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Thyroid symptoms: hypothyroid, Hashimoto's


Karma

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Thanks for the link.

 

There are a lot of theories about thyroid problems. One is that they start in the gut and that's what you treat first, with the autoimmune protocol diet, etc.

 

I've been looking at my vitamin D, copper-zinc, selenium-iodine, and iron levels, too, and supplementing accordingly. (I still can't find any clarity about iodine supplementation.)

 

Is there an iron supplement that comes as liquid drops? Seems like a lot of people with stomach issues try liquid forms of vitamins and minerals.

 

Ok, now that I am looking at the messsage board again it seems that it's not getting as much traffic as it used to, I see a lot of questions going unanswered. Sorry about that, guys. It still might be worth it to post your questions. I was going there more in 2013 and they were very helpful. If I find another good forum I'll post the link.

 

I definitely need to read up more about the link between thyroid issues and the gut. Autoimmune diseases run in my family, but my tests have come up negative so far.

 

In the last few years I've found I'm pretty sensitive to some supplements (like many people in WD.) In 2013 my Vit D was at 13, but any time I tried to take Vit D supplements I'd get anxiety and insomnia. I even tried the liquid Vit D drops for children and still had issues. This year I decided to try again and lo and behold no issues! Whereas before I couldn't tolerate 200iu, now I could tolerate 3,000iu a day and my sleep was fine. I got tested a few weeks after supplementing and my Vit D was at 28. Now that my levels are finally up I have noticed a big improvement in my fatigue. I find it very interesting that some sensitivities can improve despite still being in WD.

 

As for iron, I know there is a liquid one that is very popular, Floradix. Unfortunately for me, it's full of lots of other stuff including a high level of B vitamins and I'm still sensitive to those.

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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There's got to be another liquid iron out there, with minimal additives. I'd Google around for it.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Liver :)

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

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I hadn't paid much attention to thyroid stuff but this last visit my CNP said that I had hypothyroidism but that she would see if I could up my HDL which is supposed to help with thyroid functioning.  I had since been walking 30min every evening and am using coconut oil and reducing sugar, etc.  But I don't know just how bad my stats are --- tried to pull info on it but my brain is so not functioning well.  My totals taken this last August are:  TSH 3rd Gen. 6.30 (which was highlighted) and FREE T4  0.732 (no indication of a problem).  I am 71yrs, have been taking Zoloft (25mg) for 26 years and also now taking Doxepin (50mg) for past 2 1/2 yrs   I am tired at times during the day and surely have extensive hair loss but I had chalked that up to the whole brain dysregulation that I've been going through since 2/13.  I had -0- symptoms prior to this time but did have hair loss when tapering Valium in 2003-2005.  That resolved by the end of 2005 and had no hair loss.  I don't have cold hands or feet or joint pain tho I do have some carpel tunnel pain but have had that off and on since the '90's when I worked at a computer long hours---  I have noticed that is has been more painful tho in the past couple of months. 

 

I am in such a fragile chemical place, geezz...How severe is my TSH 3rd????  Thanks guys for this thread!

1971-81  Valium 5mg c/t PAWS     1992- through now Zoloft 25mg    2003-05 Valium 12mg Slow Taper Off

2013 Afrin Exposure to CNS    2013 O/D Val 230mg    2013 Doxepin 50mg Clonidine 2mg Zoloft 25mg

3/15/16  Doxepin 49mg Micro Tapering  Zoloft 24.3mg Holding taper

3/15/16 Clonidine mg 0.1 1/2 -    Decreasing incrementally.  DISCONTINUED

10/9/16  Doxepin 48.9  Zoloft 24.3  Clonidine  01.10  Continuing micro taper on Doxepin.

11/16/16 Doxepin 48mg  Zoloft 24.3mg  Clonidine 1.30mg

5/4/17  Doxepin 45mg  Zoloft 24mg  Clonidine 1.20mg   Micro taper of Doxepin  , Clonidine

01/13/19  Doxepin 45mg   Zoloft 21mg   Will start Micro taper of Doxepin 2/19

12/21/21  Doxepin 20 mg ?  Reducing using water micro taper--Pulling 24ml from 75ml

12/2121   Zoloft .060 grams by weight--HOLDING (info from post added by CC: On 12/21/21 my dosage was .060grams by weight or 20mg. )

26 Apr 2022 - Zoloft at -0-

 

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Liver :)

 

Yuck! I can barely stomach beef liver, but I've never tried other livers lol.

 

I hadn't paid much attention to thyroid stuff but this last visit my CNP said that I had hypothyroidism but that she would see if I could up my HDL which is supposed to help with thyroid functioning.  I had since been walking 30min every evening and am using coconut oil and reducing sugar, etc.  But I don't know just how bad my stats are --- tried to pull info on it but my brain is so not functioning well.  My totals taken this last August are:  TSH 3rd Gen. 6.30 (which was highlighted) and FREE T4  0.732 (no indication of a problem).  I am 71yrs, have been taking Zoloft (25mg) for 26 years and also now taking Doxepin (50mg) for past 2 1/2 yrs   I am tired at times during the day and surely have extensive hair loss but I had chalked that up to the whole brain dysregulation that I've been going through since 2/13.  I had -0- symptoms prior to this time but did have hair loss when tapering Valium in 2003-2005.  That resolved by the end of 2005 and had no hair loss.  I don't have cold hands or feet or joint pain tho I do have some carpel tunnel pain but have had that off and on since the '90's when I worked at a computer long hours---  I have noticed that is has been more painful tho in the past couple of months. 

 

I am in such a fragile chemical place, geezz...How severe is my TSH 3rd????  Thanks guys for this thread!

 

A TSH of 6.30 is indeed quite high. From what I know, 1-2 is optimal and anything above 3 is considered hypothyroid. BUT, anything between 3 and 10 is still considered subclinical hypothyroidism and isn't usually medicated unless there are obvious hypothyroid symptoms. What is the range that your lab uses for FT4? It's usually posted right next to your FT4 result. 0.732 seems low and even though it might technically be in range according to your lab, you really want it in the 50%-80% range that your lab uses.

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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Liver :)

 

Yuck! I can barely stomach beef liver, but I've never tried other livers lol.

 

I hadn't paid much attention to thyroid stuff but this last visit my CNP said that I had hypothyroidism but that she would see if I could up my HDL which is supposed to help with thyroid functioning.  I had since been walking 30min every evening and am using coconut oil and reducing sugar, etc.  But I don't know just how bad my stats are --- tried to pull info on it but my brain is so not functioning well.  My totals taken this last August are:  TSH 3rd Gen. 6.30 (which was highlighted) and FREE T4  0.732 (no indication of a problem).  I am 71yrs, have been taking Zoloft (25mg) for 26 years and also now taking Doxepin (50mg) for past 2 1/2 yrs   I am tired at times during the day and surely have extensive hair loss but I had chalked that up to the whole brain dysregulation that I've been going through since 2/13.  I had -0- symptoms prior to this time but did have hair loss when tapering Valium in 2003-2005.  That resolved by the end of 2005 and had no hair loss.  I don't have cold hands or feet or joint pain tho I do have some carpel tunnel pain but have had that off and on since the '90's when I worked at a computer long hours---  I have noticed that is has been more painful tho in the past couple of months. 

