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Too Much Synthroid (Levothyroxine) Symptoms

Synthroid (Levothyroxine) is a synthetic form of T4 (thyroxine), a hormone secreted by the follicular cells of the thyroid gland.  Individuals with insufficient levels of thyroxine (T4) exhibit symptoms of hypothyroidism such as: depression, lethargy, malaise, and sleepiness.  Regular administration of synthroid (levothyroxine) is thought to reverse symptoms of hypothyroidism and normalize all neurophysiological processes impaired by low thyroxine (T4).

When initiating treatment, certain patients may run the risk of taking too much synthroid.  In a majority of cases, individuals that take too much synthroid do so unintentionally.  It is common for patients to misinterpret dosing instructions given by a medical professional and/or pharmacist and mistakenly ingest larger than instructed doses.

In other cases, a doctor may inadvertently prescribe too high of a synthroid dosage for a particular patient.  Since synthroid has a narrow therapeutic index (NTI) for dosing, even slightly too much of the synthetic hormone may provoke a tailspin of unwanted symptoms, most of which resemble hyperthyroidism (or excess thyroid hormone).  If you are taking synthroid and suspect that you may have ingested an excessive amount, it is important to beware of severe synthroid side effects and adverse reactions.

Too Much Synthroid (Levothyroxine) Symptoms

Below is a list of possible symptoms that you may experience if you took too much synthroid (levothyroxine).  Understand that the number and severity of your symptoms will likely be contingent upon how much more synthroid you took than was necessary.  For example, if you were prescribed 100 mcg per day, yet took 300 mcg – you’ll likely exhibit more noticeable effects from too much synthroid compared to someone who was prescribed 25 mcg and took 50 mcg; the contrast is more significant in the first example.

Since synthroid is a synthetic version of thyroxine (T4) that serves as a non-bioidentical replacement, excessive amounts may lead to hyperthyroidism-like symptoms.  Common symptoms experienced from those who take too much synthroid include: anxiety, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and increased body temperature.  Should you experience any of these symptoms while taking synthroid, medical attention is warranted.

  • Anxiety: There is a relationship between excessive thyroid hormone and neuropsychiatric anxiety. If after taking synthroid you feel insanely anxious, jittery, and nervous – it could be a result of an abnormally high dosage.  Some users have reported that taking too much synthroid leads to so much anxiety that they cannot sleep, think clearly, or interact socially with others.  Additionally, anxiety resulting from excess levothyroxine may provoke panic attacks or unpredictable feelings of panic and fear.
  • Bone density decrease: There is evidence to suggest that too much synthroid replacement can accelerate bone loss, which in turn may increase likelihood of fractures. Decreased bone density is most likely to occur among those that have taken too much synthroid over a prolonged duration.  Administration of a single supratherapeutic synthroid dosage is unlikely to prompt significant bone loss.  Decreased bone density may be most noticeable among older adults and elderly synthroid users, but may occur in all ages if an abnormally high dosage is repeatedly administered.
  • Chest pain: If you’re experiencing chest pain from synthroid treatment, it is recommended to immediately seek medical evaluation. Chest pain may be a sign of an adverse cardiac response to the medication.  Since high doses of synthroid can affect heart rhythms and function, it is important to rule out serious complications associated with treatment.  Usually chest pain is most common among those that ingested significantly more synthroid than necessary.  Chest pain may also be interrelated to the physiological anxiety and tension associated with high doses.
  • Diarrhea: It is known that excessive levothyroxine (synthroid) can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and stomach aches. Many people lose weight from high doses simply because they cannot hold down food.  Too much synthroid is thought to expedite the movement of food through the digestive tract, leading to frequent bowel movements or diarrhea.  Diarrhea can occur even at standard doses, but is more likely to occur (and be more severe) among high-dose synthroid users.
  • Difficulty concentrating: Ingesting excess synthroid (levothyroxine) is likely to cause difficulties with concentration and focus. You may feel so anxious, jittery, and wired with disconcerting physical symptoms – that it becomes nearly impossible to stay focused on any cognitively demanding task.  To ensure that your concentrative abilities return, you’ll want to get your dosage adjusted and/or refrain from using unnecessarily large synthroid doses.
  • Fever: Thyroid hormones play an important role in thermoregulation and when modified to extremes (as in the case of taking too much synthroid), body temperature can fluctuate. In the event that you took too much synthroid, you’re likely to feel excessively hot and with a fever.  If the amount ingested wasn’t considerably more than your daily requirements, the fever may be low-grade.  However, in the event of an overdose (or ingesting significantly more than necessary), the fever is likely to be high and possibly fatal.
  • Hair loss: Individuals taking too much synthroid are more likely to experience hair loss than those taking proper dosages. While hair loss can occur as a side effect during the first few months of treatment, most users notice that hair loss subsides as the body adapts to the daily synthroid administration.  If you’ve been regularly ingesting too much synthetic thyroxine (synthroid), hair loss may be more substantial and may never subside until the dosage is reduced.
  • Headaches: Another common symptom associated with ingesting too much synthroid is headaches. While headaches are a normal side effect of the medication (even at standard doses), excessively high doses of synthroid trigger severe headaches (e.g. migraines).  If you feel a throbbing, incessant headache that won’t subside, it could be a sign that you’ve administered too much synthroid.
  • High blood pressure: Synthroid treatment may trigger hypertension, especially when too high of a dose is ingested. Blood pressure spikes and/or irregularities may be most prominent among those who have a history of hypertension, but can occur among any user that has unintentionally (or intentionally) administered too much synthroid.  It is important to realize that if ignored, hypertension (from too much synthroid) could lead to complications such as: blood vessel damage, heart attack, and/or stroke.
  • Hot flashes: Taking too much synthroid can cause hot flashes or sudden waves of feverish heat, usually localized in the facial region. The hot flashes may be accompanied by profuse sweating, and in some cases, an actual fever.  Even slightly too much synthroid may be enough to trigger more hot flashes than usual.  That said, hot flashes are also considered a normal side effect of synthroid, so don’t automatically suspect that you took too much if you only experience a hot flash.
  • Insomnia: Individuals that regularly ingest supratherapeutic doses of synthroid are likely to exhibit insomnia or inability to fall asleep (or stay asleep). Those that inadvertently ingest too much synthroid will likely notice that no matter how hard they try to relax and drift off to sleep – they cannot overcome the insomnia.  While mild insomnia may not be too problematic, sometimes it leads to a full night of sleeplessness – which can have numerous deleterious health implications.
  • Irritability: The combination of anxiety, jitteriness, and nerves can lead some individuals that took too much synthroid to feel irritable. You may find yourself angry at every “little thing” and as if you’re ready to snap at friends and/or family over minor disputes.  It is important to recognize that if you weren’t irritable prior to taking synthroid, it’s probably induced by the medication.  Though this is a side effect experienced by many individuals taking standard doses, it is especially common among those who took too much.
  • Menstrual irregularities: Female users that take too much synthroid are likely to experience menstrual irregularities. Some women report that after starting synthroid, their periods are whacky and completely unpredictable – this is a normal side effect.  However, chronically taking too high of a synthroid dosage may cause abnormally light periods and/or even missed periods.  Assuming you’ve been taking unnecessarily high synthroid doses for awhile, time between periods is likely to be prolonged.
  • Muscle weakness: It’s no surprise that individuals who take too much synthroid could end up with serious muscle weakness. High concentrations of levothyroxine can accelerate bone density loss and possibly even muscle loss via increases in BMR.  The reduction in bone density and muscle tissue may be responsible for causing muscle weakness.  Muscle weakness may be most noticeable among older adults and/or elderly synthroid patients.
  • Nervousness: Nervousness can occur as a standard synthroid side effect – even when taken at the proper dose. That said, if you end up taking too much synthroid, nervousness is very likely to occur – leading you to feel uncomfortable and riddled with anxiety.  The nervousness may be accompanied by a racing heart, sweating, thoughts of panic, and muscle tension.  Once your dosage is readjusted to a proper level, nervousness should lessen in severity.
  • Profuse sweating: Taking slightly more synthroid than necessary can increase likelihood of sweating. On the other hand, taking substantially more synthroid than necessary is nearly a surefire guarantee to sweat profusely.  Although sweating is a standard side effect reported at normal doses, profuse and/or excessive unremitting sweats are most likely to be a result of excess levothyroxine intake.  Too much synthroid increases body temperature, causes hot flashes, and alters blood flow – ultimately causing some users to sweat uncontrollably.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat: A very common symptom of taking too much synthroid is rapid or irregular heartbeat. Most individuals are consciously aware of changes in heartbeat and/or rhythms as provoked by synthroid.  Ingesting too much levothyroxine can cause atrial fibrillation or even heart failure (especially among those with preexisting heart disease).  The greater the quantity of synthroid ingested over the optimal amount (for you as an individual), the more likely you are to experience heartbeat irregularities.  If you took too much synthroid and are experiencing heartbeat irregularities, immediate medical attention is essential.
  • Shortness of breath: If you took too high of a synthroid dosage, you may feel as if you’re constantly gasping for air or having a tough time breathing. Shortness of breath is common among those who take too much synthroid.  While shortness of breath could just be a result of increased anxiety from too much synthroid, it could also be a sign of a more serious adverse reaction (e.g. heart attack).  For this reason, it is necessary to seek medical evaluation if you have this symptom after taking too large of a synthroid dose.
  • Sleeplessness: If you took more synthroid than prescribed (or too much for your particular condition), you may be unable to sleep at night. While insomnia may occur among those that took slightly more synthroid than necessary, outright sleeplessness is common among individuals that ingested considerably larger doses than medically required.  Someone that overdoses on synthroid will have a difficult time getting any sleep – and if they do get sleep, the quality will be poor.
  • Temperature sensitivity: You may find that warm temperatures are intolerable after taking too much synthroid. This is because excess levothyroxine increases blood flow to the skin, making you feel warmer than usual.  It also generates more body heat than necessary as a result of changes in metabolism.  As a result, you sweat more, feel feverish, and may be unable to tolerate a warm or hot environment.  Upon correction of your synthroid dosing, you may feel as if you can actually tolerate a warm environment.
  • Tremors: Abnormally high doses of synthroid can cause some individuals to shake uncontrollably, particularly in the hands. If you’ve noticed tremors in your hands, legs, facial muscles, etc. – it could be that you’re overstimulated with too much levothyroxine.  A doctor may need to readjust your dosage if the tremors continue throughout your treatment.
  • Vomiting: A telltale symptom that you may have taken too much synthroid is vomiting. Prior to vomiting you may feel extremely nauseous and unable to maintain an appetite.  Although not everyone who takes too much synthroid will vomit, if you’re vomiting, it is likely a sign from your body that too much has been ingested and/or you’re unable to tolerate the drug.  If you constantly vomit and feel like you have the flu, seek medical attention immediately.
  • Weight loss: When initially beginning synthroid treatment, it is common for users to end up losing some weight; this is due to a reversal of hypothyroidism-induced BMR slowing. If you’ve been taking too much synthroid, not only will you likely feel like an anxious, sleepless maniac, but you’ll probably shed more body weight than expected.  Some of this weight loss will be a result of GI changes (e.g. diarrhea), some may be due to decreased bone density and/or muscle loss, and most will be from an abnormally increased BMR (basal metabolic rate).  (Read: Synthroid and Weight Loss).

