levothyroxine

[Guest guest]

ryn564,

You wrote:

> ... Can anyone tell me what color the pills are and how they look.??? My pills

> are blue and look exactly like Zoloft???

The 75 mcg pills are fairly dark blue. There are pictures of the pills

on this page:

http://thyroid.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ & sdn=thyroid & zu=http%3A%2\

F%2Fwww.synthroid.com%2F

This may or may not be accurate, depending on the color tuning of your

monitor.

Chuck

[Guest guest]

Hi! I'm new on this group, and new to hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed

last week (blood test showed a 9, whatever that means). I was given

levothyroxine. I met a woman the other night who told me I should stay

only with the brand name drug, Synthroid, even if it meant paying

more. She told me she had found there was a big difference in how they

helped her. I am wondering if the levothyroxine is a generic of

Synthroid and if everyone here has the same opinion on the generic

drug.

[Guest guest]

Delurking, I was on levothroxine and couldn't walk after 30 minutes. I took

it for 2 years. Somewhere, somehow I saw on the internet in two of my groups

that it may have a link with imflamatory systoms in the joints. I stopped

immmediately with the intention to go back on, to see if there was any

difference. My pain stopped almost instantly!! HTH, Elyse

I am wondering if the levothyroxine is a generic of

> Synthroid and if everyone here has the same opinion on the generic

> drug.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Elyse,

You wrote:

>

>

> Delurking, I was on levothroxine and couldn't walk after 30 minutes....

How much were you taking? Joint pain is more often associated with

hypoT. Mine went away after I got the dose high enough. If you were on a

sufficient dose, then this might be a reaction to one of the other

ingredients.

Chuck

[Guest guest]

Crystal,

You wrote:

>

> Well most of us here hated both. We take Armour....

There are 2,257 subscribers to this list. Only about 30 of them posted

last month with a mix of responses to T4. Do you really think you speak

for a majority?

Chuck

[Guest guest]

I think she does speak for the majority of hypos, if you look at all the lists

on the internet.

really truly T4 drugs just plain suck.

Gracia

Crystal,

You wrote:

>

> Well most of us here hated both. We take Armour....

There are 2,257 subscribers to this list. Only about 30 of them posted

last month with a mix of responses to T4. Do you really think you speak

for a majority?

Chuck

[Guest guest]

Armour is not OTC but can be bought from overseas pharmacies. If you want the

sources you can write to me.

I would say that docs mostly don't Rx Armour and also don't know how to dose

it, usually giving toooo little.

thyroid glandulars are available from places like Standard Process, but they

are not USP meds.

Gracia

circe@...

I've seen here that it's not always easy to get a doctor to prescribe

Armour. Yet, it seems I've seen somewhere else that Armour could be

bought over the counter. Am I wrong on that, or does it have to be

prescribed?

Thanks for the responses! I didn't realize how bad I was feeling until

the nurse told me how bad I felt. ;-) I thought my weight gain,

thinning hair, dry skin, lack of sleep at night was just all a part of

aging. It's wonderful to realize I don't have to live with it. I'm

hoping that treatment will help in those areas.

[Guest guest]

good idea, do you know how to set the poll up?

Gracia

I'm curious, have you ever done a poll here, to see what treatment

seems to be more effective? That might be an eye opener for us all...

> >

> > Well most of us here hated both. We take Armour....

>

> There are 2,257 subscribers to this list. Only about 30 of them

posted

> last month with a mix of responses to T4. Do you really think you

speak

> for a majority?

>

> Chuck

>

[Guest guest]

no this is the first time I posted. Elyse

> Elyse,

>

> You wrote:

>>

>> Well, I've switched to armour and the joint pain is gone so I'm happy;)

>> Thanks for your input.

>

> It was more of a question than input, one which you seem to be refusing

> to answer. Have we been over this before?

>

> Chuck

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

fourviolins wrote:

>

> I'm curious, have you ever done a poll here, to see what treatment

> seems to be more effective? That might be an eye opener for us all...