 

I am in such a fragile chemical place, geezz...How severe is my TSH 3rd????  Thanks guys for this thread!

 

A TSH of 6.30 is indeed quite high. From what I know, 1-2 is optimal and anything above 3 is considered hypothyroid. BUT, anything between 3 and 10 is still considered subclinical hypothyroidism and isn't usually medicated unless there are obvious hypothyroid symptoms. What is the range that your lab uses for FT4? It's usually posted right next to your FT4 result. 0.732 seems low and even though it might technically be in range according to your lab, you really want it in the 50%-80% range that your lab uses.

 

 

Thank you so much for answering!  I did indeed have a reading of 2.43 in 2011 but was told at the beginning of 2012 (pre brain "shock") that I was showing some signs of hypothyroidism--I ignored it because I had no symptoms. 

 

The optimal range on the lab report for FREE T4 is listed as :  0.71-1.7 -- But there was no flag on my levels.

 

If I choose not to drug-treat the hypo number, will it cause any ongoing problems (other than hair loss and oh yes, WEIGHT GAIN.  I am at the highest weight I have ever been which I had been attributing to the Zoloft/Doxepin combo (which I am trying to taper from).  I was overweight in 2011 with a normal reading but now know it had been from taking the Zoloft.

 

Is there any publication that you would recommend to work on this aside from medication?  The CNP (useless person, never took my TSH until this last visit) was talking about rxing for the thyroid malfunctioning.  Surely don't want to do there because of what I am already trying to recover from.   

 

Again, thank you for posting to me and for reassuring me that this is still "subclinical"  --  I don't have to freak out just yet...  (-:

1971-81  Valium 5mg c/t PAWS     1992- through now Zoloft 25mg    2003-05 Valium 12mg Slow Taper Off

2013 Afrin Exposure to CNS    2013 O/D Val 230mg    2013 Doxepin 50mg Clonidine 2mg Zoloft 25mg

3/15/16  Doxepin 49mg Micro Tapering  Zoloft 24.3mg Holding taper

3/15/16 Clonidine mg 0.1 1/2 -    Decreasing incrementally.  DISCONTINUED

10/9/16  Doxepin 48.9  Zoloft 24.3  Clonidine  01.10  Continuing micro taper on Doxepin.

11/16/16 Doxepin 48mg  Zoloft 24.3mg  Clonidine 1.30mg

5/4/17  Doxepin 45mg  Zoloft 24mg  Clonidine 1.20mg   Micro taper of Doxepin  , Clonidine

01/13/19  Doxepin 45mg   Zoloft 21mg   Will start Micro taper of Doxepin 2/19

12/21/21  Doxepin 20 mg ?  Reducing using water micro taper--Pulling 24ml from 75ml

12/2121   Zoloft .060 grams by weight--HOLDING (info from post added by CC: On 12/21/21 my dosage was .060grams by weight or 20mg. )

26 Apr 2022 - Zoloft at -0-

 

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Well now that I went back and read the criteria for subclinical hypothyroidism I realized I made a mistake. Apparently it is considered subclinical if your TSH is elevated BUT your Free T4 is normal. While your Free T4 is in the acceptable range, it is barely so. Still, I don't think this is something to freak out about just yet. I've seen people with much higher TSHs. But with those results I would expect that you would be feeling some sort of hypothyroid symptoms. Many of them are similar to WD so I understand it's very hard to distinguish. I am having the same issue.

 

If I were you I would get a full thyroid workup (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, TPO antibodies, TGA antibodies, and TSI antibodies.) I'm no expert on the subject but I have read that untreated hypothyroidism can lead to heart and cholesterol issues.

 

Maybe you can check out The Thyroid Solution by Ridha Arem. I've heard it's a good book to start with.

 

I'm sure there are non-med things you can do to support your thyroid, getting your Selenium levels up for example, but if your hypothyroidism gets bad enough you will most likely have to take medication. Thyroid medication is not like antidepressants. You're essentially taking the T3/T4 that your body can't produce well enough on it's own, but, like Alto said, it can be stimulating and it often takes a while before you find the right dose and it does need to be tweaked periodically as well. We're getting ahead of ourselves though. First and foremost, get those labs done and then take it from there.

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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SelmaLady, if I had those test results, I'd be very worried. You need to take charge of your care.

 

See these sites.

 

freespirit, if I were you, I'd get the two hypothyroid antibodies tests and a battery of thyroid tests so you know what you're dealing with.

 

The thyroid hormone supplementation needs to be adjusted from time to time, so you should get these tests periodically.

 

See these sites:

 

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/recommended-labwork/

 

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/testsforthyroid/ht/interpretresult.htm

 

http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/bloodtests.htm

 

Join an online hypothyroidism support group. Karma recommends this one: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/NaturalThyroidHormones/info

 

I have never heard of improving HDL affecting hypothyroidism. It's the other way around -- hypothyroidism increases unhealthy lipid levels.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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SelmaLady, if I had those test results, I'd be very worried. You need to take charge of your care.

 

See these sites.

 

freespirit, if I were you, I'd get the two hypothyroid antibodies tests and a battery of thyroid tests so you know what you're dealing with.

 

The thyroid hormone supplementation needs to be adjusted from time to time, so you should get these tests periodically.

 

See these sites:

 

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/recommended-labwork/

 

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/testsforthyroid/ht/interpretresult.htm

 

http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/bloodtests.htm

 

Join an online hypothyroidism support group. Karma recommends this one: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/NaturalThyroidHormones/info

 

I have never heard of improving HDL affecting hypothyroidism. It's the other way around -- hypothyroidism increases unhealthy lipid levels.

 

I've applied to the support group you posted. 

 

I am now very very frightened and not certain just how to go about dealing with this. 

 

I had hoped to approach this from a "natural" treatment but if this is an extreme reading then I guess I'll have to try an rx or Armour.   Do you have any preference if I do have to supplement?  I have done some reading (so difficult with my clogged brain function) and there are pros and cons for both. 

 

I will call my CNP who is woefully under educated on ALL things medical but I'm thinking that if I make too big a deal out of this that she will send me to the MD whose overseeing (yeah, right) my care and he'll be looking at the a/d's I'm on and wanting me to get off of them.  So I have to approach this carefully and "casually".  Just trying to think of a way to get the tests I need w/o her wringing her hands and passing me off to the doc.  I'll think it over and call her on Monday. 

 

Can you tell me the names of the tests I should ask for?  Thank you so much, you and Ladybug,  for helping me with this. 

1971-81  Valium 5mg c/t PAWS     1992- through now Zoloft 25mg    2003-05 Valium 12mg Slow Taper Off

2013 Afrin Exposure to CNS    2013 O/D Val 230mg    2013 Doxepin 50mg Clonidine 2mg Zoloft 25mg

3/15/16  Doxepin 49mg Micro Tapering  Zoloft 24.3mg Holding taper

3/15/16 Clonidine mg 0.1 1/2 -    Decreasing incrementally.  DISCONTINUED

10/9/16  Doxepin 48.9  Zoloft 24.3  Clonidine  01.10  Continuing micro taper on Doxepin.

