Re: To Sally from Karin - Thyroid Stuff
From: Karin (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 10 Jan 2002 16:27:34 -0600 (CST)
Hi Sally,
Thanks for the reply. It sounds like I interpreted your comment
correctly, i.e. improvement after taking Synthroid seems to indicate
that my thyroid has probably been at the root of my problems.
I don't remember if I mentioned this, but my TSH levels are normal. My
RE told me that it was some other values (antibodies) that are leading
her to believe I am slightly hypothyroid. I think we are on the same
dosage of Synthroid - I am currently taking 0.05mg per day. She took
some more blood last week, so I am assuming that those results will
determine if the Synthroid should be increased.
To answer your question, I am taking an antidepressant called
Wellbutrin. I too was concerned if there would be a reaction between
the Synthroid and Wellbutrin, but so far I haven't found any indication
of that. I've read that some antidepressants interfere with the
Synthroid, but Wellbutrin was not listed as one of them. Plus, when I
spoke with my PCP the other night to let him know I am taking Synthroid
(my PCP prescribed the Wellbutrin, the RE prescribed the bcp, Ovcon, and
the Synthroid), he commented that Wellbutrin and Synthroid are fine
together.
Good luck with all of your meds too!
Take care and be well,
Karin
At Wed, 9 Jan 2002, Sally wrote:
>
>Hi Karin,
>
>The thryoid drugs normally take about 4 weeks to begin to see the effect
>(sometimes longer). If you noticed a difference (ie improvement in
>energy levels and depression) after four weeks of taking the synthyroid,
>probably really was the thyroid causing the problem (from my limited
>internet literature search it seems that subclinical hypothyroid can be
>a significant - but unrecognised problem - and some of us are probably
>very sensitive to thryoid hormone levels). Be patient with the thryoid
>drugs. I have now been taking it for about 4 months. The first (lowest
>dose) I felt a little better (but not much) and I thought that was also
>due to finally knowing it was not all in my head. Then the TSH levels
>came back at about 3.9 and my Endo said it was still too high (she is
>aiming for between 1 - 2 I think) and doubled the dose (Up to 50
>mcg/day) and then four weeks later - almost to the day - I suddenly
>realised I felt SO much better.
>
>Had blood taken today to test for TSH, Calcium and Lipid Profile. I
>would like the Dr. to increase the dose of thyroid hormone further -
>but I know that it is important not to get too much as that is also not
>good and can cause health problems. Will have to wait for the results
>and discuss with her.
>
>I know how you feel about the meds.... for me I feel that 31 is too
>young to have meds that my dr. says are most likely for the rest of my
>life. I have hyperparathyroid and have to take calcitriol (a special
>type of Vit D) to maintain normal blood calcium levels (hence regular
>blood monitoring of the calcium) and also PCOS for which I take
>Metformin and currently BCP. Depending on whether the Lipids have
>improved or not, there might be another drug after that. I just am
>grateful that I live in a period when all these things are treatable.
>
>I totally agree with your thought when you were feeling worst that "this
>is as good as it gets". But now you know that it is going to get
>better.
>
>I look at it for the thryoid and Calcitriol that I am replacing
>something that I should have but don't have enough of. The BCP are
>temporary, and Met will have to wait and see....
>
>Are you taking antidepressants? I read somewhere (some internet medical
>website) that antidepressents can make thyroid problems worse... but
>don't quote me on that.
>
>Best wishes and take care. Feel free to talk any time.
>
>--
>Sally
>
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