|
Share your experience: submit a drug review
Below are Synthroid (Levothyroxine) reviews, ratings, comments submitted by patients and caregivers. Based on a total of 32 ratings/reviews, Synthroid has an overall score of 8.28. The effectiveness score is 8 and the side effect score is 9.25. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst. This information is not vetted and should not be cosidered as clinical evidence. | | Synthroid review by 46 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | |  |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | hypothyroid |
| Dosage & duration: | | 25 mcg (dosage frequency: 1/day) for the period of for the last 9 mos |
| Other conditions: | | mild hypertension |
| Other drugs taken: | | lexapro, welbutrin, nexium, Benicar | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Increased energy; I happened to be without the drug for one week, and felt absolutely terrible - like I was completely knocked down. |
| Side effects: | | no side effects that i can remember. |
| Comments: | | The doctor ran a series of blood/chemical tests - thyroid, testosterone and DHEA levels. All were somewhat low, the synthroid in particular. We've started out with fairly low levels of each. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 42 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | |  |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | Mild Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | hypothyroidism |
| Dosage & duration: | | 100mcg (dosage frequency: once daily) for the period of still taking since 10 years on |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Clearer thinking; improved outlook and energy level. |
| Side effects: | | I have had a persistent cough since taking this drug. |
| Comments: | | Taken first thing with glass of water and no food for 30 minutes. Doctor did not see the connection between cough and Synthroid,(chest Xray came back fine) however as it did bother my stomach briefly at time of dosing, I decided it might be affecting the stomach lining. Recently towards late afternoon or before retiring will take Tagamet or some generic stomach med. I DO NOT experience heartburn, however, this routine seems to reduce the embarrassing cough significantly. This was my own resolution after trying many allergy medicines once or twice which did not stop the cough at all. Was also given sample of Advair which I did not use due to negative side effects I read about on internet before using. I am seeking a more natural and effective solution to replace the Synthroid with something that will treat source of low thyroid as well as the symptoms. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 39 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Ineffective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | after birth thyroid not working to mormal levelc |
| Dosage & duration: | | 50mcg (dosage frequency: 1 tablet a day f) for the period of 3 years |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | no benefit still tired short of breath losing hair can't lose weigth loss of libido |
| Side effects: | | no side effect no benefits |
| Comments: | | after blood test was given levothyroxine 50mcg 1 tablet a day to conteract over tiredness loss of hair weight problem and loss of libido. This treatment is for life but I had so far no benefit after over 3 years. I can not stop it as I was explain that it could go worth. No other treatment are available and no cause of this problem can be explained. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 56 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | hypothyroid |
| Dosage & duration: | | 0.075 (dosage frequency: one daily) for the period of 25 years |
| Other conditions: | | osteoporosis |
| Other drugs taken: | | evista | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | correction of thinning of hair, feeling cold all of the time, weepiness and feeling emotional. improvement in fingernails. correction of insomnia |
| Side effects: | | none |
| Comments: | | take tablet once daily in am on an empty stomach avoiding calcium for two hours. have thyroid function tests at least once a year. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 46 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Hashimotos syndrome - hypothyroid symptoms |
| Dosage & duration: | | various over lifetime, currently 75mcg (dosage frequency: once a day) for the period of 25 years |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Synthroid replaces the thyroid hormones not manufactured by the body. When proper levels are achieved, the endocrine system operates as it should. Important to note that generic versions CAN NOT be substituted if patient is currently treated with name brand. Start on generic, stay on generic. Start on Synthroid, stay on Synthroid. This is common knowledge among endocrinologists and pharmacists, but your insurance company may interfere. |
| Side effects: | | Provided annual blood tests are administered to check thyroid levels, there are no side effects and ensures healthy operation of endocrine system. |