11/16/16 Doxepin 48mg  Zoloft 24.3mg  Clonidine 1.30mg

5/4/17  Doxepin 45mg  Zoloft 24mg  Clonidine 1.20mg   Micro taper of Doxepin  , Clonidine

01/13/19  Doxepin 45mg   Zoloft 21mg   Will start Micro taper of Doxepin 2/19

12/21/21  Doxepin 20 mg ?  Reducing using water micro taper--Pulling 24ml from 75ml

12/2121   Zoloft .060 grams by weight--HOLDING (info from post added by CC: On 12/21/21 my dosage was .060grams by weight or 20mg. )

26 Apr 2022 - Zoloft at -0-

 

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The tests are listed in the links I gave you above. Those sites also have suggestions for "natural" non-drug treatments.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thank you!  I did get onto the support forum for thyroid problems and they list a doctor fairly close by who will rx natural meds.  I've been doing some add'l research and hopefully have a better grasp of what's going on with the thyroid.  I'm devastated that I will have to deal with this now too as it involves fooling around with the brain.  I'm not even off the meds yet and am feeling overwhelmed by what how much I am facing.  Having a rough to of it anyway today from what I would think was too much walking over the past couple of weeks.  Just trying today to get through and be as gentle with my thots as possible.  I'm hoping that the addition of the natural thyroid med will help me instead of sending me into further turmoil!  Just don't know what to do about tapering now...

1971-81  Valium 5mg c/t PAWS     1992- through now Zoloft 25mg    2003-05 Valium 12mg Slow Taper Off

2013 Afrin Exposure to CNS    2013 O/D Val 230mg    2013 Doxepin 50mg Clonidine 2mg Zoloft 25mg

3/15/16  Doxepin 49mg Micro Tapering  Zoloft 24.3mg Holding taper

3/15/16 Clonidine mg 0.1 1/2 -    Decreasing incrementally.  DISCONTINUED

10/9/16  Doxepin 48.9  Zoloft 24.3  Clonidine  01.10  Continuing micro taper on Doxepin.

11/16/16 Doxepin 48mg  Zoloft 24.3mg  Clonidine 1.30mg

5/4/17  Doxepin 45mg  Zoloft 24mg  Clonidine 1.20mg   Micro taper of Doxepin  , Clonidine

01/13/19  Doxepin 45mg   Zoloft 21mg   Will start Micro taper of Doxepin 2/19

12/21/21  Doxepin 20 mg ?  Reducing using water micro taper--Pulling 24ml from 75ml

12/2121   Zoloft .060 grams by weight--HOLDING (info from post added by CC: On 12/21/21 my dosage was .060grams by weight or 20mg. )

26 Apr 2022 - Zoloft at -0-

 

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Ok, I wrote a detailed post and then accidentally closed the tab. Argh!

 

Selma lady, that is great news that you were able to find a doc who prescribes natural thyroid medication! I have seen many people do better on natural meds, like Armour Thyroid (which contains T1-T4) rather than the synthetic Synthroid (only contains T4.) I know it's overwhelming but you might find you feel a lot better once you get the thyroid hormones your body needs. If I were you I would pause my taper for a bit. If you do begin medication while you are still tapering then you won't be able to tell which symptom is being caused by what.

 

Ok so I got my lab results back, and here they are:

 

TSH: 2.09  (range: 0.36 - 3.74)   So, once again, my TSH has swung from high back down to normal.

 

Free T3: 2.42 (range: 2.18 - 3.98)  My FT3 is at 13% of the range which is NOT GOOD

 

Free T4: 1.09 (range: 0.76 - 1.46)   My FT4 is at 49% of the range. It should be at least at 50%

 

So now what? I know my doc will only medicate based on my TSH so I'm back at square one. I wish I knew why I'm unable to convert FT4 to FT3 sufficiently. I think I've read stress can be a factor, and Lord knows WD/tapering is stressful. Your FT3 is essentially the fuel in your gas tank and I'm running on empty. I honestly have no idea where to go from here. This is so frustrating :(

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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Those of you who are hypothyroid and on thyroid meds are you feeling more hypo(weight gain, water retention etc.)during withdrawal?

Citalopram 40mg from 2003-2015

Jan 2015 started tapering first dropped to 35mgFeb 30mg, March 25mgApril 20mg, May 17,5mg, June 15mgJuly 12,5mg, Aug 12,5mg,

Sep 0mg for 5 days because of stomac flu and after I raised to 7,5mg. All the symptoms of acute WD shaking, diarrhea, vomiting, barely could walk ect. Still didn't realize that it wasn't only stomac flu but I was also going through WD.

Oct 2,5mg and crashed again badly and quickly raised to 4mg. It was then when I knew my symptoms were due to WD.

Then in November after a month holding on 4mg raised to 5mg due to muscle weakness and had a VERY BAD reaction to reinstatement: akathisia(lasted for one or two weeks), insomnia, anhedonia... Drop quicly back to 4mg, Dec 3mg

Jan 2016 2,6mg( in the middle of Jan after I had been on 2,6mg for a week I tried to updose to 2,8mg and immediately had bad reaction to it: akathisia for a day, andehonia got worse. The next day dropped back to 2,6mg), Feb 2,4mg( a new symptom PGAD lasted 24/7 for 2 months after that on and off), March 2,4mg, April 2,3mg, May 2,2mg, June 2,1mg, July 2,0mg( Pgad almost nonexisting, sleeping pretty good, still some anhedonia but there has been a lot of gradual progress), Aug 1,97mg-1,89mg, Sep 1,88mg-1,49mg, Oct 1,48mg- 1,70mg,

Nov 0,65mg- current dose 0,5mg

 

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  • 4 weeks later...

Those of you who are hypothyroid and on thyroid meds are you feeling more hypo(weight gain, water retention etc.)during withdrawal? 

 

I am not yet taking thyroid meds, am waiting to see doc in Dec and have add'l tests done.  I have a TSH of 6.30 with T4 0.732.  In the past year I have experienced a rather large weight gain (30 lbs!), loss of hair and really bad water retention (in addition to some other symptoms that can indicate hypo).  What type of thyroid medication are you taking?

1971-81  Valium 5mg c/t PAWS     1992- through now Zoloft 25mg    2003-05 Valium 12mg Slow Taper Off

2013 Afrin Exposure to CNS    2013 O/D Val 230mg    2013 Doxepin 50mg Clonidine 2mg Zoloft 25mg

3/15/16  Doxepin 49mg Micro Tapering  Zoloft 24.3mg Holding taper

3/15/16 Clonidine mg 0.1 1/2 -    Decreasing incrementally.  DISCONTINUED

10/9/16  Doxepin 48.9  Zoloft 24.3  Clonidine  01.10  Continuing micro taper on Doxepin.

11/16/16 Doxepin 48mg  Zoloft 24.3mg  Clonidine 1.30mg

5/4/17  Doxepin 45mg  Zoloft 24mg  Clonidine 1.20mg   Micro taper of Doxepin  , Clonidine

01/13/19  Doxepin 45mg   Zoloft 21mg   Will start Micro taper of Doxepin 2/19

12/21/21  Doxepin 20 mg ?  Reducing using water micro taper--Pulling 24ml from 75ml

12/2121   Zoloft .060 grams by weight--HOLDING (info from post added by CC: On 12/21/21 my dosage was .060grams by weight or 20mg. )

26 Apr 2022 - Zoloft at -0-

 

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Since I started tapering It's been difficult to tell which symptom is withdrawal and which is hypo. At first I just thought I have to change my dose of the thyroid meds. And I did... many times. Now I have realised how many symptoms were just due to withdrawal. Some Wd symptoms are so similar to those of hypothyroidism. In my case they were puffy face, water retention, tiredness and gaining weight. I also have been tapering way too fast. I know that both high and low cortisol can make hypo symptoms even with healthy thyroid. 