Note: Not all people that take too much synthroid will experience every last symptom listed above.  Symptoms of taking excess synthroid may be subject to interindividual variation.  If you believe you took too much synthroid and are experiencing any symptoms, consulting a medical professional is advised.

Taking Too Much Synthroid: Interindivdiual Variation in Dosing

Individuals undergoing treatment for hypothyroidism with synthroid are prescribed dosages aimed to optimize TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels.  Excessively high TSH levels signifies that an individual is likely not getting enough synthroid.  Since the severity of hypothyroidism is subject to individual variation and synthroid dosages necessitate patient-specific optimization, “too much synthroid” for one user may be a normal dose for another.

A person with severe hypothyroidism who weighs 200 lbs may take around 1.7 mcg/kg/day – for a daily total dosage of ~154.22 mcg.  Should the individual end up taking 175 mcg per day, he/she may exhibit subtle symptoms associated with too much synthroid.  On the other hand, someone who weighs 140 lbs and is taking 1 mcg/kg/day for subclinical hypothyroidism, a total daily dosage may be just 63.5 mcg.

If the individual instructed to take 63.5 mcg of synthroid ends up taking 175 mcg per day, more severe symptoms are likely to emerge because the recommended dosage will have been surpassed by a significant amount.  The lesser the extent to which an optimally calibrated dosage is surpassed, the less severe and/or numerous the symptoms of too much synthroid are likely to be.  The greater the dosage over the optimal amount of synthroid needed for optimal function, the greater the symptomatic severity associated with the “overdose.”

Reasons patients may take too much synthroid

There are several hypothetical reasons as why a patient may end up taking too much synthroid.  While taking too much is certainly not the “norm,” it could be a result of: misinterpreted dosing instructions, improper dosage (as prescribed by a doctor), or intentionally taking more than usual (either to improve symptoms or to inflict self-harm).  Most individuals that take too much synthroid do so unintentionally and/or unknowingly.

  1. Misinterpretation of dosing instructions: Some synthroid users may misinterpret dosing instructions as given by their doctor. While dosing instructions are generally confirmed with a pharmacist prior to administration of synthroid, some individuals are more absent-minded than others. It is possible to consider that a simple slip-up on the end of the patient may lead to ingestion of a dose that is larger than necessary.
  2. Improperly calibrated dose: Although most doctors attempt to prescribe patients with a minimal effective dose of synthroid, not all patients respond to low doses when beginning treatment. For this reason, a doctor may slightly overshoot the necessary dosing needs for a particular patient. Regular administration of an improperly calibrated dose can provoke symptoms of too much synthroid.
  3. Faster symptomatic relief: In rare cases, a patient may try to play “doctor” on themselves by making personal adjustments to their dosing. A patient may experiment with higher-than-necessary dosages in attempt to reverse hypothyroidism symptoms as soon as possible. Although the patient may believe that he/she will attain faster relief by taking a greater dosage than prescribed, this may lead to adverse effects and complications associated with too much levothyroxine.
  4. Intentional overdose: Another small percentage of patients may feel anxious, depressed, and possibly suicidal while taking synthroid. These individuals often have an underlying comorbid neuropsychiatric diagnosis (e.g. major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, etc.). It is possible that the patient may attempt to inflict self-harm by overdosing on synthroid (levothyroxine).  In the event of an overdose, very severe symptoms are likely to arise – requiring immediate medical attention.

What should you do if you took too much synthroid?

If you know (or suspect) that you may have ingested too much synthroid, seeking emergency medical attention is necessary.  Complications arising from a synthroid overdose could be fatal if they aren’t addressed in a timely manner.  Thereafter, you should take steps to minimize the likelihood of future dosing errors by reviewing and confirming dosing instructions with your doctor.

  1. Seek medical attention: Since taking too much synthroid could prove to be fatal, it is necessary to seek medical assistance as soon as possible after your dosing. If you know that you overdosed and/or intentionally took too much, call emergency medical services and/or get yourself to a hospital. In rare cases, individuals may die of hyperthermia and/or cardiac arrest associated with elevated levothyroxine concentrations.
  2. Refrain from synthroid usage: If you know you took too much synthroid, your doctor may instruct you to refrain from synthroid usage for a day or two after your abnormally high dose. Don’t immediately stop taking synthroid without medical instruction, but be cognizant that in the event of an overdose, ingestion of additional synthroid may exacerbate adverse effects. Work with your doctor to determine when it is safe to resume normative synthroid administration.
  3. Optimize future dosing: Sometimes you may need to work with your doctor to review your current dosing regimen. This may involve blood testing for TSH, FT4, and FT3 to determine how you are affected by the synthroid. Assuming concentrations of TSH aren’t within a normal range (e.g. are too low), you may need to reduce your synthroid dose.  The goal should be to take a minimal effective dose of synthroid – or just enough to optimize TSH levels without inducing side effects from too much levothyroxine.

Have you ever taken too much synthroid (levothyroxine)?

If you’ve ever taken too much synthroid, leave a comment detailing your experience.  Share the symptoms you experienced, how much synthroid you took, and whether taking too much was accidental or intentional.  If the dosing error was unintentional, did it result from misinterpreting in the dosing instructions as given by a doctor or your pharmacist?

