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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Chloe on October 29, 2002, at 9:01:05
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal???, posted by ST on October 28, 2002, at 18:14:09
Sarah and Pfenstegg,
I am finding Cytomel makes me feel terrific. I have a great sense of well being and I laugh and feel SO good. But last night I found that I felt very hot. I was at my chorus practice and I was sweating and overheating. I also didn't sleep terribly soundly last night. My heart was pounding a bit.
Sarah, I mostly have depressive tendencies too. Though I often find myself very irritable and frustrated. I get such a short fuse I can hardly cope with life's little everyday events. Then I can cycle and get so "high" and chatty and have really bad impulse control. That is hypomania, but it's always followed by a horrible crash into distorted thinking and suicidal depression. It's really scary and dangerous. Because when I fall from a such a high, I am so impulsive, sad, crazy and angry. I take:
1.5 mgs Celexa
60 mgs Doxepin
10 mgs Diazapam
450 mgs Lithium
5 mcgs Cytomel.However, I am thinking of stopping the Celexa. I think I might have too much AD on board now that I am taking Cytomel. What do you think Pfenstegg? The over heated feeling and the heart palps feel like too much SSRI. I am only taking a few drops any way. I SO do not want to stop the Cytomel. It really makes me feel so good, *almost* hypomanic but without the lack of impulse control. I feel talkative, and I may talk alot, but I can stop it! It's not that pressured feeling where I can't stop or I make bad decision I regret later. So far, I have really enjoyed talking and feeling up. And I am thrilled I have not crashed. These types of good moods typically never last. But I have felt well and energized for 3 days now. I feel so lucky! I really don't want to stop the Cytomel. I should email my pdoc about this...But I am thinking I am not hypomanic, I am actually kinda *normal*. I do think I can probably dump some of my AD's.
Yes, thyroid definitely beats any AD I have ever taken. I just hope it doesn't wind me up too much. Do you think I will get more revved as time goes on? Or might I settle down? I also have to watch that I don't loose anymore weight. It is melting off me. And I don't really have any extra to loose. So a big lunch for me today...
Thanks for writing
Chloe :)
Posted by Pfinstegg on October 29, 2002, at 9:41:39
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal???, posted by Chloe on October 29, 2002, at 9:01:05
Chloe- not being bipolar myself, I don't know enough about your medications to comment on that aspect, although lots of other people here do know a huge amount about it and can probably give helpful suggestions. As to the Cytomel, I think your TSH is going to tell you whether the amount you are taking is right for you.(if it goes below 0.5, that would be too low) But you do have to think about clinical effects, too: weight loss and a racing pulse are two signs of possibly having too much of either TSH, T4 or T3 in your system. I would hate to see you discontinue the Cytomel because it seems to be helping with the "crashes", but it might be that 2.5 mcg. would be enough for you
I know that you still have struggles and challenges, but it's just wonderful how much better you sound compared to a few months ago!
Pfinstegg
Posted by Ritch on October 29, 2002, at 9:47:35
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal???, posted by Chloe on October 29, 2002, at 9:01:05
>.....last night I found that I felt very hot. I was at my chorus practice and I was sweating and overheating. I also didn't sleep terribly soundly last night. My heart was pounding a bit....
Chloe, hope you don't mind me resonding to that one. Feeling flushed and hot are mild hyperthyroid symptoms. However, SSRI's cause it too. Interestingly, Celexa and Effexor were the two that I noticed the most flushing on. Celexa I noticed the most sweating. Is it ocurring primarily about 2-6 hrs post-dosing? My underarms would just drip like crazy in a 72 degree office, and coworkers feel the heat coming off of me. I found that it was also worse right after a meal. Maybe you could ask your pdoc if you could try your pinch of Celexa every other day for awhile. When I was on Celexa a few months ago that's how I took it.----Mitch
Posted by Chloe on October 29, 2002, at 17:31:42
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal??? » Chloe, posted by Ritch on October 29, 2002, at 9:47:35
I didn't take any Celexa today and I feel much *less* revved up and HOT. I probably should have asked the pdoc first...But I do have ECT tomorrow, so I thought it would be OK to drop it out of the line up. If I crashed, at least I would have something to get me back on track.
I sure wouldn't mind dropping the Celexa out for good. It's a real pain to take one and a half CC's per day. I think it's under 20 drops. But clearly it has some impact, because I am not sweating much today at all. Interesting Mitch that you sweat the most on Celexa. I found it to be one of the better one's for me, prozac and zololt being the worst. But Celexa+Cytomel seems to really stoke my furnace.