Citalopram 40mg from 2003-2015

Jan 2015 started tapering first dropped to 35mgFeb 30mg, March 25mgApril 20mg, May 17,5mg, June 15mgJuly 12,5mg, Aug 12,5mg,

Sep 0mg for 5 days because of stomac flu and after I raised to 7,5mg. All the symptoms of acute WD shaking, diarrhea, vomiting, barely could walk ect. Still didn't realize that it wasn't only stomac flu but I was also going through WD.

Oct 2,5mg and crashed again badly and quickly raised to 4mg. It was then when I knew my symptoms were due to WD.

Then in November after a month holding on 4mg raised to 5mg due to muscle weakness and had a VERY BAD reaction to reinstatement: akathisia(lasted for one or two weeks), insomnia, anhedonia... Drop quicly back to 4mg, Dec 3mg

Jan 2016 2,6mg( in the middle of Jan after I had been on 2,6mg for a week I tried to updose to 2,8mg and immediately had bad reaction to it: akathisia for a day, andehonia got worse. The next day dropped back to 2,6mg), Feb 2,4mg( a new symptom PGAD lasted 24/7 for 2 months after that on and off), March 2,4mg, April 2,3mg, May 2,2mg, June 2,1mg, July 2,0mg( Pgad almost nonexisting, sleeping pretty good, still some anhedonia but there has been a lot of gradual progress), Aug 1,97mg-1,89mg, Sep 1,88mg-1,49mg, Oct 1,48mg- 1,70mg,

Nov 0,65mg- current dose 0,5mg

 

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Topics merged with "Questions about Hypothyroidism and tapering"

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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  • 6 months later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Alto asked questions about iodine - and I had some tabs up on my browser - last month - before the crash - that I intended to read which was pro-iodine supplementation.

 

For now, I just take a bit of kelp and eat seaweed and pink himalayan salt (love the stuff!) but I wish I could send you those articles which I can no longer find.  It was from a FB thyroid support group (I belong to several) and it was a series of articles...I just went through 3 diff groups and couldn't find it.

 

I have NO thyroid, removed in 2008 (thanks, lithium).  I was on Synthroid for about 5 years then moved to NDT for the last 3 years or so. 

 

My endo says that the NDT - while it has an array of helpful T's:  1.  Does not have them in consistent amounts from batch-to-batch and pill to pill, even when compounded (which is why it is not Australia TGA approved).  2.  From piggies, which have DIFFERENT RATIOS of T3 to T4 from humans.  

 

He would like to get me on compounded T3/T4, but he would like to see me lose about 30 kilos first, to see if that "fixes the problem."  Sigh.

 

(my doctor friend just laughs, smacks her forehead and says, "Why didn't I think of that?")  as if - I could lose weight, don't you think I would've by now?

 

He is anti grain, potatoes, sugar, carbs.  He says "there are no essential carbs."  Sigh.  I'm pretty miserable.  Where is my jar of Nutella?

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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  • 4 months later...

I have Hashimotos/hypothyroidism, endocrinologist is not happy with my results but is not increasing my dose of medication. She wants TSH below 2 and it is above 3. I have symptoms which I think are low thyroid like constipation, fatigue, feeling cold. Am currently trying to taper my Fluoxetine because people from my thyroid support group are saying thyroid results look undermedicated so at the moment I am looking to advocate a dose increase. I am also suffering from polycystic ovarian syndome, also been told I am verging on prediabetes due to high colesterol but doctors are monitoring this.

Medical history 12 - 18 months

 

Hypothyroidism/Hashimotos Thyroiditis diagnosed late 2012 (Levothyroxine 150mcg, Liothyronine 10mcg)

Vitamin D deficiency diagnosed late December 2013 (cholecalciferol 800iu)

Iron deficiency diagnosed late December 2013 (Monofer/IV iron given April 2016)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosed late September 2015

Depression diagnosed late September 2012 (1 day on Sertraline), late November 2013 (1 week on Citalopram), start of September 2016 (Start of September taking Fluoxetine 5ml - stopped on 8 October, experienced nausea within 2 days so reinstated 5ml on 11 October, this is my current dose)

Oesophageal stricture/narrowing/acid reflux diagnosed end of April 2016 (End of April started Lansoprazole 30mg)

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I have Hashimotos/hypothyroidism, endocrinologist is not happy with my results but is not increasing my dose of medication. She wants TSH below 2 and it is above 3. I have symptoms which I think are low thyroid like constipation, fatigue, feeling cold. Am currently trying to taper my Fluoxetine because people from my thyroid support group are saying thyroid results look undermedicated so at the moment I am looking to advocate a dose increase. I am also suffering from polycystic ovarian syndome, also been told I am verging on prediabetes due to high colesterol but doctors are monitoring this.

 

 

 

Hi Amber. I have had hashimotos for over 20 years. I have had all your conditions. I did not know until recently that they are all related to the hashimotos. That's how I was misdiagnosed with mental illness. Have you checked out Izabella Wentz, thyroid pharmacist? Stop the thyroid madness, and hypothyroid mom? You can learn how to get the right tests done, and find a doctor who actually knows how to properly treat hashimotos. You could even show the information to your doctor. Hashimotos can be brought into remission for many and you can taper off the antidepressant. Mods, if I have spoken inappropriately I understand if you remove my post.

I am not a medical professional. My comments and posts are based on personal experiences. Please consult appropriate medical professionals for advice. 

I was started on psych drugs back in the late 80's. You name it. I probably was on it. Tapered off final cocktail 2013-2019. For Hashimotos and high blood pressure I take Levothyroxine. Liothyronine. Spironolactone. Hydrochlorothiazide. Losartan. B12 hydroxy. Fish oil w/D3. Bee pollen. Magnesium Glycinate.

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Hi thanks for letting me know. I haven't seen Izabella Wentz's or hypothyroidmom's site. I have checked out stop the thyroid madness and have had ferritin, folate, vitamin D and B12 checked. Ferritin was addressed with iron infusions, tried to supplement D3 but ended up with calcium building up in my kidneys from this. I have been told I need to take K2 or magnesium to stop that from happening again. Also calcium levels are normal but low even though I drink a lot of milk, I need to see my doc again at some point to discuss my thyroid blood test results done last week so I will see what they can do for me when I see them then. Thanks again. :)

Medical history 12 - 18 months

 

Hypothyroidism/Hashimotos Thyroiditis diagnosed late 2012 (Levothyroxine 150mcg, Liothyronine 10mcg)

Vitamin D deficiency diagnosed late December 2013 (cholecalciferol 800iu)

Iron deficiency diagnosed late December 2013 (Monofer/IV iron given April 2016)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosed late September 2015

Depression diagnosed late September 2012 (1 day on Sertraline), late November 2013 (1 week on Citalopram), start of September 2016 (Start of September taking Fluoxetine 5ml - stopped on 8 October, experienced nausea within 2 days so reinstated 5ml on 11 October, this is my current dose)

Oesophageal stricture/narrowing/acid reflux diagnosed end of April 2016 (End of April started Lansoprazole 30mg)

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  • 2 weeks later...