For those who intentionally took a higher-than-prescribed dose of synthroid, share your motive for doing so.  Document the most prominent symptoms you experienced as a result of ingesting excess levothyroxine.  How long did it take you to get over these symptoms and did you discuss them with a medical professional?

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78 thoughts on “Too Much Synthroid (Levothyroxine) Symptoms”

  1. I just recently found out that i was getting too much levothyroxine. A while back, my doctor increased my dose to .137 mcg up from .125mcg.

    It has been about a year and a half and I wondered why my heart was racing and I was having so much anxiety and panic attacks. I had trouble focusing as well. I was also losing so much hair in the shower!

    It has been a month since she decreased my dose to .125mcg and I am noticing my anxiety decreasing and everything, hopefully I will stop losing so much hair in the shower, my heart is still beating a little bit fast, but my blood pressure has decreased.

    I have an echocardiogram next month and I am going to have them check to see if my heart is alright.

    Reply
  2. I’ve been battling being over medicated with Levothyroxine for 6 mo. if not longer. It’s been a nightmare with severe symptoms of being over medicated. I feel my doctor didn’t pay enough attention to my complaints. She blamed them on other things time and time again.

    Finally after blood work showed a big spike in the wrong direction she said cut back by taking 1/2 pill. After more blood results and my symptoms she said stop taking altogether and suggested a specialist.

    He’s working on getting it straightened out, but I’m far from feeling well. It has ruined at least the past 6 months for me. I barely could function.

    Reply
    • Dear Sarah, I truly feel for you Sarah as I was overmedicated for 5 months and did not realize my symptoms were coming from my thyroid dosage. I had asked the endocrinologist for the smallest dosage of levothyroxine and trusted she listened to me. She did not!

      I told her how sensitive I am to meds and she started me at 75 instead of 25. I did not realize 75 was not the lowest. I have been feeling horrible with stomach ailments that do not allow me to live normally. I went off meds and had horrible symptoms for two weeks, went on Tirosint for 9 days still felt miserable and just went back on Armour (which was what I originally was taking) this morning.

      I am hoping in the next week or two that you and I will feel normal again. I don’t want any more days erased off my calendar, not living life correctly. I hope you will feel better soon Sarah!

      Reply
  3. I am 56 years old 133 lb. 5’4”. I have been on synthroid for 36 years. I started at 150 meg and went as high as 200 mcg. Most of the time at 175 mcg. Last year I was exhibiting hyper symptoms. Over the past year my doctor has dropped the dose to 88 mcg. I still do not feel hypo.

    This seems like a huge drop and want to know if anyone else has experienced such a change after being on a steady dose for years. What could cause this? My dose may still need to go lower. I get my blood tested again in 3 months.

    Reply
  4. Hi. Was taking Synthroid 112mcg for years. Worked fine. Started juicing in Jan 2018. Ended up really ill in early August 2018, and had a retest of TSH while in hospital. Learned it shot up to almost 8. Increased my Synthroid to 125mcg.

    Been taking for 5 weeks now, but have NOT juiced in the past 4 weeks. Now anxious, high BP, heart rate high, hot all the time, and hungry! Learned that my TSH shooting UP after years of being fine was likely due to all the juicing, (fiber) as that changed absorption of Synthroid.

    When we “increased” the Synthroid, I coincidentally had stopped juicing as well. Took a break from it. Apparently, the lack of fiber means the Synthroid now absorbed properly, – therefore it is NOW too much.

    Had I not juiced before, the TSH may never have shot up. Never knew juicing and taking Miralax would interfere with the Synthroid hormone. Rechecking labs in a week. Will likely reduce Synthroid.

    Reply
  5. About 28 years ago I had a partial thyroidectomy due to Graves Disease. I have had lots of ups and downs over the years. Eventually saw an endocrinologist that figured out I need Synthroid not generic levothyroxine. The last two years I have been stable at 137mcg until a month or so ago when I started having excessive fatigue.

    After lab work my PCP increased my dose to 175mcg. I started suffering with outrageous fatigue yet at night had difficulty sleeping. Nights of waking constantly because I couldn’t breathe, palpitations and sweating even while in air conditioning and a gnawing annoying deep ache all over.

    Had lab work the other day and I am “normal low” (.49 TSH). He’s lowering me to 150mcg. I don’t understand why he jumped me to 175 to start with, skipping the 150 all together. Anyways, hoping the new dose is right and I start feeling better ASAP.

    I don’t think people realize how debilitating it is if they don’t experience it themselves. I don’t understand how I can be exhausted during the day and fight to hold my eyes open yet at night have to take 40mg+ of melatonin to get a couple hours of sleep.

    P.S. Why can’t I be one of the lucky ones to actually lose weight during all of this? ?

    Reply
    • A couple years ago my doc took me from 125 mcg Synthroid to 150 mcg Synthroid. I questioned increasing from 125 mcg to 150 mcg, since that skipped the 137 mcg dose. It turned out I didn’t need an increase at all, because I’d been taking my Synthroid incorrectly. Whew, thyrotoxicosis is not fun!

      What I learned from that:

      1 – Communicate better with my doctors (I should have told her I was experimenting with taking Synthroid in the evening instead of first thing in the morning).

      2 – When a change in dose is necessary insist on gradual change.

      Also, did you know Synthroid is susceptible to heat? Because of that I try to stay out of the heat more than necessary after picking it up at the pharmacy. I also keep Synthroid in the fridge. The butter compartment in the door works very well for that. My endo said it was alright to do that (my apartment is very warm in the summer).

      Reply
  6. 36 year old female. I had a thyroidectomy 11 years ago. Had my share of ups and downs on meds but nothing drastic. I have steady gained 2-3 pounds yearly since the surgery but this year I have gained 15 after starting a new job.

    I was tired and in a mental funk and stupidly started taking some extra pills in hopes of starting an exercise plan. I normally take 137mcg synthroid daily. Over a 2 week period I took 5 extra pills, and it landed me at the doctors thinking I was having a heart attack. EKG was fine but my Fitbit had tracked a steady increase in resting heart rate and it felt like chest pain, pounding heart, and shortness of breath.

    Severe anxiety and panic attacks. No rest in 2 days. It was awful. At first I thought it was a bad reaction to a high dose of prednisone my doc gave me for a pinched nerve, but nope. That was 6 days ago. Doc told me to stop synthroid for a few days. He told me to start taking them again on day 4 but even 1 pill gave me terrible symptoms so I skipped day 5.

    Today I took one and hyper symptoms are back. I’m so mad at myself for trying to self-medicate and causing this, but it’s so hard to get in to see an endo. Doc warned me it will take weeks to months to get leveled out but he gave me a beta blocker, propranolol, to calm my heart rate and it helped a LOT with anxiety too.

    So, yes, I am feeling better at day 6 but I think it’s going to be a long road back. This morning I felt amazing, but tonight I still can’t sleep, still having anxiety attacks, still emotional and sweating buckets but nothing like day 1. My resting heart rate is not back to normal but going down. Very glad I had my fit bit to warn me something was wrong.

    Doc told me the half life of synthroid is 7 days so these would be the worst days, but the other 50% of my extra pills will take quite a while to get out of my system. The beta blocker should help while I ride it out. Really hoping I feel better by day 10 but not sure as I’m still having trouble getting back onto my regular dose.

    I might take a half pill tomorrow and see how I do. Doc assured me this incident didn’t damage my heart, so that’s reassuring. Good luck fellow thyroid life friends.

    Reply
    • Personally, I think it’s the prednisone. It is certainly complicated by the extra synthroid pills, but I had a horrible reaction to a steroid (dexamethasone) injection with the same symptoms you have described.

      I had been taking 50 mcg Levothyroxine for several years and did not change my dose. It can take a while for the prednisone to leave your system (usually more than 6 days) and it can be a rough road.

      Reply
    • About 3 years ago because of not communicating well with my doc my Synthroid dose was raised from 125 mcg to 150 mcg. My TSH level dropped to 0.08. Whee, I got really familiar with symptoms of too much Synthroid. In the long run being prescribed too high a dose is helping, because after I was again at 125 mcg I realized I was still having over-medicated symptoms.

      In June my doc dropped my dose to 112 mcg. To my surprise the chest pains I’d been having decreased a lot. So I’m thinking it’s quite possible taking too much Synthroid caused your chest pains. I communicate better with my doctor now, thanks to the Synthroid website, and to a book I found written by a main-stream thyroid cancer specialist.