Thanks so much for writing, Mitch and Pfenstegg, etc. Trying new meds can be so scary. But I must say, Cytomel really has been helpful. This is the first week between treatments without a psychotic type crash. Yipee! Maybe I can start spacing treatments out more and more...
Yours,
Chloe :)
Posted by Ritch on October 29, 2002, at 22:10:23
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal???, posted by Chloe on October 29, 2002, at 17:31:42
> I didn't take any Celexa today and I feel much *less* revved up and HOT. I probably should have asked the pdoc first...But I do have ECT tomorrow, so I thought it would be OK to drop it out of the line up. If I crashed, at least I would have something to get me back on track.
>
> I sure wouldn't mind dropping the Celexa out for good. It's a real pain to take one and a half CC's per day. I think it's under 20 drops. But clearly it has some impact, because I am not sweating much today at all. Interesting Mitch that you sweat the most on Celexa. I found it to be one of the better one's for me, prozac and zololt being the worst. But Celexa+Cytomel seems to really stoke my furnace.Chloe, you might want to "work in" what you are doing in your conversation to your pdoc so she will be on the same page. I remember when I was on a dexedrine trial back in the Spring and easily went several days between a tiny Celexa dose of about what you normally take (1.25mg approx.). If you feel like you "need" to take a tiny dose of Celexa, don't feel that you have thrown it out for good-esp. if you are getting a mild withdrawal from it. Perhaps if you told your pdoc you want the Celexa *available*, but would like to see if you could do without it?? It is true-I sweated on that med more than anything else ever! Effexor causes almost as much sweating, but not clearly DRIPPING underarms! ;)--Mitch
Posted by Chloe on October 30, 2002, at 8:41:28
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal??? » Chloe, posted by Ritch on October 29, 2002, at 22:10:23
> > I didn't take any Celexa today and I feel much *less* revved up and HOT. I probably should have asked the pdoc first...But I do have ECT tomorrow, so I thought it would be OK to drop it out of the line up. If I crashed, at least I would have something to get me back on track.
> >
> > I sure wouldn't mind dropping the Celexa out for good. It's a real pain to take one and a half CC's per day. I think it's under 20 drops. But clearly it has some impact, because I am not sweating much today at all. Interesting Mitch that you sweat the most on Celexa. I found it to be one of the better one's for me, prozac and zololt being the worst. But Celexa+Cytomel seems to really stoke my furnace.
>
> Chloe, you might want to "work in" what you are doing in your conversation to your pdoc so she will be on the same page. I remember when I was on a dexedrine trial back in the Spring and easily went several days between a tiny Celexa dose of about what you normally take (1.25mg approx.). If you feel like you "need" to take a tiny dose of Celexa, don't feel that you have thrown it out for good-esp. if you are getting a mild withdrawal from it. Perhaps if you told your pdoc you want the Celexa *available*, but would like to see if you could do without it?? It is true-I sweated on that med more than anything else ever! Effexor causes almost as much sweating, but not clearly DRIPPING underarms! ;)--MitchHi Mitch
Interesting you should mention this. Because I did feel what I thought might be a slight withdrawl last night about 7 pm. So I took .5 mgs of Celexa. And about 2 hours later(like you experienced) I was starting to feel quite warm. I was afraid I might not be able to sleep, but I found myself more tired than ever. I went to bed early and slept soundly until about 7 am. I really hate that we changed the clocks back, because I don't know if I am waking up earlier due to these meds, or b/c we put the clocks back an hours. Really annoys me, every year!
Anyway today I have ECT and I hope I will be able to talk to the edoc about this Cytomel+Celexa thing. They have been so busy and overwrought at the clinic that my appointment at 10 am last week did not start until 2 pm. So needless to say I had no time to talk to the edoc...It was really hard to wait that long. They better be more organized today.
AND I don't know what I should do about the Cytomel this morning. I am thinking 5 mgs is too much. I feel a bit caffeinated this am, and I haven't had anything to eat or drink since last night. I could try 2.5 mgs, but the pill kinda turned to dust when I split it. But maybe I will wait till after the treatment. But I read that you are supposed to take T3 at the *same time* every day. And on an empty stomach, do you know if this is true? If I wait till after the treatment it will be sometime in the afternoon, several hours after my regular time. But if I am a little wired anyway, it's probably best to wait anyway. I am a bit shaky and revved up, but now high at all.
Hopefully I will feel better this after noon.