"In humans, neuroendocrine challenge studies in hypothyroid patients have shown a reduced 5-HT responsiveness that is reversible with thyroid replacement therapy. In adult animals with experimentally-induced hypothyroid states, increased 5-HT turnover in the brainstem is consistently reported while decreased cortical 5-HT concentrations and 5-HT2A receptor density are less frequently observed.

 

In the majority of studies, the effects of thyroid hormone administration in animals with experimentally-induced hypothyroid states include an increase in cortical 5-HT concentrations and a desensitization of autoinhibitory 5-HT1A receptors in the raphe area, resulting in disinhibition of cortical and hippocampal 5-HT release. Furthermore, there is some indication that thyroid hormones may increase cortical 5-HT2 receptor sensitivity.

 

In conclusion, there is robust evidence, particularly from animal studies, that the thyroid economy has a modulating impact on the brain serotonin system.

 

Thus it is postulated that one mechanism, among others, through which exogenous thyroid hormones may exert their modulatory effects in affective illness is via an increase in serotonergic neurotransmission, specifically by reducing the sensitivity of 5-HT1A autoreceptors in the raphe area, and by increasing 5-HT2 receptor sensitivity."

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11840307

Citalopram 40mg from 2003-2015

Jan 2015 started tapering first dropped to 35mgFeb 30mg, March 25mgApril 20mg, May 17,5mg, June 15mgJuly 12,5mg, Aug 12,5mg,

Sep 0mg for 5 days because of stomac flu and after I raised to 7,5mg. All the symptoms of acute WD shaking, diarrhea, vomiting, barely could walk ect. Still didn't realize that it wasn't only stomac flu but I was also going through WD.

Oct 2,5mg and crashed again badly and quickly raised to 4mg. It was then when I knew my symptoms were due to WD.

Then in November after a month holding on 4mg raised to 5mg due to muscle weakness and had a VERY BAD reaction to reinstatement: akathisia(lasted for one or two weeks), insomnia, anhedonia... Drop quicly back to 4mg, Dec 3mg

Jan 2016 2,6mg( in the middle of Jan after I had been on 2,6mg for a week I tried to updose to 2,8mg and immediately had bad reaction to it: akathisia for a day, andehonia got worse. The next day dropped back to 2,6mg), Feb 2,4mg( a new symptom PGAD lasted 24/7 for 2 months after that on and off), March 2,4mg, April 2,3mg, May 2,2mg, June 2,1mg, July 2,0mg( Pgad almost nonexisting, sleeping pretty good, still some anhedonia but there has been a lot of gradual progress), Aug 1,97mg-1,89mg, Sep 1,88mg-1,49mg, Oct 1,48mg- 1,70mg,

Nov 0,65mg- current dose 0,5mg

 

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The thyroid has an effect on the serotonin system and every other hormonal system, thus affecting mood. There is nothing significant in terms of mood about its effect on the serotonin system, except to people who think that serotonin is the key to happiness (aka the bogus "serotonin deficiency" or "chemical imbalance" theory).

 

There's a lot of research out there premised on this fallacy.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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The thyroid has an effect on the serotonin system and every other hormonal system, thus affecting mood. 

 

Since the thyroid has an effect on the serotonin system it is no wonder that SSRI can also have an affect on endocrine system. 

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC518867/

 

There were one guy from France in this forum who felt that his PSSD got a lot worse after he took thyroid meds during his WD even though he wasn't hypothyroid. I was thinking that maybe thyroid meds were too stimulating to his already sensitive serotonin system. Maybe boosting serotonin system through endocrine system can be harmful during WD?

 

Many here seem to have lower thyroid labs during WD or when one is on SSRI but maybe that is just one way our body is protecting itself? I have read that people who have serious health conditions like cancer or just have high fewer also can have lower thyroid labs even though they don't have thyroid condition but their body just wants to go slower and save energy during sickness.

Citalopram 40mg from 2003-2015

Jan 2015 started tapering first dropped to 35mgFeb 30mg, March 25mgApril 20mg, May 17,5mg, June 15mgJuly 12,5mg, Aug 12,5mg,

Sep 0mg for 5 days because of stomac flu and after I raised to 7,5mg. All the symptoms of acute WD shaking, diarrhea, vomiting, barely could walk ect. Still didn't realize that it wasn't only stomac flu but I was also going through WD.

Oct 2,5mg and crashed again badly and quickly raised to 4mg. It was then when I knew my symptoms were due to WD.

Then in November after a month holding on 4mg raised to 5mg due to muscle weakness and had a VERY BAD reaction to reinstatement: akathisia(lasted for one or two weeks), insomnia, anhedonia... Drop quicly back to 4mg, Dec 3mg

Jan 2016 2,6mg( in the middle of Jan after I had been on 2,6mg for a week I tried to updose to 2,8mg and immediately had bad reaction to it: akathisia for a day, andehonia got worse. The next day dropped back to 2,6mg), Feb 2,4mg( a new symptom PGAD lasted 24/7 for 2 months after that on and off), March 2,4mg, April 2,3mg, May 2,2mg, June 2,1mg, July 2,0mg( Pgad almost nonexisting, sleeping pretty good, still some anhedonia but there has been a lot of gradual progress), Aug 1,97mg-1,89mg, Sep 1,88mg-1,49mg, Oct 1,48mg- 1,70mg,

Nov 0,65mg- current dose 0,5mg

 

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  • 2 months later...

Hopefully people are still reviewing this thread.

I'm currently tapering trazodone, the first of so many, but this is specifically about thyroid.

 

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in 2002...after a roaring depression that no psychiatrist caught until it was too late. A few years later T3 was added, and I really began to get my life back.

 

Recently, during a conversation with my father who also takes synthroid, my dad impressed upon me the importance of taking 'brand' synthroid. So a couple of days ago I picked up scrips and began taking brandname synthroid and cytomel. Woah, huge difference...too soon to know if it's positive or not. But thyroid hormones are serious brain drugs.

 

Further, we also talked about my mom who took, and swore by, Armour. She insisted on it, never synthetics. Considering that she and I likely have similar constitutions I wonder about further switching to that. I've seen in the thread other natural alternatives as well. I've been having low thyroid symptoms despite 'normal' results....losing hair, fatigue, constipation sometimes, cold, worsening PMS, etc.

 

I just want to give my brain *optimal* circumstances during my tapers....just the best chance possible of smooth operation. I looked back over the past year at results:

Nov--FT3, 2.9 FT4, 1.1 TSH, .61

Aug--T3 uptake (not sure why he didn't do FT3 as I always request) 28.3 FT4, 1.9 TSH, 8.1

Feb--FT3, 3.2 FT4, 1.1 TSH 1.4

 

So it appears FT3 is on the low end of normal, FT4 is consistent, and I had a TSH spike last August.

It seems likely I will switch to Armour, or another if one is suggested. It does make more sense especially considering my mom's success.