      The book is The Complete Thyroid Book by Kenneth Ain and M. Sara Rosenthal. It really covers more than I need to know, I only have hypothyroidism, still have my thyroid. But it has a great section about thyrotoxicosis (one of the causes of thyrotoxicosis is thyroid hormone overdose).

      I refer to it often while working on getting my Synthroid dose to my optimum level. I hope if you’re still on prednisone you know to be careful about tapering the dose as you go off it.

      Reply
  7. I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease almost 15 years ago followed by radiation to destroy thyroid. Apparently it worked it’s completely non-functioning. 2 years ago I found out my dose was too high. I was on 200 mcg of brand name levoxyl.

    I started having constant panic attacks, not sleeping, hair falling out, etc. My doctor put me on an antidepressant and dropped my dose significantly. At the time I found out my endo was retiring so I had to find another doctor. I went to more of a natural endo who recommended that I try NP thyroid instead.

    After 6 weeks of being on it, I knew this wasn’t for me. When I went to get my labs tested at 8 weeks I found my TSH was 36! I was in shock. I knew I was feeling crappy and that my TSH would be low, but didn’t think it would be that low! She immediately put me back on the levoxyl and took me off the natural hormone.

    The problem is she put me on 200 mcg again. Within 2 days was having the same problems. Jittery, panic attacks, constant problems with anxiety and muscle weakness, can’t concentrate. I don’t know what to do. This is so frustrating. When I was hypothyroid I felt awful, but at least I didn’t have these panic attacks. Any help would be appreciated. I feel so disheartened.

    Reply
    • Hello, I had my thyroid removed on June 18th and had severe anxiety. My doctor gave me meds for that I am much better. As long as I take them, I can function. I take an over the counter sleep aid – Unisom. Only one that works. Hang in there! You are not alone!

      Reply
  8. A few years ago I lost 47 lbs through diet/exercise. I’m sub-clinical hypothyroid w/ presumed Hashimotos. My PCP had increased my dose the summer I started losing weight because he felt my numbers could be lower & my symptoms with fatigue were still present.

    Post-weight loss, my Synthroid was not re-titrated by my endo. I lost 25% of my body weight & felt great! Until I didn’t. Endo’s PA refused to do anything about my dose when I started complaining about symptoms.

    I started gaining weight, physically couldn’t do my workouts, couldn’t handle the heat, heart palpitations, started having cravings for sweets. It has been awful. Other endos were mum about the dose not being adjusted. But I know it messed up my thyroid and endocrine system.

    After years of hell & my previous endos not being concerned about my symptoms, since my numbers are within clinical range, I have an endo who is willing to meet me halfway. Advocate for yourselves. Know your body & don’t back down when you intuitively know something is wrong.

    Reply
  9. I’ve accidentally AND purposely taken more than prescribed! Both cases I’ve only ever experienced a few milder BUT definitely different symptoms. The on purpose occasions… I started to menstrual bleed sooner, had a burning in my neck a bit, and was very agitated! On accident… I was agitated, had a bit of a heart flutter, and stomach upset! On BOTH types of overdoses I STILL FELT EXHAUSTED!! Go figure!!

    Reply
  10. Wondering if another male with the same age/weight can help me here. 26 y/o male 5’10 and 205lbs. Had total thyroid removal after cancer in April of 2012. Started 200mcg then lowered my dose to 175mcg after experiencing some of the symptoms.

    Somewhere of may 2017 I started to have really bad anxiety and would start to think the worst then the last six months my hair has been falling out like crazy. I am highly active and train professional fighting for the last 5 years about five days a week.

    I would like to hear what some other guys my same age height and weight are taking out there because I feel my endo doesn’t do much. Thanks.

    Reply
    • I am male, 200lbs, 5’11, 45 years old, full thyroidectomy for papillary cancer was done last year. I am now on a 225 dose but I suspect that is too high… as of last week my TSH is very very low (low is good, but mine is too low), and I’m experiencing anxiety, weight loss, and low hemoglobin (anemia). I felt great on 175 dose and would like to return to that. Even 200 felt better than 225.

      Reply
  11. I was prescribed too much intentionally as I’m overweight and the doctor thought it would increase my metabolism and I would lose weight. It means I can’t exercise as my heart is already too fast, I don’t sleep well, which is linked to obesity, I’m always too hot, again not conducive to exercise.

    Loads more reasons why it wasn’t a good idea. Appointment with endocrinologist in June so keep your fingers crossed for me.

    Reply
    • Sheez. A doctor did that? Being hyperthyroid feels terrible, as you’ve discovered. If you’re interested check out the symptoms at Mayo Clinic; just google hyperthyroid Mayo Clinic. I read up on hyperthyroidism after being prescribed too much Synthroid in 2013 or 2014.

      One thing I read is being hyperthyroid can cause muscle tissue to break down. I think the reason was your body is trying to get fuel because it’s running too fast but am not sure about that. BTW by too much I mean I was taking 125 mcg Synthroid and it was increased to 150 mcg Synthroid, two doses higher, because my TSH level was around 4.

      That put me into hyperthyroidism. It took a couple years to get back down to 125 mcg, 2 years of running hyperthyroid, rough. I still feel hyperthyroid part of the time and am currently trying to talk my primary care manager down another dose to 112 mcg.

      Maybe that would be too low, last TSH was 2, but I’d like to know for sure. TSH of 2 is in optimum range but I’m thinking maybe it isn’t optimum for me. Good luck with your endo appt.

      Reply
      • My doc is letting try Synthroid at 1 dose lower, 112 mcg, for 6 months. I’m to see her late September for labs and so she can talk to me.

        I don’t know if going to the appointment with the list of side effects from this Synthroid website helped (I’ve been having shortness of breath, chest pains, excessive sweating and intolerance to heat).

        Or if my new doc is just more experienced with thyroid disease and realizes what’s best for the majority might not be best for all. I’ll try to remember to come back and post how the lower dose is working out.

        So far I’ve only been on it 6 days; I’ve read it can take 4 to 6 weeks before noticing a change.

        Reply
        • Twenty-four days on the lower dose Synthroid 112 mcg, mostly remembering to take it correctly. The one change in symptoms so far is, very soon after starting the lower dose, my chest pains stopped, or at least became a lot less noticeable.

          Reply
  12. I have had Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism for a number of years and use Synthroid. I am currently “coming down” off an over-adjustment of Synthroid that was made by my Endo that started January 2018. What a nightmare. I had been on 50 mcg and my labs and symptoms showed I might benefit from an increase.

    First we tried 75 mcg but I told my doctor after a few weeks I felt heart palpitations so we went to an alternating schedule of 50 mcg 4 times a week and 75 mcg 3 times a week. I am only 5′ 3′ and 114 lbs so even small changes affect me. Looking back, I had the symptoms of hyperthyroidism creeping up but I had also suffered a concussion in December 2017 and had dismissed some of the symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, concentration difficulties, etc to the concussion.

    Well just this past weekend, everything went crazy. I was having panic attacks, uncontrollable nervousness, wasn’t sleeping, horrible heart palpitations, sweating (I am usually freezing when everyone else is comfortable), increased bowel movements and nausea that made it difficult to eat.

    I thought I was going crazy. My TSH had gone to .266 and free T4 was at 1.73. I had to take Klonopin to get any relief from the anxiety symptoms because they were so bad. I was lucky I still had a prescription for it or I would have been in the ER.

    Saw my Endo just yesterday and have been instructed to stop the Synthroid all together for a few days (she said Synthroid has a half-life of about 7 days) and then start back at 50 mcg only. As a usual Hypo person, I had always wondered if Hyper people had it better – answer is definitely “no” from my experience.

    I’m still feeling off and am having difficulty sleeping along with heart palpitations and fatigue. Not fun when you’re still getting over a concussion. Adjusting and taking thyroid medication is a serious thing.

    Reply
    • November 11 2014 my TSH level was 4.905. My Synthroid dose was increased from 125 mcg to 150 mcg. June 2 2015 my TSH level was 0.084. My doc had me skip a couple days, then alternate taking the 150 mcg and skipping to level the dosage to a lower level, I don’t remember the plan exactly.