No, we haven't, but I'm not sure a list survey would be a statistically

meaningful approach. We tend to be self-selective, particularly with the

list description emphasizing alternative medicines.

The fact is that levothyroxine is the second most commonly prescribed

medication, taken by some 13 million people in the U.S. alone. The

notion that a majority of those people would find their medication

totally ineffective seems preposterous to me, particularly when the many

people I know personally are all perfectly happy with it, including five

in my own immediate family, myself one of them. Not one exception.

I can accept the idea that there are many people who have problems with

T4 only, but I doubt that it constitutes a majority even for people

attracted to this list.

Chuck

[Guest guest]

Elyse,

You wrote:

>

> no this is the first time I posted.

I have found it very common when people complain of difficulties with

synthetic levothyroxine, they were on too low a dose and suffered hypoT

symptoms. When they switched to Armour, they received a proper dose, and

all the problems went away. They consequently conclude it was the

formulation at fault and not their overly cautious medico.

However, we never get to test what reaction they would have had to a

proper dose of levothyroxine in the first place. So, again, what dose

were you taking when it gave you all the problems that resemble hypoT

and being under medicated?

Chuck

[Guest guest]

This pain relief has also happened to me. Plus I used to get horrendous leg

cramps and have restless leg syndrome.....no more thanks to Armour.

I love this place.

-- Re: levothyroxine

Well, I've switched to armour and the joint pain is gone so I'm happy;)

Thanks for your input. Elyse

> Elyse,

>

> You wrote:

>>

>>

>> Delurking, I was on levothroxine and couldn't walk after 30 minutes....

>

> How much were you taking? Joint pain is more often associated with

> hypoT. Mine went away after I got the dose high enough. If you were on a

> sufficient dose, then this might be a reaction to one of the other

> ingredients.

>

> Chuck

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

my blood tests were every two months, the dose was .100mg(100MCG). I'm on 1

and 1/2 grains which is my understanding is too low. My doc is working me up

slowluy. E

----- Original Message -----

> Elyse,

>

> You wrote:

>>

>> no this is the first time I posted.

>

> I have found it very common when people complain of difficulties with

> synthetic levothyroxine, they were on too low a dose and suffered hypoT

> symptoms. When they switched to Armour, they received a proper dose, and

> all the problems went away. They consequently conclude it was the

> formulation at fault and not their overly cautious medico.

>

> However, we never get to test what reaction they would have had to a

> proper dose of levothyroxine in the first place. So, again, what dose

> were you taking when it gave you all the problems that resemble hypoT

> and being under medicated?

>

> Chuck

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Elyse,

You wrote:

>

>

> my blood tests were every two months, the dose was .100mg(100MCG). I'm on 1

> and 1/2 grains which is my understanding is too low. My doc is working

> me up slowluy.

Both are probably too low. The maximum possible replacement dose for

levothyroxine is 200 mcg, although the recommended value is probably

lower. It depends on body mass. Since each grain of Armour is supposed

to be equivalent to 100 mcg of T4, you have effectively increased your

dose by 50%. Is it fair to compare medications with that large a

difference in equivalent doses? You are matching 100 mcg against the

equivalent of 150 mcg.

Chuck

[Guest guest]

So you're pro loevothyroxine? I should dismiss my personal experience of no

pain and my doc and go back on Levo. ? What's your point? If you have been

down this road with someone else maybe you need to examine your own agenda..

I merely responded to someone's questions about personal experiences with

Levo.

> Elyse,

>

> You wrote:

>>

>>

>> my blood tests were every two months, the dose was .100mg(100MCG). I'm on

>> 1

>> and 1/2 grains which is my understanding is too low. My doc is working

>> me up slowluy.

>

> Both are probably too low. The maximum possible replacement dose for

> levothyroxine is 200 mcg, although the recommended value is probably

> lower. It depends on body mass. Since each grain of Armour is supposed

> to be equivalent to 100 mcg of T4, you have effectively increased your

> dose by 50%. Is it fair to compare medications with that large a

> difference in equivalent doses? You are matching 100 mcg against the

> equivalent of 150 mcg.