My question is...how does the doc know which Armour dosage to shoot for? Does he base this on current doses of synthetic?

Thanks,

Hope

1995-2012 Paxil 20mg, Tegretol 200mg

2012 Gynecologist screwed me up massively by suggesting a quick and easy switch to Lexapro from Paxil.  Eviscerated CNS.  Ended up on...

Paxil 40,  Mirtazapine 15, Lithium 450, Trazodone 50, Pristiq 100, Klonopin .25, Lamictal 125

August 2014 Pax 20,  Mirt 7.5, lith 450, traz 50, Pristiq 100, Klon .25, Lamic 125

April 2016–May 2019

Verrrrry slow, slow tapering of different ones here and there.  Currently sitting on:

Paxil 20, Lithium 225, Pristiq 100, Klonopin .25, Lamictal 50

Quote

Never surprise the brain!

 

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  • 1 month later...

Hi all, I am just posting to ask if anyone has ever had any thyroid conditions diagnosed.

 

Here is my topic on the intro thread if you want to know more about me (http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/13785-ktkat-and-the-escitalopram/)

 

I have been struggling with anxiety since early January when I hit withdrawals after ceasing escitalopram from a dose of 1.25mg. Since then I reinstated at 1mg, then 1.25mg. I have still had some ongoing symptoms of anxiety, suicidal ideation(not too drastic), ongoing tummy upset (going daily instead of every few days, not bad, but not my normal) in that time and I have seen my GP many times and had a whole host of blood tests. 

 

Last week when I visited my GP he commented that I had lost weight, at which I responded "Yes, but I don't know how," as I have not been exercising and I have not changed my diet at all in the last 2 months or so.

 

At which point my GP suggested a thyroid test, unfortunately, he only requested a check for the thyroid stimulating hormone, not the actual thyroid hormones themselves, so it came back in the lower end of the normal range and the conversation ended, but something still rang true about it with me, so I started up with Doctor Google. 

 

The listed symptoms for Hyperthyroidism (from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/thyroid-hyperthyroidism) are;

 

  • Accelerated heart rate or palpitations
  • Muscle weakness and trembling
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Sensitivity to heat
  • Diarrhoea
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • Sweating
  • Irritability
  • Nervousness, agitation and anxiety
  • Changes in menstruation, including scantier flow and increased cycle length.

And I can put a great big tick next to 7 of those. 7/10 seems a pretty good hit rate. Another page also mentions acne and I have also had more pimples in the last two months than I had in the previous two years. 

 

I am wary of convincing myself of this as if I do the test properly and it comes back negative, I don't want to end up feeling dejected about it. I also know that people with generalised anxiety can end up having a whole range of pointless (and expensive) tests and visits to specialists for symptoms which are fed by their anxiety, BUT I was wondering if anyone else on here has had any issues along these lines.

TIA

Started 10mg Escitalopram March 2013
Stopped Escitalopram cold turkey December 2013 (Unsuccessfully)
Restarted 10mg Escitalopram February 2014
Started tapering May 2016 - 5mg
Estimated drops - 4mg, 3mg, 2.5mgOctober 2016 - 1.25mg
Stopped 19 Dec 2016
Withdrawals from 27 December - Anxiety, Insomnia, Nausea, Diarrhea, Headache (1 day), inc heart rate
7 Jan 2017 reinstated 1mg/day escitalopram

4 Feb 2017 - inc to 1.25mg Escitalopram after some feelings of depression returning

Currently experiencing generalised anxiety in waves

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google hashimoto and izabella wentz. It's more probable that you have hashimoto than hyperthyroid. 

in 2002- 0,5 tablet cipramil for half a year, ended it uneventfully. in 2006 - citalopram for half a year, ended in horrific state, ditched the drugs CT. 2007-2008 not feeling well but drug free. in 2008 prozac 20mg + quetiapine 25mg. 2009 tried to stop, ended up in hole after couple of months, started zoloft. 2009-2011 zoloft 50mg. went to 25mg in 2011 summer, it resulted in half a year horrible suffering. reinstated, changed drugs, nothing happened. by 2012 beginning suddenly felt great and CT meds. after 4 months came suddenly most horrible human suffering that's possible. was started on prozac and questiapine. started tapering slowly, GFCF diet and Hardy Nutritionals vitamins in 2013 summer. 

current medications: 1) fluoxetine and quetiapine since Aug 2012; 2) Daily Essential Nutrients by Hardy Nutritionals 7 capsules / since May 2013 + omega3; 3) Gluten-free-casein-free diet since june 2013

Started withdrawing slowly since april 2013. Mostly around 10% cuts. 

April'13 - March'14: fluoxetine 40mg -> 19,5mg; quetiapine 50mg -> 40mg
April'14-March'15: fluoxetine 19,5mg -> 14,4mg; quetiapine 40mg -> 22mg

April'15-March'16: fluoxetine 14,4mg -> 7,4mg; quetiapine 22mg -> 15mg

April'16-March'17: fluoxetine 7,4mg -> 5,0mg; quetiapine 15mg -> 7,25mg

April'17-March'18: fluoxetine 5,0mg -> 4,0mg; quetiapine 7,25mg -> 0 (as of 1st Feb 2018)!!!!

April´18-March´19: fluoxetine 4,0mg - > 2,3mg. Jumped off fluoxetine 1,4mg due to pregnancy in July 2019. Oct 2019 severe withdrawal syndrome started.

Took mistakenly a complex for hormonal support that included pregnenolone dec2019-april2020. Stopped it april 2020 and immediately severe akathisia started. Have had life threatening akathisia since, 100% disabled, suicidal, very hard to hold on. 

 

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Yep! Hot thyroid nodules that made me hyperthyroid and then hashimotos. You need to have tsh, free t3, free t4 and thyroid antibodies tested. ( not just tsh or total t's)

Current age - 29

 

At Ages 16- 20 Celexa 40 mg 

 

2014- September through February of 2016 ( 18 months) Celexa 20 mg

 

Tapered for Several months

 

Celexa free since February of 2016

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Topics merged:  Thyroid and Anxiety -----> Thyroid symptoms, Hypothyroid, Hashimotos

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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Hi there I have hashimotos. I'm under the impression from research that it never goes away but some people have put it in remission. I'm not sure if forever though. I have nodules which went hot after my baby two years ago and then found out I have hashimotos as well.

 

What has lowered antibodies for me is. Optimizing iodine with selenium and going gluten and dairy free. I'm also mostly soy free as well.

 

I also have realize just how common this is. When I was diagnosed I was in total fear. After a while it's like I couldn't meet a person who didn't have a thyroid disorder.

 

I think doing any steps to help your body and immune system are key. Also knowing the proper tests ( tsh FREE t3 FREE t4 reverse t3 and antibodies tests) and what optimal levels are.. Just not in range.

Current age - 29

 

At Ages 16- 20 Celexa 40 mg 

 

2014- September through February of 2016 ( 18 months) Celexa 20 mg

 

Tapered for Several months

 

Celexa free since February of 2016

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  • 2 months later...