      I asked to have my TSH checked again July 8 2015 because I thought I still might be hyperthyroid. Instead the TSH level was 16.700! I just wanted to give you a heads up, when your doc has you skip doses you might find yourself back well into hypothyroid range.

      You might need to ask for further tests if you feel you need them, until you are in normal range. On another note, I’m still trying to figure out if it simply takes a couple years at the optimum dose before you feel better and test results are in the right range.

      Or if there’s a constant change in TSH levels caused by stress, change in seasons, etc. My last TSH level was 2, smack in optimum range, but I don’t feel so great. #:^ P

      Reply
    • I have Hashimotos too. And I was having symptoms of hyper like anxiety, heart palpitations (never had those two in my life until Hashi) sweaty palms, nausea, insomnia, breathing problems, extreme fatigue, depression.

      I was on 75 and they moved me to 50 now. Symptoms have improved but I still have minor anxiety, depression and I can’t sleep stay asleep without melatonin. I went to see a naturopath yesterday and she said she can help me with that.

      Reply
      • My doc is letting me try 1 dose lower, 112 mcg Synthroid. I started the lower 112 mcg Synthroid dose June 26th. The one thing I’ve noticed so far, 9 days in, is I haven’t been having chest pains. But that could be coincidence, the chest pains have come and gone for a couple decades.

        (I had the heart tests; I’m fine except for a slight murmur). Anyway I read it can take 4 to 6 weeks before noticing any changes from a change in dose. My continuing symptoms are excessive sweating (I live in the South Carolina Lowcountry), heat intolerance and short of breath.

        I also have anxiety and excitability (bouncing off the walls), but didn’t see those on this Synthroid website’s symptoms list.

        Reply
    • Hi Susan, I was wondering if you could tell me how long it took for you to feel better, especially with the anxiety, after you changed your dose? I have been on a lower synthroid dose for about two weeks, but am still feeling quite anxious.

      I’m wondering if my dose is still too high, or if it just takes time. Your symptoms sound a lot like mine, so would love to hear your progress. Hope you’re feeling better! Thanks!

      Reply
  13. I unintentionally took at least twice and perhaps 3 times my usual dose of synthroid. It happened because I inadvertently took synthroid thinking it was zopiclone. Got the bottles mixed up when taking my might meds. Thinking I had the zopiclone container, I took one as I couldn’t get to sleep.

    Laid in bed for an hour, still couldn’t sleep, so as my MD had allowed me to take 2 zopiclone in a time of severe insomnia, I took another. Then I got scared. Went into check and to my dismay I was taking synthroid 0.75. Means I could have taken 2.25. Is this serious?

    Reply
  14. I was on 112 for 10 years. 5’4 130lbs. I gained to 155 over a few months and levothyroxine was increased to 125. 3 months ago GP increased dose to 175mcg. I feel like I may die. Body has been aching for 3 weeks daily migraines and last 2 weeks I feel like I have the flu but I don’t!

    I think I’m in synthroid overload. Not to mention I’m concerned cause I always used to use levothyroxine and my insurance said I had to get through mail order. Now my pills are different and say synthroid on them.

    Reply
  15. Found out I had thyroid cancer at the end of 2016; got a full thyroidectomy at MD Anderson; my endocrinologist started me on 200mcg of Synthroid; at first, I wasn’t quite sure what was going on. I found that I have less energy and not motivated to really take on exercising or being active. I am generally a fairly active person; enjoy outdoor sports, tennis, swimming, biking, etc., but now just more tired than before.

    I also did tend to get sweaty at times and not even doing anything, being tired during my awake hours, I can doze off (30-90mins) just sitting on a couch even after a full-night’s rest of 7-8hrs. I wasn’t like that before the thyroidectomy; I’m about 5-8, 220lbs; my weight stayed fairly constant before and after the surgery.

    I don’t have any issues sleeping before & after starting Synthroid. Then I went to my primary-care doctor for my annual/full check-up in mid-2017; found a few things that either are just part of being 46 years old or coincidentally from the higher dosage of Synthroid, I don’t know. I found myself in the pre-diabetic range (5.7%-6.4%) with my A1C result which was not the case before.

    I was diagnosed with Low-T, consistently under the standard range of 264-916ng/dL (measured 5 times between Apr 2017-Feb 2018) which my doctor informs me that I should check my bone density next especially if I don’t want to start any Testosterone therapy. My T4, free remains above the standard range of 1.77; averaging at 2.05 ng/dL measured 4 times in the same period (Apr 2017-Feb 2018).

    I’m also on blood pressure medication, Losartan, which I had just started at around the same time I’d found out I had thyroid cancer. I had my Endocrinologist lower my dosage from 200mcg to 175mcg in May 2017, so I was on 200mcg for 6 months. I think I did feel a bit better, not as tired all the time. Since the change, I’ve tried to plow through my day staying active as much as I can, I still find myself a bit ‘off’, tired at times and just a general lack of motivation unless I just overcome by staying active and getting even more tired.

    I think my weight is part of the problem too, so I have started a goal to try and lose 5-10% this year. My next endocrinologist visit isn’t until August, but I will ask her to lower it again, probably to 150mcg and see if that helps further.

    Reply
    • I too had Thyroid Cancer and had an ectomy… My synthroid levels were upped again n again to 200 a day.. My weight keep increasing to 182lbs. My hair thinned my eyebrows went to nothing. Sleepiness anxiety took meds for so many things.

      4.5 months ago had no refill on synthroid couldn’t get Dr or his office to call back. Stopped taking it. Since my hair has grown in my eyebrows are grown back and I’m losing weight. I have headaches that coffee helps with. So I don’t know what to think.

      I don’t have the hot flashes now. I do sleep more then 4 hours a day since. I just looked up the side effects of this drug and found this page. It makes sense. Just where to go from here is the issue…

      Reply
      • Hi Diane, I had my thyroid removed 26 years ago due to cancer. Been on synthroid ever since. In the last few years my dose went from 50 to 110 now. I’m 64, 5’5″ and in the last 8 months gained 22 lbs. I’m more tired than usual too. My Dr is a good Dr, and I don’t doubt her findings on my labs.

        But I have been contemplating either cutting my dose in half or just stop taking it for a while to see if my weight went down. But fear stops me. “Can we exist without the replacement” is in the forefront of my thoughts, since I always heard your thyroid is the powerhouse of our body.

        How are you now, 2 months since your post? Which would be about 6 months since you stopped all together? Any side effects or issues? I hope you’re well and will share again.

        Reply
  16. I once a slightly higher than usual dose of levothyroxine at my doctor’s advice because I hadn’t been able to take it for several days due to a stomach bug and was experiencing some pretty bad symptoms of hypothyroidism. I am NEVER gonna do that again. I have had panic attacks from Bipolar Disorder, but, they were nothing compared to the one I had after taking the extra levothyroxine.

    About 30 minutes after I took it, I started feeling a little nervous and thought it was about the appointment I was heading off to. Normally, I love car rides, but, this time, I completely lost my mind. When I got in the car with her to go to my appointment, I suddenly felt really claustrophobic, the movements of the vehicle were more intense than usual, I kept yelling at my mom to stop and let me out.

    She finally did after I almost passed out while we were going down a hill, and, being a nurse, she realized I was having a reaction to the surge in thyroid hormones, so, she told me to take my beta blocker, which, thankfully, stopped the reaction, and I was able to continue with the rest of my day, avoiding exertion. Next time, I will just resume my normal dose.

    Reply
  17. I was advised to take 100mcg in pregnancy, before that I was taking 88mcg. After delivery, I was prescribed to take 88 mcg again. It caused me itching and anxiety. Itching is getting worse. Today I got my blood work results out and doctor has prescribed 50mcg now. Hoping I will be better in a week or two.

    Reply
  18. Hi. I’ve been hypo for 18 years now. My levels are rarely the same. I have the unique benefit/punishment of a former girlfriend trying to kill me by swapping my Synthroid for her seroquel. Lots of fun. The hospital ended up giving me 100,000 x my normal rate to bring me around. It’s left its mark.

    I regularly would increase the amount of Synthroid I would take because I knew what happened in me when I didn’t have enough. The alternative had to be better. I don’t have many of the symptoms of over medicating. However, the ones I do have are difficult to cope with.

    I’ve been vomiting and attributing it to pain that I cope with. Also, the person saying they slept 90 minutes A day, resonated with me. People think I don’t remember sleeping more than the 18 minutes I say I get on occasion.