| Comments: | | Treatment includes annual blood test to monitor thyroid levels, adjust dosage if necessary, and annual check-up with endocrinologist or internist. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 52 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | tiredness |
| Dosage & duration: | | 100mcg (dosage frequency: daily) for the period of 3 years |
| Other conditions: | | menopause |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Less tired, no need for naps in the afternoon. Immune system improved. |
| Side effects: | | None |
| Comments: | | One pill daily in the morning one hour before breakfast. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 54 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Moderately Effective |
| Side effects: | | Mild Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | thyroid removal |
| Dosage & duration: | | 100 mcg (dosage frequency: daily) for the period of 25 years |
| Other conditions: | | menopausal |
| Other drugs taken: | | HRT | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Needed to replace natural tyroid hormones |
| Side effects: | | weight gain |
| Comments: | | Prescribed after removal of tyroid gland |
|
| | Synthroid review by 40 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Moderately Effective |
| Side effects: | | Mild Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | hypothyroidism |
| Dosage & duration: | | 200 mcg (dosage frequency: daily) for the period of 11 years |
| Other conditions: | | iron-deficiency anemia, metrorrhagia |
| Other drugs taken: | | ferrous sulfate | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | The synthetic thyroid hormone treatment made it so I was at least able to function, sped my metabolism up enough to keep warm and have regular menses. |
| Side effects: | | Side effects come from taking either too little or too much Synthroid. It is a tightrope balancing act and the blood work is not specific enough to guide the clinical course. |
| Comments: | | Compared to others who naturally have a functioning thyroid, it is clear to see that Synthroid is an inferior product to what the thyroid makes naturally in a healthy individual. I know that I still have minor hypothyroid symptoms even when my blood counts show that I have therapeutic levels of the medication. Additionally, generic versions of Synthroid seem to be even less effective at relieving all the symptoms, even though the blood counts could be normal. With hypothyroidism becoming a very common condition these days, one would think that new medications would be coming out, but the medical professionals seem content to stick with Synthroid because "on paper" it seems to be safe and effective. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 46 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | hypothyroidism |
| Dosage & duration: | | .88mg taken once daily for the period of still take it |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | I had suffered from feeling tired all the time and my hair and skin seemed to be dull and dry. I noticed a remarkable change in my energy level within just a short time ( 7-10 days). Also the condition of my hair and skin seemed to improve. |
| Side effects: | | I didn't notice any side effects. |
| Comments: | | I take the medication first thing in the morning, about 30 minutes to an hour before eating breakfast. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 42 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | weight gain |
| Dosage & duration: | | .05 now .15 (dosage frequency: once a day) for the period of 17 years |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Initially, I was concerned because I had knee surgery and was on crutches for six months. I gained weight rapidly and didn't know why. After taking a blood test, it was determined that my thyroid level was low. Once taking the medicine, my blood tests came back ok, but the weight did not decrease as the doctor had said it would. |
| Side effects: | | There have been no side effects to my knowledge. I do realize that if I do not take the medicine as indicated that I get tired more frequently and feel slugish. I am concerned that there may be a better alternative to taking synthroid. I have heard of medicine that can be taken in two pill form and that may better correct the thyroid imbalance. |
| Comments: | | I take one pill everyday at the same time. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 51 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | Mild Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | hypothyroid |
| Dosage & duration: | | from 150 to 100mcg/daily (dosage frequency: daily for the last 7 years) for the period of since 2000 still take it daily |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Decreased TSH Level from 428 to 1.5 Loss of hair slowed. Memory and depression improved. Body temp increased from 96 to 97.8 Energy level improved drastically. I could finally get though the day without having to nap fequently(4/5 naps of at least 20 to 30 mins) Brain fog lifted. Muscle aches and pains deminished. Skin was not as dry. |