After reading the following study, I changed my thryoid med (synthroid) from morning to evening. In the study, there were no significant benefits noted in quality of life; I still felt it was worth a try. Within a couple of days, the shoulder tension and pain I've had for 9 months disappeared and has not returned. There was a major decrease in muscle tension and pain throughout the rest of my body too. Both the chiropractor and massage therapist noticed the change in tension. In addition, I've been sleeping much better, have had no sweating in the night or morning--even with the change of seasons. My energy has improved some, though not consistently. I'm going to request a complete thyroid panel from the doctor, to see if TSH has changed, to find out if I have Hashimoto's, and to see what other thyroid values are. Note that the study did not include testing of dessicated thyroid, so not sure if changing the time of that would have any impact. Just thought I'd share my experience, in case it's helpful to someone else. 

 

 "Levothyroxine sodium is widely prescribed to treat primary hypothyroidism. There is consensus that levothyroxine should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. A pilot study showed that levothyroxine intake at bedtime significantly decreased thyrotropin levels and increased free thyroxine and total triiodothyronine levels. To date, no large randomized trial investigating the best time of levothyroxine intake, including quality-of-life evaluation, has been performed."  http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/776486

Remeron for depression. Started at 7.5 mg. in 2005. Gradual increases over 8 years, up to 45 mg. in 2012.Began tapering in June 2013. Went from 45 to 30 mg in the first 3-4 months. Held for a couple of months.Started tapering by 3.75 mg every month or 2, with some longer holding periods. Eventually went down to 3.75 mg. about April 2014. Stopped taking Remeron August 2014. Developed issues with histamine a week after stopping--symptoms reduced through diet and a few supplements. Currently having issues with a few foods. Most of the histamine intolerance has resolved or is at least, in remission.

Current Medications:

Current Supplements: Cannabis (CBD and THC), Vitamin C, D, Quercetin, CoQ10, Tart Cherry, Probiotic, Phytoplankton oil, magnesium, Methyl B. What has helped me most: spending time in nature, qi gong, exercise, healthy diet, meditation, IV vitamins, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, music, and cuddling my cats..

My introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8459-mirtazapine-withdrawal-freespirit/#entry144282

Please note: I am not a therapist or medical practitioner. Any suggestions offered come solely from my personal experience in recovering from childhood trauma, therapy, and AD use. Please seek appropriate care for yourself.

 

“After a cruel childhood, one must reinvent oneself. Then re-imagine the world.”
Mary Oliver
 

 

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  • 2 months later...

I just got my blood work back and I have  Hashimoto's! 😩  Is it possible being on Celexa caused it? I've never had a "condition" 

Edited by scallywag
merged topics

In 2015- had UTI put on Microbid. Stopped sleeping & had a nervous breakdown! Was put on Seroquil, Trazadone, Klonopin, just to name a few! Got off all drugs except Celexa until May of 2018. 

 

Update as of 1/19- reinstated Celexa 20mg. Drinking wine nightly along with a slew of meds/supplements to try and get to sleep. 

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I have hashimotos also. It's extremely common. I wouldn't chalk it up to celexa  as many many have it who have not been on ssris but you never know, maybe it does cause it for some people. I wouldn't be shocked. 

 

Best advice is to find a good thyroid specialist. Usually endocrinologist aren't. Functional medicine and naturopath  drs seem to know more. 

Current age - 29

 

At Ages 16- 20 Celexa 40 mg 

 

2014- September through February of 2016 ( 18 months) Celexa 20 mg

 

Tapered for Several months

 

Celexa free since February of 2016

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hello everyone, I was wondering if maybe someone could help me.

 

I have made blood tests three weeks ago and they came back a wreck. I have extremely low iron levels, really low vitamin D levels, low B12 levels and slightly low zync levels. I also have my cholesterol at 238 (97 HDL). I am 25 years old.

 

I had a weird dream like two weeks ago about thyroid problems and I decided to search. I found out that hypothyroidism can cause low iron levels, low vitamin D, and high cholesterol.

I also get tired very fast, just walking a little makes me stop to catch my breath and my legs are tired. My skin is very dry (never had dry skin), I gained a lot of weight and my metabolism is very slow. I have some muscle and joint pain (which is tolerable but annoying).

 

The thing is, all this problems can also be caused by the antidepressants which I am still taking (Luvox - 18.75mg at the moment). Or by the anaemia. So I am very confused as what to do next.

 

Can someone give some insight? 

 

Thank you very much.

2001 - 2004 (9yrs to 12 yrs old): Clomipramine (don't remember dosage).

2013: Sertraline on September but stopped after two weeks. Xanax for 3 months (late september to december). Two days of terrible withdrawal insomnia and panic but stopped.

2014 - 2015: Luvox 50mg (february 2014 to june 2015).

2015 - 2016: Luvox 25mg (june 2015 to april 2016). Started to taper in April, taking one every other day for a week, one every two days. Severe dp/dr, anxiety and panic attacks.

2016 - 2017: Reinstated Luvox 50mg in June. Started to feel very depressed and anhedonia. Thoughts of suicide that scared me.

January 2017: stared tapering Luvox.

(Gradually reducing 1/8 of the pill, 6.25mg each time (every 4 to 6 weeks) - 12% of original dose, because my taper was going well and couldn't cut pill into smaller bits)

July 2017: 25mg

(Reduced 1/8 of the pill, equivalent to 6.25mg - 12% of original dose)

August 2017: 18.75mg

October 2017: 18.75mg

 

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13 hours ago, Deise said:

I have made blood tests three weeks ago and they came back a wreck. I have extremely low iron levels, really low vitamin D levels, low B12 levels and slightly low zync levels. I also have my cholesterol at 238 (97 HDL). I am 25 years old.

 

I had a weird dream like two weeks ago about thyroid problems and I decided to search. I found out that hypothyroidism can cause low iron levels, low vitamin D, and high cholesterol.

I also get tired very fast, just walking a little makes me stop to catch my breath and my legs are tired. My skin is very dry (never had dry skin), I gained a lot of weight and my metabolism is very slow. I have some muscle and joint pain (which is tolerable but annoying).

I am no expert- I've just been there.  My knowledge of your AD is 0.  That being said, I looked at your drug history and-

 

It appears to me you began suffering with adrenal issues early in your life.  If you are trying to get off an AD this will only get worse for awhile- at least it did with me.  You are young and have an opportunity to right the ship- I'm much older and will have to live with the damage of 20 yrs. of drugs that messed me up.

 

First thing you can do to help yourself is straighten up your diet- get rid of the grains, wheat, sugar and dairy.  These 4 things have a dramatic impact on your thyroid and adrenals.  Getting rid of them will also allow your gut, where almost all of your regulatory hormones and neurotransmitters are made, to heal.  It sounds drastic and daunting.  I resisted doing this for too long, but when I did, the improvements came quickly.  You need to be eating real- not processed foods.  You don't have to do it all overnight, but if you have a prayer of getting yourself in a state where you don't need medication, this is unfortunately the way to go.  Likely your doctor may balk- but they aren't about you not needing them.

 

B12 and zinc deficiency are closely tied to anemia.  You are very young to be having these issues.  Do you eat red meat- the best source of B12?  Be careful with B12 supplements if you have adrenal issues.  Start with a low dose and work you way up- at YOUR pace. 