    Those are rare, but there are plenty of sleepless nights. This article has changed the way I will proceed in the future in ways other than allowing someone else to set up my medications. Thank you

    Reply
  19. I started taking levothyroxine over a decade ago and was very stable on 50 mcg a day. However, at the beginning of 2017, I discovered that I had an issue with excess dietary copper. I worked to balance copper and zinc in my diet and later also realized I needed to balance iron and vitamin E. I came off all my supplements except for 400 IU of vitamin D a day (which I balance with vitamin A and other nutrients through diet), a complete omega supplement, and a probiotic.

    Several months after working through all these dietary issues, I started feeling terrible. I stopped my medication the day after my doctor did some thyroid blood work and noticed I felt a lot better. I later ordered lab tests to check things to make sure my results had normalized.

    When I had that blood work done, nearly two months after I stopped taking my medication, my TSH was elevated, over 6.5, compared to around 5.1 when it was tested the last day I was on medication. I decided to try going back on my medication by taking only half a tablet a day. About two and a half weeks later, I begin having the same symptoms as before when I decided to stop.

    While it may seem that my dietary changes are making me not need thyroid replacement hormone, the test results seem to suggest otherwise. I thought they might be due to high reverse T3 caused by too much T4, but I’m just not sure at this point. The only thing I can think of to try right now until I go back to my doctor next month is to take the half tablet every other day.

    My hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, and MCHC were all just slightly lower than normal on both tests (same day as thyroid tests were done), but I’ve had these issues at other times over the years and have never had problems with my thyroid medication at those times. In fact, this time, I wonder if the thyroid medication is causing the low numbers. I’m just not sure what’s going on.

    Reply
    • I thought of something today that might explain my numbers. Perhaps the 6.5 could have actually been a part of a downward trend from a previously higher number. Over time after stopping my medication, perhaps my TSH got even higher than the 5.1 and then started coming down. Perhaps it will be even lower when I see my doctor next month. I can certainly hope!

      Reply
  20. When I was first prescribed Synthroid following a thyroidectomy in 2014, I inadvertently took 2 doses within 30 minutes and immediately experienced rapid heart rate and anxiety (compounded by fear upon realizing what I had done!). I knew that calcium interferes with absorption of Synthroid, so I downed a quart of yogurt and drank a lot of water. The negative side effects were gone in about an hour, and I never did that again!

    Reply
  21. Hi, I have been taking synthroid 175 mcg for approx 10 years after iodine drink and all was great, this past 6 months I have suffered from many of the symptoms of the list above, I am now hyper. I missed a few days of taking synthroid as per my physician. I have now been prescribed 150 and retest in 30-60 days.

    I could tell something was wrong as my mind would not stop thinking, headaches and diarrhea, also muscle ache and exercise didn’t seem to do anything for my muscles, trouble thinking and after many years I have been told my blood sugar is high, but I have not changed my daily routine. Doctor suggests to get my thyroid medication back to normal and retest everything, hope this helps.

    Reply
  22. Thanks information helped a lot! I’m experiencing all the above symptoms, doctor prescribed me 300 mcg of synthroid. I’m over-medicated… yikes.

    Reply
  23. Great posts everyone…they are really so helpful. I have been overdosed twice, on by my doc who wrote the wrong prescription and I was being underdosed. I had the typical hypo symptoms which improved after a new doctor caught the error. Then, after years on the same dose, I went “crazy” as my family calls it, one summer and upon testing, the endo cut my dosage from 125 mcg to 75 mcg.

    About 6 years ago, I began having insomnia and extreme body pain. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia but by then I had stopped seeing my endo due to scheduling difficulties and was relying on a gp. After 6 years of severe “fibro” pain, I discussed my tsh level with my gp. It had gone down from .75, to .52 and then .26 over a 3 year period.

    I had been to see my gp and rheumatologist repeatedly over the years as I dealt with severe pain and insomnia. I had been having muscle spasms, headaches, dry skin, hair falling out, etc. My gp finally agreed to cut my synthroid to 50 MCG and my symptoms stopped within a week. I have been pain free for 2 months.

    There were times where I couldn’t stand to have clothing touch my skin, hip pain, shoulder pain, and even feet throbbed in pain all night. Sleeping was difficult with ambien, tramadol er, occasionally t3. I am pretty tough having been through surgeries on my knees, shoulders, cervical fusion, lumbar fusion, etc., but the lack of a good, restorative sleep was horrible. I was supposed to start a new med, gabapentin, to see if it would help with the fibro, and I am so glad I didn’t.

    I even stopped my hrt and had no hot flashes. Now after having 2 steroid injections, 4 weeks apart in my knee, I am back to having horrible hot flashes. The last injection was a month ago so I am not sure if it was the steroid injections or my thyroid again. The hot flashes are common for me with steroids but not for more than 1 week. I hope to get it straightened out soon before my knee replacement this May.

    Reply
  24. I’ve been taking 400 mcg everyday for the past year. Way too high! This amount was prescribed by my GP and I had to follow up with an Endo. He is repeat testing my thyroid every 8 weeks as he lowers the dosage little by little. I feel like death.

    Every bone in my body aches, I get severe leg cramps every night and wake up in a pool of water due to sweating. Sometimes I wish the Endo would start on the lower end of scale of meds and work his way up. I surely feel the anxiety as well!

    Reply
  25. I was alternating one day 88 mcg, next day 100 mcg for about 2 years with no trouble. Then I started having some palpitations and so was tested … my TSH was 1.2, when normally I was around a 1.5. Since I wasn’t feeling quite right the doctor suggested I just take 88 mcg and stop the 100. Did that for about 4 or 5 months and felt good.

    But then I started getting anxiety. It became worse over the period of a month or two after which time I also started having terrible problems concentrating, developed frequent loose bowels movements, had an increased heart rate and started losing weight. I was surprised – these were symptoms of serious hyperthyroidism, but I had just REDUCED my meds earlier that year!

    I was tested again and TSH was 1.9 , a number that usually produces no symptoms for me. So I thought my symptoms were being caused by something else. I was so edgy and anxious that I seriously felt like I was developing a mental illness… it was HORRIBLE. Finally went to an alternative doctor who suggested I cut my 88 mcg pills in half for week and see what happens.

    I didn’t think my meds were the problem since my TSH was a very middle of the road 1.9, but I took his advice and I swear, within 3 days of lowering the dose my symptoms started to subside. I then saw my Endo and we tried a 50 dose for awhile, but then my TSH shot up to 17. After a year and a half of trial and error, I settled on 75 mcg 5 days a week and 88 mcg 2 days a week.

    Have been doing that for awhile now and I feel great. So at 88 daily, I felt like a lunatic, but the slightly lower dose of 75 with 2x a week at 88 brought me back to feeling normal. My new “ideal” for my TSH is about a 2.5 to 3.5. (It used to be about 1.5 – 2.4). Anything lower and I feel like an crazed, anxious loon.

    My doctor told me that sometimes after women enter menopause, synthroid tolerance and TSH “ideals” can change. Anyway, as bad as hypo feels, I can tell you that hyper is much, much much worse! Go by how you feel, not by the numbers!

    Reply
  26. Primary doctor increased my levothyroxine from 50 mcg to 75 mcg. After another blood draw, 2 months later, she increased it to 150 mcg. Within a week I was back in A-Fib. My Cardio doctor said I should have called him before taking the increased dose. She knew my medical history. Cardio doctor lowered dose to 100 mcg. I waited almost a month before having the procedure hoping it would correct itself. WRONG!! Had another cardioversion, Nov. 30, ’16. I have been in rhythm since. Primary doctor said she was “sorry”, but also stated she wasn’t a Cardio doctor. I will be changing primary doctor.

    Reply
    • Dennis I would suggest an endocrinologist. They will coordinate with your primary and your cardio. Both of the non endo docs prescribe by the numbers. A good endo looks at a lot of factors and will look at t3 and t4. Please get a good endo. Your cardio may be closer than a primary, but you still should have been referred to a specialist for endocrinology.

      Reply
  27. I am 40 now. I had thyroid cancer in 2013. I was put on 150 mcg Synthroid after that. I am a big guy (fat, not tall) at almost 6 ft and 250 lbs. Two months later, I find out I am diabetic. Fast forward another 6 months. Thyroid cancer is back. Remainder of thyroid was removed in late 2014. Iodine ablation in December 2014.

