to do. I even take my calcium (!!) with the thyroid replacements in the morning, figuring that at least I'm remembering to take everything when I do it this way. ly, I'm doing better now than I have in years. Maybe my technique is the reason I've never had a big problem with the fast dissolving levoxyl -- down the hatch in a handful, followed by a glass of water. It is the tiny cytomel tablet that sometimes won't go down. *************************************************************************** Courage doesn't always shout. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says, " I will try again tomorrow. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2003 Report Share Posted May 18, 2003 Hi Pam, Thanks for the synthroid tip and for sharing so much about you and ADD/ADHD. I have been closely involved with many people going through the ups and downs, trial and tribulations of ADD/ADHD medications. Besides the more common meds, I know people who have tried Cylert (expensive and bad for the liver), atomoxetine, modafinal, other drugs and various out-of-the-ordinary supplements. Some, particularly those with ADD kids have tried neuro-feedback - a bio feedback type approach. If interested, I could send you information on it. You're lucky that you can move in and out of different states of energy or consciousness and able to use your meds to help you do that. I used to know of things that people used to lessen the come-down effects of Ritalin but it's been so long ago. Thanks again for answering my questions. With all my best, Zoey Re: Levoxyl: Please Help Zoey, ***Wonder why all the docs around here prescribe Levoxyl???? Mine does too. I keep forgetting to ask why. I did one time way back when, with no real experience under my belt, so I have figured out how to deal with it on my own. IF I could remember during an office visit, I would get him to " officially " change the scrip. I went to a pharmacy one time that automatically fills with Synthroid ... all scrips unless you tell them otherwise. So I figured it all out by accident. THEN I stuck with the Synthroid. Later another pharmacy fought me on it. Said I had to go pay for another doctor appointment and get the correct brand on the piece of paper. Guess where I drove to with the scrip I had in my hand. ;-) I hope the switch in brand works for YOU. Nothing to loose by trying and everything to gain. Yes... ADHD has been a true education in meds. One a month till I found what is as good as it is going to get for right now. I am just plain exhausted from all the trials up until now. I need a few months of peace and quiet. Stability of any kind sounds good to me right now. Heck, it was out of the ATD roller coaster and right into the ADD med fun ride. Don't get me wrong. . every step has been a true miracle, and the meds that did NOT work are now crossed off my list. For ME, Effexor SR has been the biggest help I have ever experienced in my life. Yes... I know this is some scary stuff. But it happens to be the ONE right thing for ME. If anyone ever goes on this, please feel free to write to me and I can share. It is a very difficult drug to get through the break in period, and many panic . It is NOT something you can just 'try' as the weaning off takes a good 6 months and is not plesant for many. But that left me with the attention still going in a million directions at the speed of light. BRAND Ritalin seems to be the only thing that helps me. Unfortunately it only lasts two hours. Sheesh... I remember the good old days when three times a day seemed like a lot to remember. My system has always processed everything too fast, so no one seems surprised at this. Only side effect is getting through the rebound as the med wears off. The Ritalin does make me really sleepy at about 20 to 25 min after I take it, so I have to make sure I am up and moving right then, or it knocks me out and I wake up later. Slowing down my brain IS amazing . I enjoy the intensity of human interaction while medicated, because I now can SEE and HEAR the intention of others speech. I still have to use great effort to do this, but the medication gives be the ability to do it, IF I choose to put out the effort. I still treasure my non medicated time. I love my unique ability to hyper focus on a subject, see all the possibilities, and SEE clearly the conclusion / answer. Medicated the same thought process is so much slower than what seems normal to me. Plus, medicated I believe I stay too much in the middle of the road idea wise, and do not take the time to find all the possibilities before coming to the conclusion. I also prefer unmedicated when I am doing any of my more creative work. I can do it both ways, but my results seem superior when unmedicated. I receive the most compliments on my unmedicated work. So there is a glimpse into an adult ADD mind for the rest of you non ADD people. Notice I do not believe the word ' normal' applies. We are all simply different in the way our brains work. This certainly is on topic here, as hyper thyroid must always be ruled out before a diagnosis of ADD / ADHD can be made. The symptoms can appear to be the same . One of the key features , that helps sort it out, is that for a correct diagnosis of ADD/ADHD the symptoms must have been present since before the age of 4 and must have been consistent throughout life. BUT... hyper thyroid people could use the same diet and coping techniques !!! You guys and gals just get to live in our world for a little while. Use it to your advantage... it is not all bad. :-) Zoey... I have all the standard books and web sites for ADD, but never have found a GOOD list or board. Do you know of any ? Any book that is so special you think I might have missed ? Good Luck with the doctors appointment, -Pam L - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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