 

D3 is easy to supplement- and you most definitely should if you are weaning off an AD.  I take around 13-15,000 IU/ day.  You probably won't need that much.  I would also be taking Omega 3's while you are in the process of getting of the AD. 

 

If no one has addressed this with you, I would highly recommend you take the same amount of your AD every day, reducing by 10%.  Going up and down puts your body through chaos and does your mind no good either.  This could induce anxiety you don't want or need.

 

As to thyroid meds- get your levels tested.  I understand this is overwhelming to learn, but do yourself a favor and learn now before you become messed up by thyroid meds that are all wrong, which is highly likely to happen.  If you don't need them, you don't want to get started on these things.  Look up the Stop the Thyroid Madness web site and start learning, especially which tests are necessary for proper thyroid diagnosis.  Most docs do the wrong or inadequate tests.

 

Thyroid, insulin and adrenal issues are closely tied to one another, and if you have gut problems of any kind (100% likely if you've been on AD's) these can all be off.  These contribute to your weight gain- and again, what you eat is the building blocks of what your body needs to function well.

 

I didn't want to spend the time learning about what was wrong with me.  I had no choice.  No doctor I had been to had adequate knowledge of how to help me.  I educated myself and took action on my own.  The medical profession/healthcare has trained us into learned helplessness, passivity and intimidation.  Their most common solution to everything is more tests and a prescription.

 

I remember when I started weaning off my AD.   When I went too quickly, I got into trouble and ended up causing my withdrawal to take 4.5 years (went very slowly to minimize problems and it worked well in the end).  It's hard to be patient and give things a chance to straighten out.  You didn't get here overnight.  If you clean up your diet, you may notice some dramatic changes within weeks, but that isn't a promise. 

 

I hope this is of help

Effexor free 12/17/16 doing well from a protracted withdrawal lasting 4.5 years

Clonazepam .75 mg

8/2017 Clonazepam .675  too big a jump! Big backlash!

 

 

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Hi newtonsmom, thank you so much for your response :)

 

I have recently started a vegan diet (after the blood test was made, so my low levels have nothing to do with it). So I no longer eat dairy and I pretty much avoid sugar on a daily basis. I almost always eat home cooked meals of fresh vegetables and fruit. I am sure I can also remove wheat from my diet, but do you think the grains is vital? Since I don't eat meat or dairy or eggs, I need grains like oats to get some nutrients (although I eat few a day and almost always whole grains).

 

I don't eat red meat and since I started a vegan diet I will have to supplement B12 always. How do I know if I have adrenal problems?

The doctors think my anemia is caused by my menstrual blood loss, which was always too much, but got worse with my AD (doctor said Luvox usually causes blood problems and mess with menstruation).

 

My glicose levels are very good, magnesium and calcium also.

 

Forgot to mention I am also on the pill (may be relevant because of hormones). I also smoke but am reducing more and more and expect to quit this year.

 

I have a doctor appointment tomorrow with my gp to show her the blood test results and I will ask her for thyroid tests, better safe than sorry. Hope she will not object about doing them.

 

It really was of help, thank you very much :)

2001 - 2004 (9yrs to 12 yrs old): Clomipramine (don't remember dosage).

2013: Sertraline on September but stopped after two weeks. Xanax for 3 months (late september to december). Two days of terrible withdrawal insomnia and panic but stopped.

2014 - 2015: Luvox 50mg (february 2014 to june 2015).

2015 - 2016: Luvox 25mg (june 2015 to april 2016). Started to taper in April, taking one every other day for a week, one every two days. Severe dp/dr, anxiety and panic attacks.

2016 - 2017: Reinstated Luvox 50mg in June. Started to feel very depressed and anhedonia. Thoughts of suicide that scared me.

January 2017: stared tapering Luvox.

(Gradually reducing 1/8 of the pill, 6.25mg each time (every 4 to 6 weeks) - 12% of original dose, because my taper was going well and couldn't cut pill into smaller bits)

July 2017: 25mg

(Reduced 1/8 of the pill, equivalent to 6.25mg - 12% of original dose)

August 2017: 18.75mg

October 2017: 18.75mg

 

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1 hour ago, Deise said:

I have recently started a vegan diet (after the blood test was made, so my low levels have nothing to do with it).

Deise, this has everything to do with why your levels are what they are.  It is impossible to get adequate B12 and zinc w/o consuming red meat (lamb, beef, venison).  Please don't take my word for it.  I just read Undoctored, by William Davis, who also wrote Wheatbelly and several follow-up books.  He explicitly addressed this issue and the tremendous damage that is done by not getting enough zinc and B12 naturally.  It's a nice thought that you can get it from supplements, but it is always 1st choice to get it from food.

Dr. Davis also addressed the issues with grain.  I did not want to believe the impact of eating grains (primarily rice, wheat, rye and all grass seeds) would have on my health.  I dropped gluten but continued eating much of what is termed gluten free for about 8 months.  My health improved, but when I dropped all grains, dairy (except butter), and all sugar, I began losing weight, my health improved dramatically, my thyroid meds were reduced, and even though I was at the end of my Effexor taper, I have never noticed any impact of going off the drug.

 

You are putting your body through a lot of stress by just getting off the drugs.  Changing you diet adds to that stress.  You're adrenal glands don't know the difference between good and bad stress.

 

If no one else has, I want to urge you to follow the protocols for decreasing your meds.  I don't know how others feel about it but I wouldn't get off more than one drug at a time.  It makes it very hard to know how your body is responding.  I feel the same way about introducing new drugs/supplements as well.  As for the smoking, those chemicals have a tremendous impact on you body, mood, brain.  If there is someone here that could address how to handle smoking cessation along with your other drugs, it might be worth it to ask. 

 

2 hours ago, Deise said:

Forgot to mention I am also on the pill (may be relevant because of hormones). I also smoke but am reducing more and more and expect to quit this year

Just listened to this video today.  Yes, the primary topic is menopause, but I would urge you to listen.  She addresses a number of your issues.  She specifically talks about birth control pills.  I learned from this doctor what I thought of as a mental snap caused by thyroid and insulin problems (these played a major role in the scenario) was life trying to get my attention when I was 42.  I've talked with other women that reported something similar.  This event brought a world of drugs into my life that I've worked for nearly 15 yrs. to undo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xA9Mzd6IDY

 

Good luck with your doctor's visit.  If your doctor doesn't want to allow you to get the thyroid tests, you have a couple of choices.  The STTM (Stop the Thyroid Madness) site tells you labs that will perform the tests.  There are some places that will do all of the major one's for pretty low fees.  I just found out that you can ask major labs to give you a direct to patient price if the doc agrees to some test but not others.  Another choice is fire that doc and get another.  Thirdly, you can go it alone.  There are lots of people that do this.  My previous doc refused to give me the medication that would change my life.  I found a new doctor.  Her ignorance was infuriating.  My plan is to get to the point I only have to see a doc for thyroid medication renewal.  If you listen to that interview up above, she explains well why it's healthier to keep medical solutions at arms length.

 

Please look into reading any of Dr. Davis' books.  I learned a lot from reading Undoctored.

 

Much success.

Newton's Mom 

Effexor free 12/17/16 doing well from a protracted withdrawal lasting 4.5 years

Clonazepam .75 mg

8/2017 Clonazepam .675  too big a jump! Big backlash!

 

 

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