>

> Chuck

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I take Synthroid; no problems.

>

> Re: levothyroxine

>

<hypothyroidism/message/30924;_ylc=X3oDMTJxa2p1OGR\

mBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzE0NTY2NARncnBzcElkAzE3MDkyNTEwODIEbXNnSWQDMzA5MjQEc2V\

jA2Rtc2cEc2xrA3Ztc2cEc3RpbWUDMTE4ODc4NTAyMQ-->

>

>

>

> Posted by: " fourviolins " fourviolins@...

> <mailto:fourviolins@...?Subject=%20Re%3A%20levothyroxine>

> fourviolins <fourviolins>

>

>

> Sun Sep 2, 2007 1:41 pm (PST)

>

> I'm curious, have you ever done a poll here, to see what treatment

> seems to be more effective? That might be an eye opener for us all...

>

>

> > >

> > > Well most of us here hated both. We take Armour....

> >

> > There are 2,257 subscribers to this list. Only about 30 of them

> posted

> > last month with a mix of responses to T4. Do you really think you

> speak

> > for a majority?

> >

> > Chuck

> >

[Guest guest]

I sure do.

-- Re: levothyroxine

Crystal,

You wrote:

>

> Well most of us here hated both. We take Armour....

There are 2,257 subscribers to this list. Only about 30 of them posted

last month with a mix of responses to T4. Do you really think you speak

for a majority?

Chuck

[Guest guest]

Hey chuck.....ha ha

-- Re: levothyroxine

Well, I've switched to armour and the joint pain is gone so I'm happy;)

Thanks for your input. Elyse

> Elyse,

>

> You wrote:

>>

>>

>> Delurking, I was on levothroxine and couldn't walk after 30 minutes....

>

> How much were you taking? Joint pain is more often associated with

> hypoT. Mine went away after I got the dose high enough. If you were on a

> sufficient dose, then this might be a reaction to one of the other

> ingredients.

>

> Chuck

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

usual Armour dose is 180--300mg.

Gracia

Elyse,

You wrote:

>

>

> my blood tests were every two months, the dose was .100mg(100MCG). I'm on 1

> and 1/2 grains which is my understanding is too low. My doc is working

> me up slowluy.

Both are probably too low. The maximum possible replacement dose for

levothyroxine is 200 mcg, although the recommended value is probably

lower. It depends on body mass. Since each grain of Armour is supposed

to be equivalent to 100 mcg of T4, you have effectively increased your

dose by 50%. Is it fair to compare medications with that large a

difference in equivalent doses? You are matching 100 mcg against the

equivalent of 150 mcg.

Chuck

[Guest guest]

I think a poll on here is a brilliant idea. There are so many of us out here

who just do not know what to believe

Suzanne

fourviolins <fourviolins@...> wrote:

I'm curious, have you ever done a poll here, to see what treatment

seems to be more effective? That might be an eye opener for us all...

> >

> > Well most of us here hated both. We take Armour....

>

> There are 2,257 subscribers to this list. Only about 30 of them

posted

> last month with a mix of responses to T4. Do you really think you

speak

> for a majority?

>

> Chuck

>

---------------------------------

For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit For Good this month.

[Guest guest]

ly, I have been on several different doses of synthroid and levoxyl. None

of them did any good; just got worse, no matter what the dose. Hate the stuff,

all of it. Prefer Armour. I will NEVER take synthetic hormones again. NEVER.

C.

http://catherineshypohelljourney.blogspot.com/

http://www.youngliving.com - essential oils for healthy living

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

cccquilter53@...

Embroidery from the Heart

http://Embfromtheheart.etsy.com

When we cannot do anything, when we are not able to move,

and when we have no strength, that is the time to trust in and

enjoy the supply of God as grace.