    262 mcg for almost 2 years, with tsh suppressed to keep cancer at bay. Now on 237 mcg after TSH was less than 0.01, 6 months ago. I really don’t know which is worse, the anxiety, leg sweats, moodiness and irritability from the heavy doses of synthroid, or an increase in cancer risk. My personality has almost completely changed over the last two years. Scary really.

    Reply
  28. I have been taking 75 mcg, Doc told me my TSH was low and increased me to 88mcg. I have had heart palpitations, anxiety, increased heart rate, sleepless nights and hot flashes. I have been on the new dose for 2 weeks.

    Thinking about decreasing my meds. I did feel out of balance, so I agreed to the change in the dosage, but now I feel even worse. It has been six weeks since my last blood draw…is it to soon to be retested? If I am high now…would it show up after 2 weeks on the new dosage?

    Reply
  29. I have been hypothyroid for over 12 years, maybe longer. I started on 50mcg and had major tachy, anxiety, sweats. Took a cardiologist to stop the Meds and I was on a beta blocker. I have had med changes over the past 12 years. Always get the same symptoms just out of the blue, then continue until I stop Meds.

    Sometimes my TSH is normal sometimes not. I have found the labs are not always indicative of symptoms. Listen to your body. I’m having it again, stopped my Meds felt better, started again and symptoms returned. I am a mess, just moved, started a new job. Ughhhh.

    Reply
  30. My brother has been taking 50 mcg Levothyroxine and due to blood tests and was increased in the beginning of Nov. to 75 mcg. He experienced sleeping issues, anxiety, depression, unclear thinking, then eventually after about 5 weeks, he had insomnia (about 2 hours of sleep a night). Now, after he can’t take it any more and little help from his primary (PA’s and nurses), we decided it was the Levothyroxine that was too strong and needs to go back to 50mcg.

    It’s been two days on 50mcg. How long do you feel it will be before he’s able to sleep 5 or 6 hours again? I have read that after a week or so 50% is out of your system then about another week for another 25%, etc. I really need too know about when the sleeping aspect of the negative side effect will subside.

    (No sleeping prescription is working either!) He’s really breaking down. Could use advice. Will kidney detox help progress ridding his system of side effects quicker? Anything at all to help sleep??

    Reply
  31. I had radioactive thyroid ablation 15 years ago due to Grave’s. It took a couple of years to get the right dosage of synthroid and I always used name brand synthroid. My thyroid levels have been normal for at least 10 years, then starting March 2016 I had heart palpitations, couldn’t sleep, night sweats, anxiety – I reported this to my doc and my labs showed hyperthyroidism, we didn’t change meds but waited and re-did labs 3 months later.

    I was hypothyroid that time, re-tested in June and was on the low end of normal, re-tested in September and was hyper. This time we changed to generic synthroid and lowered it to 112 mcg from 125. I am having heart palpitations, but am tired all the time, cold, and depressed.

    I have lost weight and am down to 108 pounds. Has anyone else had their labs jump all over the place in a year after many years of remaining stable? My doctor doesn’t have any answers for me when I ask why this could happen. I am curious to see what my next lab draw shows…

    Reply
    • I had my thyroid removed because of a goiter six years ago. This past summer the endocrinologist raised my dosage to 150. This was about time that I was experiencing medical issues, including continued perimenopase, so I attributed the anxiety and shortness of breath to worry. I ended up having emergency gallbladder surgery which increased my anxiety exponentially.

      My primary care physician tried many anti anxiety drugs to no avail. The made the insomnia worse. At one point, the ER department said my levels were fine after a gallbladder attack. I had my levels done for the endocrinologist and she called and said my levels were much too high, I had to stop taking for three days and begin at a much lower dose if 112.

      In three months, I will be tested again, knowing that I will probably have to increase to 125. My symptoms were off the chart. I have never had symptoms of hyperthyroidism before so I was unprepared for all these crazy and frightening side effects. My endo believes that perimenopase/menopause attributed to the rise of my levels since I am completely dependent on medication.

      I will be more diligent in checking my levels between doctor appointments when I feel something isn’t right. Hopefully I will start feeling better sooner than later.

      Reply
    • Exact same scenario here! Also was reduced after 10 yrs from 125 mcg to 112, but after 12 weeks I have GAINED weight back that took me a long time and effort to lose! My nurse changed my dosage after just one lab result change… should have waited for another test before messing with the dosage I’m beginning to think!

      Reply
  32. I am shocked at the similarities everyone has posted on this site. Luckily I had to get blood work for my GYN since she’s trying to find the right dosage for my Bio-identical hormones. My Thyroid level was very low and she strongly suggested I see an Endocrinologist. A month later I see him and he tells me my dosage was too high & he decreased it by .25.

    The interesting part is I am wondering if the medication I was taking was the problem. I always, and everyone else should always, get Brand Synthroid. Your doctor probably didn’t advise you of that but it is very dangerous to take a hormone pill that could or could not be a little different. The color of my last refill in September was different yet from the same pharmacy Walgreens and pharmaceutical company Abbvie.

    It’s strange that the majority of comments were around September + or – 3 months. I feel awful and need to know how long it takes to calm down. My Fibromyalgia pain has increased, I perspire as if I just ran a relay, I walk around so pissed off, I don’t want to go anywhere but when I make myself go I’m ready to go home, forget about the holidays I didn’t like them anyway, and my deltoid muscles hurt so bad I wake up screaming because I can’t lift my arms up.

    I’m grateful for my Sicilian boyfriend but I need patience to deal with him on a good day. Please let me know what I can do to expedite & dismiss these symptoms. Thanks.

    Reply
  33. I have A-fib that was corrected with an Ablation last Dec.’15. I needed another Cardioversion in Jan. ’16. I was back in RHYTHM. I went to my family doctor for something else in May and she wanted to check my Thyroid level, so I had a blood draw. They called and told me she increased my Levo to 75mcg. from 50mcg. I went back Nov. 1 st. and she DOUBLED it to 150 mcg. TWO DAYS LATER I went OUT OF RHYTHM! My Cardiologist told me that I SCREWED UP! I had to have another CARDIOVERSION on Nov. 30th. My Cardiologist told me to ALWAYS call him BEFORE changing ANY MEDS!

    Reply
  34. I am on 175 mcg of synthroid. My dr recently prescribed a mild diuretic for me to take at night. I unknowingly took a synthroid tablet rather than the similar looking diuretic. My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest, I could not breathe well, and my legs and face went numb. I went to the emergency room. After some time all of my symptoms eased.

    Reply
  35. I have Hashimoto’s, back in July I was diagnosed with h-pylori. I was not informed that this would affect my thyroid so I continued to take 125mcg on a daily basis for 9 weeks, this caused me to have a thyroid storm. My heart rate went to 201 bpm, I experienced extreme tremors, sleeplessness loss of appetite eight loss and tachycardia.

    When I went to my Endocrinologist he thought I had Graves’ disease, and began testing after weeks of testing it was determined that I was still hypothyroid and he lowered my dose to 75mcg daily. However after 2 days all my symptoms returned and I had to stop meds again. It’s been 6 days since and I feel fatigued, and extremely emotional.

    My doctor wants to wait 2 weeks before running more blood tests. I am at a loss and I am desperate to find answers. Has anyone experienced this?

    Reply
    • Sharon, 2 years ago I was extremely tired and was vomiting a lot. I went to the doctor and found out I had h-pylori as well has hypothyroid. They put me on 75mcg a day and I literally went insane. I couldn’t sleep was having panic attacks all the time just crazy stuff. I went back to the doctor and my test showed I was now hyper so they continued to lower my dosage.

      I now take only 15 mg of armour thyroid. I felt normal until now. Lately I have been getting lots of panic with extreme weight loss (I think like 15 pounds) and am having same symptoms I was having before. I felt very ill so I stopped taking my medicine and feel pretty normal except I’m very jittery, and can’t sleep much still, but I go to the doctor tomorrow. I know it’s hard but I hope this helps you.