| Side effects: | | I went from having daily bowel movments to only around three times weekly. I had to increase fluid intake and add fiber supplements. |
| Comments: | | I get my TSH Level checked every 6 months or sooner if I start feeling sluggish, lossing more hair. I sometimes need to increase or decrease the medication a bit. I take synthyroid daily 1 hour before eating and 4 hours prior to any calcium or iron. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 56 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | fatique, depression |
| Dosage & duration: | | 25mgs taken once per day for the period of long term |
| Other conditions: | | depression |
| Other drugs taken: | | effexor | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Increase in energy, immediate weight loss. |
| Side effects: | | None noticable. |
| Comments: | | I had long complained of fatigue, listlessness, disinterest. I exhibited classic symptoms of hypo-thyroid, but did not check out as such in the standard blood test. A new doctor understands that not every person will fall within "standard" test results. God bless her. The results were rapid and positive with an increase in energy, loss of about 10 pounds of excess weight. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 46 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | hypothyroid |
| Dosage & duration: | | 25 mcg (dosage frequency: 1/day) for the period of for the last 9 mos |
| Other conditions: | | mild hypertension |
| Other drugs taken: | | lexapro, welbutrin, nexium, Benicar | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Increased energy; I happened to be without the drug for one week, and felt absolutely terrible - like I was completely knocked down. |
| Side effects: | | no side effects that i can remember. |
| Comments: | | The doctor ran a series of blood/chemical tests - thyroid, testosterone and DHEA levels. All were somewhat low, the synthroid in particular. We've started out with fairly low levels of each. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 56 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Moderately Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Hypothyroid |
| Dosage & duration: | | 175mcg (dosage frequency: once/day) for the period of 10 years |
| Other conditions: | | being a menopausal and postmopausal woman |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | better mental acumen, energy,hair texture,better physical endurance and strength |
| Side effects: | | I would not term the effects as negative side effects, nor would I say they the effects were as beneficial as I expected them to be. 10 years later and I am still suffering the same symptoms, though not as severe. I have had a very difficult time getting traditional Dr.s to look beyond the Thyroid and to realize that for a woman it becomes a package deal. Once you hit menopause and the chemical balance shifts it is not enough to look at one part of the body and blame that for all your symptoms. I was NEVER sick as a child or young adult. I never had female problems, but once menopause set in my body went haywire. I KNOW, in speaking with women my own age,that I am not an isolated case. Thyroid disease is more prevalent than ever and this drug does not cut it for some patients. |
| Comments: | | One pill every morning 1 hour before breakfast. Just recently instructions have included not taking vitamins with Calcium 2 hrs after the pill, but this has not made a difference. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 47 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | hypothyroid |
| Dosage & duration: | | 0.1mg taken once a day for the period of 7 years |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | with the treatment I feel less tired and more energetic.I comeback to my normal weight and I stop losing my hair. Also I do not get cold as I use to. |
| Side effects: | | I did not have any side effects after the doctor find the right dosage I was able to function like I used to before I have the symptoms of the hypothyroid. |
| Comments: | | I take one tablet everyday in the morning in a empty stomach around the same time and I wait an hour before I eat. Sometimes I can only wait 30 minutes and it does not seems to alter the effect of the medication. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 53 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Marginally Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Hypothyroidism |
| Dosage & duration: | | .1mg taken once per day for the period of 10+ years |
| Other conditions: | | Arthritis, Hypercholesterolemia, Asthma |
| Other drugs taken: | | Omega 3, Garlic, MSM | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | My hair grew back (prior to treatment it was falling out in clumps) and my depression, weight gain, and exhaustion improved somewhat. |
| Side effects: | | I experienced no discernible side effects. |