[Guest guest]

Maybe Chuck, but most also think that their thinning, brittle hair, brain fog,

etc. etc. etc. are due to aging. As I stated I have been on several different

dosages of synthetics and none of them did me much good. I have a real dislike

for synthetic hormones. Yes, they are the most prescribed, but I don't think

that is due to effectiveness. I think it is due to the fact that it is pushed by

the manufacturers more than anything else. Plus if patients don't know of any

alternatives, such as Armour, you tend to think it is the only choice you have,

even if you are not happy with it. I didn't know there was anything else, even

though I was very dissatisfied. Doctors tell patients that the above symptoms

don't have anything to do with their thyroid, but if they would just read their

own textbooks they might find out differently. I don't agree with you on this,

Chuck, and never will.

C.

http://catherineshypohelljourney.blogspot.com/

http://www.youngliving.com - essential oils for healthy living

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

cccquilter53@...

Embroidery from the Heart

http://Embfromtheheart.etsy.com

When we cannot do anything, when we are not able to move,

and when we have no strength, that is the time to trust in and

enjoy the supply of God as grace.

[Guest guest]

Elyse,

You wrote:

>

> So you're pro loevothyroxine? I should dismiss my personal experience of no

> pain and my doc and go back on Levo. ? What's your point? If you have been

> down this road with someone else maybe you need to examine your own

> agenda....

I am pro effective treatment. I do not have a personal agenda. I fully

accept the fact that some people react to the incipient ingredients or

need T3 in addition to T4. I am glad you found a medication that works

for you.

However, my point is that from what I have observed on this list and

others, is that more often than not, the people who rail against the

evils of Synthroid, and extol the virtues of Armour, have simply never

received a proper T4 dose. Their " side effects " were actually symptoms

of hypoT, which they never adequately treated, most often due to poor

judgment on the part of their doctor.

I was merely trying to see whether your problems with T4 fell in that

category or not, since your side effects were consistent. The fact that

you have repeatedly refused to answer a simple question about your

dosage and have chosen an ad hominem approach instead, suggests that you

are one with an agenda. Your effort at concealment makes me think that

you probably wouldn't answer the question honestly now, anyway. So,

please don't bother. I won't ask it again.

Chuck

[Guest guest]

I agree with Chuck! that when there are probs with Armour or T4 meds, first

thing to consider is wrong dose.. This is probly what happened with Pam and

Armour.

OTOH I see sick peeps all the time on T4 meds in my real life. I am sure we

all meet ppl in real life and think wow they seem hypothyroid. I always notice

ppls' eyebrows to see if outer third is missing (HYPO), or if they are very

difficult to talk to. Sometimes I say " maybe you need thyroid meds " and

several times they answer " I already take $inthroid! " . well maybe it is just

wrong dose.?

I really do think that allopathic medicine is in huge crisis and they don't

appear to realize it. Docs are no longer the authorities.

Gracia

Elyse,

You wrote:

>

> So you're pro loevothyroxine? I should dismiss my personal experience of no

> pain and my doc and go back on Levo. ? What's your point? If you have been

> down this road with someone else maybe you need to examine your own

> agenda....

I am pro effective treatment. I do not have a personal agenda. I fully

accept the fact that some people react to the incipient ingredients or

need T3 in addition to T4. I am glad you found a medication that works

for you.

However, my point is that from what I have observed on this list and

others, is that more often than not, the people who rail against the

evils of Synthroid, and extol the virtues of Armour, have simply never

received a proper T4 dose. Their " side effects " were actually symptoms

of hypoT, which they never adequately treated, most often due to poor

judgment on the part of their doctor.

I was merely trying to see whether your problems with T4 fell in that

category or not, since your side effects were consistent. The fact that

you have repeatedly refused to answer a simple question about your

dosage and have chosen an ad hominem approach instead, suggests that you

are one with an agenda. Your effort at concealment makes me think that

you probably wouldn't answer the question honestly now, anyway. So,

please don't bother. I won't ask it again.

Chuck

[Guest guest]

Suzanne,

You wrote:

>

> I think a poll on here is a brilliant idea. There are so many of us out

> here who just do not know what to believe

Again, I don't think a poll here would necessarily tell you what to

believe. However, it might illustrate the range of views we have and be

entertaining. will let the list owner set up a survey to which all

subscribers can respond (or not).

Chuck