Later
Chloe
Posted by Ritch on October 30, 2002, at 10:07:41
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal??? » Ritch, posted by Chloe on October 30, 2002, at 8:41:28
> AND I don't know what I should do about the Cytomel this morning. I am thinking 5 mgs is too much. I feel a bit caffeinated this am, and I haven't had anything to eat or drink since last night. I could try 2.5 mgs, but the pill kinda turned to dust when I split it. But maybe I will wait till after the treatment. But I read that you are supposed to take T3 at the *same time* every day. And on an empty stomach, do you know if this is true? If I wait till after the treatment it will be sometime in the afternoon, several hours after my regular time. But if I am a little wired anyway, it's probably best to wait anyway. I am a bit shaky and revved up, but now high at all.
> Hopefully I will feel better this after noon.
> Later
> ChloeAs far as T4 goes anyhow, you are supposed to take it on an empty stomach the same time each morning. I wonder if the anti-cycling effect of thyroid hormone has to do precisely with being a little "revved-up", but not hypomanic? Maybe it is a consistent *sameness* experience through the day that keeps you from being overly reactive to your environment..?
Posted by Chloe on October 31, 2002, at 18:02:42
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal??? » Chloe, posted by Ritch on October 30, 2002, at 10:07:41
> > AND I don't know what I should do about the Cytomel this morning. I am thinking 5 mgs is too much. I feel a bit caffeinated this am, and I haven't had anything to eat or drink since last night. I could try 2.5 mgs, but the pill kinda turned to dust when I split it. But maybe I will wait till after the treatment. But I read that you are supposed to take T3 at the *same time* every day. And on an empty stomach, do you know if this is true? If I wait till after the treatment it will be sometime in the afternoon, several hours after my regular time. But if I am a little wired anyway, it's probably best to wait anyway. I am a bit shaky and revved up, but now high at all.
> > Hopefully I will feel better this after noon.
> > Later
> > Chloe
>
> As far as T4 goes anyhow, you are supposed to take it on an empty stomach the same time each morning. I wonder if the anti-cycling effect of thyroid hormone has to do precisely with being a little "revved-up", but not hypomanic? Maybe it is a consistent *sameness* experience through the day that keeps you from being overly reactive to your environment..?Hi,
Well, I am no longer hot. For some reason after ECT, I woke up feeling quite calm and even a bit on the cold side. I had trouble warming up yesterday. And today, though my mood is quite even, I feel so tired. I could just lie down and sleep. So much for the revved up feeling! Perhaps I adjusted to the 5 mcgs of Cytomel? Or maybe something else was revving me before that I am not aware of? Though I can't think of what, because I keep most everything in my life about the same, so I have no surprises! For example, I don't like to have more than 2 cups of coffee per day. Because then I don't know if I am anxious or if it's the coffee...
Well, I told the p and edocs yesterday that I was revved up. They still though I should stay on the med. I am glad they said that. Because I am fine now. They plan to check my TSH level in a week or so...
Anyway, it's SO nice to feel even and good for a change. I feel so lucky :)
My best to everyone
Chloe
Posted by Ritch on October 31, 2002, at 22:23:05
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal???, posted by Chloe on October 31, 2002, at 18:02:42
> > > AND I don't know what I should do about the Cytomel this morning. I am thinking 5 mgs is too much. I feel a bit caffeinated this am, and I haven't had anything to eat or drink since last night. I could try 2.5 mgs, but the pill kinda turned to dust when I split it. But maybe I will wait till after the treatment. But I read that you are supposed to take T3 at the *same time* every day. And on an empty stomach, do you know if this is true? If I wait till after the treatment it will be sometime in the afternoon, several hours after my regular time. But if I am a little wired anyway, it's probably best to wait anyway. I am a bit shaky and revved up, but now high at all.
> > > Hopefully I will feel better this after noon.
> > > Later
> > > Chloe
> >
> > As far as T4 goes anyhow, you are supposed to take it on an empty stomach the same time each morning. I wonder if the anti-cycling effect of thyroid hormone has to do precisely with being a little "revved-up", but not hypomanic? Maybe it is a consistent *sameness* experience through the day that keeps you from being overly reactive to your environment..?
>
> Hi,
> Well, I am no longer hot. For some reason after ECT, I woke up feeling quite calm and even a bit on the cold side. I had trouble warming up yesterday. And today, though my mood is quite even, I feel so tired. I could just lie down and sleep. So much for the revved up feeling! Perhaps I adjusted to the 5 mcgs of Cytomel? Or maybe something else was revving me before that I am not aware of? Though I can't think of what, because I keep most everything in my life about the same, so I have no surprises! For example, I don't like to have more than 2 cups of coffee per day. Because then I don't know if I am anxious or if it's the coffee...