| Comments: | | Although this drug did alleviate my hair loss it only lessened my depression, exhaustion, and weight gain. I still have difficulty with concentration and memory and experience "brain fog" every day. My endocrinologist says my dose is perfect based on my blood test results but my symptoms persist. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 47 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | low under active thyroid |
| Dosage & duration: | | .05mg taken one a day for the period of still taking |
| Other conditions: | | n/a |
| Other drugs taken: | | n/a | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | I became more active and lost 10 of the 14 pounds I had gained. I have more energy, and feel like myself again. |
| Side effects: | | I never had any side effects. The only drawback is that you have to take the medication on an empty stomach or wait three hours after you eat. However, they prefer you take it in the morning. So what I do is keep my medicaton next to my bed and take it the very first time I wake up in the morning whether it's 4, 5, or 6 am. |
| Comments: | | I returned from vacation in August by November I had gained 14 pounds. I did not know why. I was eating the same amount of food. I went to see the doctor and after a complete check up and blood tests they found I had a low under active thyroid. As I think back, I did feel more tired, I did not want to join my kids and spouse to do anything instead I would go to bed early. That is not like me. I am the type of person who would get up and go anytime. I thought I was just tired. Now, I reflect and remember that I stopped doing things with my family, became less active and all along I thought it was because I was tired when in actuality my thyroid was off. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 55 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Thyroid cancer |
| Dosage & duration: | | 100 mcg (dosage frequency: once a day) for the period of 8 years and continuing |
| Other conditions: | | None |
| Other drugs taken: | | None | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | The treatment benefits of taking Synthroid have everything to do with metabolism regulation. Because I had thyroid cancer the entire thyroid was removed. Since thyroid hormone keeps the body running at optimum speed, it is now essential for me to take medication that will accomplish what my body is no longer capable of doing on its own. |
| Side effects: | | There have been no treatment side effects for me thus far. |
| Comments: | | Treatment consists simply of taking a 100 mcg Synthroid pill each morning. This should be taken on an empty stomach and no food should be taken for one full hour. It is also important not to take any calcium supplement for four hours after taking Synthroid. Calcium interferes with the body's ability to effectively utilize the Synthroid. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 34 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Hypothyroidism |
| Dosage & duration: | | .5 mcg (dosage frequency: daily) for the period of 3+ years |
| Other conditions: | | Low blood sugar |
| Other drugs taken: | | None | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Increased energy, ability to focus, and increased ability to lose weight. Patient suffered fewer low blood sugar episodes. Thirty pounds of weight were lost in the first year. |
| Side effects: | | None, other than those stated above in the treatment benefits. |
| Comments: | | Patient has Hashimotos disease. Prescribed synthroid. Patient also working to follow a low carb diet, regular exercise, and normal sleep. Over time, synthroid dosage has increased, to 112 mcg per day from the original dose of 50. This is some cause of concern re: progression of the disease, but so far, no alternative approach/therapy seems to counteract this progression. Blood work required every 6 months in order to help ensure proper dosage. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 58 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Thyroid |
| Dosage & duration: | | .088 (dosage frequency: 1 x day) for the period of on going Started approx 4 years ago |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | I saw a large improvement in my skin which had become very dry and flaky on my legs and also on my face. I have a blood test every year and after the initial experimenting with the dosage which started at .50 my thyroid levels are normal. |
| Side effects: | | There are no side effects that I have noticed. |
| Comments: | | I was surprised when informed by my doctor that my thyroid level was low. I didn't associate increased dry skin and perhaps slowing down a bit to thyroid levels. Although, after talking about it I realized it ran in my family. My mother and brother were also on thyroid medication. |
|
| | Synthroid review by care giver of 60 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Moderately Effective |
| Side effects: | | Mild Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | hypothyroidism |
| Dosage & duration: | | 100mcg (dosage frequency: everyday) for the period of 4 years |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | helped with stopping hair falling out and keeping from being cold all the time.
