right synthroid dose

[howlongdoesittake]

How long does it usually take to get on the right synthroid dose? I've been hypo since May (about three weeks after I took radioactive iodine to cure hyperthyroidism). My doc first put me on 88, then 100, but both were still too low. Now I'm on 112 and I am so speedy, can't sleep, get the shakes, angry, anxious. This is much worse than I was when I was hyperthyroid. I'm starting my seventh month of trying to get on the right dose. This seems like a long time. Is this normal?

[Hashimoto]

It is not abnormal for it to take a long time to get your dosage right. Doctors have to increase or decrease your meds gradually. Until you get the dosage right, you should be going to the doctor every month.

Keep in mind, your "right dose" will change over time. You may stay on the same dose for years and then suddenly need a higher or lower dose. Unfortunately, its just part of the disease.

Take your meds in the morning on an empty stomach. Don't eat for an hour. Reduce your caffiene intake while you are running hyper.

[howlongdoesittake]

Thank you Hashimoto. Much appreciated. Will work on my patience! Another question. For the last couple of weeks I've had a very sore thyroid/throat (kind of like the sore throat I had just after the radioactive idodine). Is this normal?

[Hashimoto]

Maybe, maybe not. I have had sore throats and hoarseness as a result of my condition. However, each person's symptoms are different. I guess it depends on how severe your sore throat is ... drink tea. If it is really bad, get to your endocrinologist to verify it is not something more serious.

[Unregistered]

I was a lot like you. The .100mcg were too low, but the .112mcg were too high. My doctor changed my dose to be the .100mcg Monday - Friday and taking the .112 mcg on Saturday and Sunday. It seems like a lot of doctors don't "play" with dose and for some people, like me, the same dose 7 days a week just doesn't cut it.

I recommend talking to your doctor about trying something like that. I've finally decided that no matter what - I have to base my dosage on how I feel. I agree with you, it's worse to feel hyper than hypo - although they both aren't great. When your dosage is right, you'll feel great!

[Unregistered]

I also have had problems with my dosing. Last year, my 200 ug dose was too high. Later, they found that the 175 ug dose was too low and put me back at 200 ug. Now, I've just found that 200 ug is too low.

It changes seemingly for no reason.

[My2Cents]

My TSH levels were usually different every time I was tested, for the first couple of years. One visit I couldn't see the Dr., so I went with his PA. She told me to quit using generics. We picked the dosage that was in the middle of the range the Dr. had been prescribing, and haven't had to adjust it for 18 months now. She told me at the time, that generic meds were fine for most medications but the manufacturers seemed to have trouble with consistency with thyroid.

Just something to consider if your dosage seems fluctuate too much.