> Well, I told the p and edocs yesterday that I was revved up. They still though I should stay on the med. I am glad they said that. Because I am fine now. They plan to check my TSH level in a week or so...
> Anyway, it's SO nice to feel even and good for a change. I feel so lucky :)
> My best to everyone
> Chloe
>Chloe, did you wait until after the treatment to take your Cytomel or did you take a split dose, etc.? If you skipped a dose-that could be why you are feeling a little "tired" and "cold". How is your Celexa dosing going? You might want to chart your Cytomel vis a vis Celexa/other meds and your response at different times of the day. This sounds very encouraging. I see my pdoc in a couple of weeks. It looks like Effexor+Ritalin+Omega3+supplements daytime and Depakote+Klonopin at night for now. If this thyroid experiment of yours proves to be *really* beneficial I might press the idea of a little Cytomel. Let us know what your free T3/T4 and your TSH results are, OK? good luck--Mitch
Posted by Chloe on November 2, 2002, at 9:01:06
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal??? » Chloe, posted by Ritch on October 31, 2002, at 22:23:05
> Chloe, did you wait until after the treatment to take your Cytomel or did you take a split dose, etc.? If you skipped a dose-that could be why you are feeling a little "tired" and "cold". How is your Celexa dosing going? You might want to chart your Cytomel vis a vis Celexa/other meds and your response at different times of the day. This sounds very encouraging. I see my pdoc in a couple of weeks. It looks like Effexor+Ritalin+Omega3+supplements daytime and Depakote+Klonopin at night for now. If this thyroid experiment of yours proves to be *really* beneficial I might press the idea of a little Cytomel. Let us know what your free T3/T4 and your TSH results are, OK? good luck--Mitch
Hi Mitch,
I took the Cytomel after the treatment, so it was not on a empty stomach. But I never missed a dose and I haven't cut it in half again. I have cut my Celexa dose in half though. When I take the full 1.5 mgs, I get really chatty. I just want to talk and talk. So I am taking a little less and don't feel the need to talk up a storm and my mood is still good.
I feel almost no side effects from the Cytomel. I don't even notice that I am taking it anymore. But I do think it's keeping a little more of a floor on my mood. I am not having severe crashes into irrational, distorted suicidal thinking. What a relief. I hope to end this ECT soon.
I would definitely mention T3 to your pdoc. It has almost no side effects that I am aware of, and it actually seems to do something. That is so rare in the psychopharm world!
When I find out my TSH and other values I will let you know. I forgot to ask my pdoc for my original TSH in my email. Now I have to wait til I get my new value which will be drawn next week.
Did you find out if T3 (not T4) has to be taken on an empty stomach? The pharmacist mentioned nothing about it, and my pdoc didn't know...
Take care,
Chloe
Posted by Pfinstegg on November 2, 2002, at 10:55:57
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal??? » Ritch, posted by Chloe on November 2, 2002, at 9:01:06
Hi Chloe! It's such great news that you are really better, and can look towards the end of regular ECT. My endocrinologist instructed me to take the Cytomel on an empty stomach, a half hour before breakfast.
Pfinstegg
Posted by Ritch on November 2, 2002, at 13:24:20
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal??? » Ritch, posted by Chloe on November 2, 2002, at 9:01:06
> Hi Mitch,
> I took the Cytomel after the treatment, so it was not on a empty stomach. But I never missed a dose and I haven't cut it in half again. I have cut my Celexa dose in half though. When I take the full 1.5 mgs, I get really chatty. I just want to talk and talk. So I am taking a little less and don't feel the need to talk up a storm and my mood is still good.
> I feel almost no side effects from the Cytomel. I don't even notice that I am taking it anymore. But I do think it's keeping a little more of a floor on my mood. I am not having severe crashes into irrational, distorted suicidal thinking. What a relief. I hope to end this ECT soon.
> I would definitely mention T3 to your pdoc. It has almost no side effects that I am aware of, and it actually seems to do something. That is so rare in the psychopharm world!
> When I find out my TSH and other values I will let you know. I forgot to ask my pdoc for my original TSH in my email. Now I have to wait til I get my new value which will be drawn next week.
> Did you find out if T3 (not T4) has to be taken on an empty stomach? The pharmacist mentioned nothing about it, and my pdoc didn't know...