also helped the feeling of being tired allthetime and gave more energy throughtout the day. Did not feel as tired in the afternoon as before without it. |
| Side effects: | | hungry all the time. Did gain weight on the medication although it had been thought that it would help lose weight to some extent. This however did not happen. Weight gain of 25 pounds over 4 years did occur. |
| Comments: | | take one 100mcg tablet each morning each day |
|
| | Synthroid review by care giver of 60 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | Mild Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Hypothyroid deficiency |
| Dosage & duration: | | 100mcg (dosage frequency: every day) for the period of 5 years |
| Other conditions: | | High cholesterol |
| Other drugs taken: | | None | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | The treatment remedied her lab values as well as treated her symptoms of weight gain and lack of energy. |
| Side effects: | | Patient occasionally feels a bit shakey. |
| Comments: | | Patient was treated for low thyroid test results which coincided with the onset of menopause which manifested itself in a weight gain of 20# and a marked lack of energy. The medication corrected her lab values and contributed to her ability to lose the weight gained and feel an increase in energy. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 56 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Hypothyroidism |
| Dosage & duration: | | 100mcg (dosage frequency: once daily) for the period of Since menopause at 52 |
| Other conditions: | | None |
| Other drugs taken: | | None | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Treatment benefits involved bringing the thyroid function tests into the normal range to counteract the hypothyroid condition that someetimes occurs in post-menopausal women. |
| Side effects: | | There were no side effects noted. |
| Comments: | | Treatment consists of taking one 100mcg tablet first thing in the AM on an empty stomach with 8oz of water and not eating for 1 hour afterwards. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 57 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Moderately Effective |
| Side effects: | | Mild Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Hypthyroidism |
| Dosage & duration: | | 137mcg (dosage frequency: every morning) for the period of 4 months |
| Other conditions: | | None |
| Other drugs taken: | | None | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Treatment benefits included a correction of my T3, but only a mild improvement in my emotional status. I am still irritable and mildly depressed. |
| Side effects: | | Weight gain of 20# in 4 months, continuation of my irritability and mild depression. |
| Comments: | | Treatment involved radiation treatment to shrink my thyroid to correct my hyperthyroidism, followed by Rx with Synthroid to treat the hypothyroidism. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 57 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Hypothyroidism |
| Dosage & duration: | | 100mcg (dosage frequency: once daily) for the period of Since menopause in 2002 |
| Other conditions: | | None |
| Other drugs taken: | | None | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | The treatment bendfits consisted of bringing the thyroid test results into the normal range for the TSH and T4 tests for a post-menopausal woman. |
| Side effects: | | There were no treatment side effects noted. |
| Comments: | | Treatment consists of one 100mcg tablet taken early AM on an empty stomach with 8oz of water with no food for one hour after dose. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 44 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | hypothyroidism |
| Dosage & duration: | | 25 mcg (dosage frequency: one time per day) for the period of 3 years |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | The treatment benefits were the initial complaint of monthly cycle depression and nervousness went from occurring for a ten to fourteen day period down to a two day
time frame. Monthly menstruation also occurred in a more timely fashion - every 28 days. |
| Side effects: | | There were no treatment side effects. |
| Comments: | | Synthroid is taken first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, with a large glass of water. I wait four hours until I consume any type of calcium but I only wait one hour until I have all other kinds of food. |
|
| | Synthroid review by medical professional caring for 48 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | Moderate Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | S/P thyroidectomy |
| Dosage & duration: | | 100 mcg (dosage frequency: once daily) for the period of to the present time |
| Other conditions: | | None |
| Other drugs taken: | | None | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Treatment benefits consisted of weight gain after pronounced weight loss due to thyroid tumor. Although the patient felt that there was a greater weight gain than she desired. |
| Side effects: | | A greater than desired weight gain and a decrease in energy and libido are the most bothersome side effects as per the patient. The dose is still being titrated in order to moderate these effects. |
| Comments: | | Post thyroidectomy, the patient was placed on Levothyroxin 120 mcg, but the patient complained of pronounced weight, lack of energy, lack of sex drive and some depression. Blood work was done and the dose has been adjusted to 100 mcg and will be re-evalutated in 2 months. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 44 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Hypothroidism after radioactive iodine |
| Dosage & duration: | | .125 mcg (dosage frequency: once daily and twice on sunday) for the period of 16 years |