      Reply
  36. My wife has been a mess since seeing her doctor last week. Pretty much every symptom of too much medication. When she went in her TSH was low at 0.338 and her T3 was normal at 3.28 and T4 was also on the low end of normal at 1.2. Those numbers would indicate decreasing dosage or at a minimum of leaving it the same. Well the PA that saw here told her to DOUBLE her dosage from 100 to 200 micrograms of Levothyroxine. (She weighs 130 lbs). Her resting heart rate sitting at dinner was 128 BPM. I’m wondering how safe it is to wait it out.

    Reply
  37. I started on the low dosage and didn’t see any improvement so I asked if they could up it a little. Felt okay but now every time I don’t take it at the right time in the morning or forget altogether, I have a migraine that lasts all day, despite taking the pill eventually. Is this normal?

    Reply
  38. I had a thyroidectomy 2 years ago and have been on 150 micrograms of levothyroxine. Everything was fine until about 30 days ago. Had severe palpitations and visited the ER. My endo lowered my dose to 125. Felt awful for about a week but then began to improve. The palpations subsided and it looked like that 125 would work fine.

    Then I got hit with heavy anxiety out of the blue. He lowered it again to 112 last week. Had to get a prescription for Xanax in the meantime to control the adrenaline surges. I’m praying these begin to subside over the next week. Awful experience.

    Reply
  39. I am really worried about my daughter. She has been on Levothroxine (50ml) for years. About three weeks ago annual blood tests indicated that she needed an increased dose (75ml) Within a weeks she was displaying many of the symptoms above. She has Down Syndrome, and is unable to vocalize her distress. Her behavior and anxiety is resulting in her becoming aggressive. Whilst we are awaiting her to consent to blood tests she remains on 75ml. No one seems able to take my concerns seriously, putting it down to her having Down Syndrome. I am at my wits end trying to get answers.

    Reply
  40. I’m a male in my late 50’s taking 100 mcg of Levothyroxine daily. I felt some jet lag after a 12 hour flight and decided to take an additional 88 mcg to see if it would make me feel better. Big mistake. That night I got zero sleep. The next night 1 hour. I haven’t taken any additional these past 2 days and I’m hoping tonight I get back to normal.

    Reply
  41. I quit smoking. Most people who quit need more thyroid meds but I went hyper. Hyper symptoms is not good anytime but especially when you just quit smoking. What a nightmare but I survived and now I am a non-smoker and need less levoxyl.

    Reply
  42. I have been on synthroid for 30 years and suddenly after intentional weight loss I began to be overdosed on my thyroid medication. I was reduced from .112 to .100 and my over medication only changed slightly. My doctor has reduced it to .05, cut it by half. I hope this works.

    We think I was over medicated for quite a while. I had headaches, jittery feelings, and palpitations, luckily no hyper tension, my blood pressure is very,low on the best day. I hope this will settle. Is it likely I might come off the medication or can it go lower?

    Reply
  43. About 7 years ago I had thyroid cancer and had my thyroid completely removed. Afterward I stayed cold all the time, so cold I had a blanket year around. I was taking over 200 mg a day at first because of my weight. I was at 250 pounds. Anyway about 2 or 3 years ago I had gastric sleeve surgery and lost about 50 pounds. The doctor decreased my synthroid to 137 mg a day except on Sunday and then I take 2 of my pills making it 274 mg.

    I have started having nearly all the symptoms above just this year. Hot flashes are horrible, nearly every morning I wake up sweating even with the air on a low temp. I have had rapid heartbeat, can’t sleep more than 4 hours at night and my head bothers me all the time.

    Reply
  44. I am prescribed 100 mcg per day. This morning I accidentally took tomorrow’s dose, forgetting that I had already taken my pill. Frankly, I don’t feel any different 4 hours later. I am always depressed, in spite of taking Prozac and Trazodone along with .25 Xanax daily, and I sleep whenever I want to. I live in the deep south and no AC in the world can keep up with our heat, therefore if I am sweating I hardly notice it.

    It scared me when I discovered that I took two days worth of synthroid in one day, but otherwise I don’t notice side effects. Should I go to ER? Only option here in my town. I am caregiver for Alz husband and don’t want to get out needlessly, but this website has me worried that I might have a cardiac event!

    Reply
  45. I have been on 0.5 mcg of synthroid for a while and was fine. But I started exercising a lot more,ingesting coconut oil and taking vitamins. I then began having these horrible, horrible bouts of panic, flushing, shaking, shortness of breath and nausea. One time I even threw up. When I realized it could be the synthroid, I quit taking it for a whole week to let me body calm down. Now I only take half – 0.25 mcg. I would not wish these symptoms on anyone! I probably should have gone to the hospital because it was that bad.

    Reply
  46. I purposely took 150mcg instead of 50mcg because I felt I needed that extra jump to get me thru some days… side effects of that are throbbing headaches, excessive body heat, and insomnia so far…

    Reply
    • I too jumped my medication. I am on 100 a day and I’ve jumped to 300 for the past month. I am going to my Doctor tomorrow because the side effects are getting bad. I self medicated as my Doctor is so hard to get into, but the 300 is what made me feel “normal.” But now I’m getting the sh-t side effects.

      Reply
  47. I was over medicated by my Dr. I knew these last 2 yrs I wasn’t feeling right. I brought to her attention we did labs and I was always told too high she said or low at times. But never did my dosage change just a day cut out or half of my pill on a Sunday instead of whole. I experienced of the symptoms and even worry that this long on a high dosage could have hurt my heart.

    I’ve had 2 ekgs done and both normal. I recently was told I was given too much meds after a new endocrinologist told me I was on a high dosage for my weight. 200mg at 130lbs. Now I am at 120lbs from loss of weight that happened within 3 weeks. I feel my body just went through a crash and said I can’t keep up no more.

    Right now I’m at 150 mg until my next labs, guessing my Dr is cutting it down little by little til we get to the right dosage. I hope these symptoms go away, and I get back on my old self.

    Reply
  48. I was prescribed 200 mcg. I was so upset I couldn’t loose weight because of this condition and unstable levels I increase my own dosage by take 800 mcg. That night I had horrible leg cramps that hurt for two weeks and I never did that again. I was stupid.

    Reply
  49. I had been taking 75mcg one day 100mcg the next. My GP said I needed to increase my dosage to 100 a day. This happened months back. I have reduced it back to 75 now as I was living in a permanent state of being awake. If I slept it would be for about an hour to 90 mins and was ratty and irritable.

    I was also worrying about my work for no apparent reason. After routine tests my GP said to reduce my meds and only have the higher dose on two days a week. Well, today I realized… I’ve started sleeping again.

    Reply
  50. I have been over medicated on thyroid hormone. It is definitely not comfortable. I feel sick, dizzy, sharp headache, anxious, impaired cognition, and all the symptoms mentioned in above article. Symptoms will subside at lowering the dose. It takes about a week to feel a difference, not completely better.

    That takes a good 8 weeks. But if still feeling hyper at 10 weeks, another decrease may be in order. I just recently got a super potent dose of Synthroid 100 mcg. and developed hyper symptoms after taking only 8 days of pills. Not a happy camper. Hope this helps someone.

    Reply
    • I too was over medicated, just recently went down to 112mg from 200mg. Switched endocrinologist and that’s where the problem was found. I had been dealing with high anxiety, sleepless nights, night sweats and rapid heartbeat… I have to go back in 3 months to see where I stand. Dr doesn’t think I should have labs in a month because 3 months would be a more accurate way to determine.

      I’m hoping like everyone says I’ll feel some side edits subside within 2 weeks but I know I won’t be completely side effect free til I am on the right dosage. I have congenital hypothyroidism (born without thyroid gland).

      Reply
    • I have been overmedicated accidentally for a while. I have had a hard time getting my dosage right. Do the symptoms of heart disease go away once you have gotten the right dosage? I have been on high dosage for awhile. Does anyone know if there is permanent damage?

      Reply
    • Wow! Just read your comment and this is definitely what I am experiencing. I am actually taking Tirosint and my endo wanted to up my dosage to every other day alternating 25 mg and 50 mg. I also take 81.25 mg Nature thyroid.

      I only took three doses of the 50 mg and woke last night to profuse sweating and blood pressure was 138/101. I also have Addison’s disease. Talked with my doctor today and am not going to take the 50 mg anymore.

      Was experiencing heart palpitations, dizziness to where I thought I might pass out, sweating, anxiety, headache, nausea. It sucks it is so hard to get your thyroid dosage in a good range.

      Reply

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