| Other conditions: | | Graves Disease - headaches racing heart |
| Other drugs taken: | | multivitamin with Iron | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Medications for the graves disease were not keeping the thyroid levels at a constant state. Had to continually change dosage. The medication for hyperthyroid also can cause birth defects. I was anticipating having children within a few years. I went in and had the radio active iodine. After one month my thyroid was destroyed. Had tried generic brands of synthroid but was still expereincing changes in my thyroid level. My doctor perscribed only name brand syntroid and it has been at a cosistant level for at least 5 years. |
| Side effects: | | When taking synthroid it must be taken on an empty stomach around the same time every day. Multivitamins with Iron decrease the sythroids effectiveness so they must be taken at least 3 hours after taking sythroid. Never miss a dosage. I once missed a few days in a row and became very depressed almost suicidal. Will need to take sythroid for the rest of my life and keep regular appointments to have my thyroid levels checked. |
| Comments: | | The radio active iodine treatment was conducted as outpatient surgery at the local hospital. I was given a pill to swallow. I was then asked to come back after 6 hours to have a scan done of my thyroid. I came back the next day for another scan. After one week I had a blood test and was perscribed synthroid. I have my thyroid checked on an annual basis. In some cases depending on any changes in my thyroid levels I have had to go back on a six month check up schedule. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 18 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Marginally Effective |
| Side effects: | | Moderate Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Hypothyroidism |
| Dosage & duration: | | 0.15mg taken one every day for the period of continuous until age 40 |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | This dosage was supposed to help the thyroid function correctly. However, it appeared to make me more lethargic, even though the blood test showed that it was working correctly. I experienced more benefit from exercise than from taking this mandatory drug. |
| Side effects: | | I experienced weight gain fluctuations and loss of energy. I complained to several doctors over the period of 20 years without effect. There is no alternative treatment if the patient does not feel the benefit. The doctor only sees the blood test to show that the treatment is effective. |
| Comments: | | No treatment, other than taking a blood test every 6 months to see if the level was correct, regardless of the side effects. I found this offensive since I clearly gained 20 pounds when on the medication than when I was not on the medication (or the dosage was reduced). |
|
| | Synthroid review by 50 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | Mild Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | hypothyroidism |
| Dosage & duration: | | 100mcg (dosage frequency: daily) for the period of since 1995 |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Synthyroid replaces thyroid hormones that provide energy and increase your metabolism. I had a small goiter that was diminished when I began taking the medicine. If I miss a few days I have very little energy and feel as if I'm carrying heavy suitcases around. |
| Side effects: | | My skin has white spots on it due to lack of pigment. I have read that Synthroid causes skin pigment loss and wrinkles. I f the dose is too high then i feel nervous and jittery. |
| Comments: | | I take 100mcg every morning. It is suppose to be taken on an empty stomach but I simply take it before breakfast. My thyroid hormone levels have to be checked annually to make sure the dosage is effective. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 63 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Moderately Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | hypothyroid |
| Dosage & duration: | | 175mcg (dosage frequency: qd) for the period of 10yrs |
| Other conditions: | | Hashimotos |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | TSH went up to 51 when put on low dose of natural thyroid. Doing better on synthroid rather than generic brand. Still have fatigue, memory, weight loss problems. I believe there are things that the blood tests do not show. Not freezing anymore. |
| Side effects: | | Still have temp below 97.5 though I don't feel cold. Difficulty losing weight. Hair thinning. Tired much of time though I use to be a very high energy person. Dr. doesn't seem to believe me, but I know my body. |
| Comments: | | I take my med each morning on an empty stomach and told not to take food for 1 hr. and calcium supplement not for 3 hrs. I take 1/2 of a pill on Sundays. |
|
| | Synthroid review by 28 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | hypothyroidism |
| Dosage & duration: | | 37 1/2 mcg (dosage frequency: 1 1/2 pills once a day) for the period of so far, about 7 months |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | i have mild hypothyroidism, so i wasn't necessarily aware of what having an underfunctioning was doing to my body. still, i was able to detect changes (for the better) after taking synthroid for a few months. the primary benefit i aw was HIGHLY HIGHLY improved concentration, which has made school/work such a pleasure. i think my metabloism also improved slightly. |
| Side effects: | | none, as far as i could see. |
| Comments: | | take your pill everyday at the same time. i found that morning is best, because you need to wait an hour to eat after taking the pill. i take it right when i wake up, then get ready, and then have breakfast right at the one hour mark. |
| |
|