> Take care,
> ChloeChloe, I looked some more and the most info I could find was that 10-20mcg is a common "starting" dose. It is usually taken 2-3 times daily. Couldn't find anything about empty stomach or not. Did they give you any patient information with your script when you got your Cytomel filled? If this works out well, maybe you could add a 2nd 5mcg. tablet after you get all your thyroid tests back. I noticed the "chattiness" on Celexa, too. Other SSRI's do that as well. If I take more than just a little bit I will get hypomanic.... Mitch
>
Posted by Chloe on November 2, 2002, at 18:04:55
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal??? » Chloe, posted by Pfinstegg on November 2, 2002, at 10:55:57
> Hi Chloe! It's such great news that you are really better, and can look towards the end of regular ECT. My endocrinologist instructed me to take the Cytomel on an empty stomach, a half hour before breakfast.
>
> PfinsteggThanks Pfinstegg!
I am feeling better. And definitely ready to wind down on the ECT. I really think the T3 helps. Though it sure doesn't rev me up any more. I am ready to nod off, and it's only 7 pm!
I have been taking the Cytomel about an hour before breakfast. Thanks for sharing what your endo said. That helps.
Hope you are doing well
Chloe
Posted by Chloe on November 2, 2002, at 18:25:14
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal??? » Chloe, posted by Ritch on November 2, 2002, at 13:24:20
> Chloe, I looked some more and the most info I could find was that 10-20mcg is a common "starting" dose. It is usually taken 2-3 times daily. Couldn't find anything about empty stomach or not. Did they give you any patient information with your script when you got your Cytomel filled? If this works out well, maybe you could add a 2nd 5mcg. tablet after you get all your thyroid tests back. I noticed the "chattiness" on Celexa, too. Other SSRI's do that as well. If I take more than just a little bit I will get hypomanic.... Mitch
> >
>
>
Hey Mitch,
I am going to have a level drawn on Wednesday. I am very curious if it is effected at all. Because now I feel very quiet and "normal." I don't feel revved up or racy any more. I am sure my pdoc wanted to start me out slow. I am so sensitive to every med I take. She might bump up the dose next week when the tests are back.
The only patient info I got with my script said that "there are no typically reported side effects if you take this medication as directed." I thought that wasn't very helpful...No other instructions came with the medicine.
Oh, I have to be so careful with the SSRI's as you know. If I take more than a milligrams or so, I get hypomanic too. I start making really stupid decisions and doing things I wouldn't normally do. So as little as possible in the SSRI department. I took about .75 mgs Celexa today. That seemed like the upper limit. The phone rang tonight, and I really had to rein myself in, not to keep blabbing and blabbing. I did talk for over an hour and a half! But at least it wasn't pressured like it was when I started the Cytomel. The combo on Cytomel and Celexa for me is a potent one. I have been able to cut my Celexa in half without any added depresson.
Ooh, I feel so lucky all this stuff is working :)
Thanks
Chloe
Posted by Chloe on November 9, 2002, at 10:25:25
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal??? » Ritch, posted by Chloe on November 2, 2002, at 18:25:14
Hi Everybody,
I quit the Cytomel 10 mcgs. I was so HOT and nervous and racy. I didn't like that feeling of being all cracked up. The first feeling I would have when I would wake up is anxiety. I have been off it since Wednesday, about 4 days. And my mood is fine. But I am soooo tired. I just want to nap and nap and nap. But I have to go to work this afternoon. I hope I can keep focused.
I had a level drawn on Wednesday, when I had maintanence ECT. But my pdoc wasn't able to get into the computer to get my values. I haven't yet told my pdoc I stopped the T3. Do you think my energy level will pop back up? I was on the Cytomel a little over a week. Or could I take the Cytomel every other day? It's not really possible to cut the teeny pill in half effectively. It just turns into dust...
But like I said, my mood is pretty good. I have been getting involved in more things, and even having fun! I never laughed so hard the other night. It was such a blast. The ECT has been so helpful. Now I am down to every other week and soon I will go to once a month. I am just not sure the T3 is/was helping. It was adding to my anxiety and making my fuse a bit shorter. I sure would like to know my thyroid values...Can adding thyroid to a normal thyroid cause damage?
Hope you all are well,
Chloe
Posted by Chloe on November 9, 2002, at 18:24:12
I posted above, but it didn't "translate." So I wrote it again:
I stopped the Cytomel (T3) two days ago. I was too hot and anxious. I feel much better now, but I am SOOO sleepy. I am dragging myself around. I ready for bed now and it's only 7pm.
I tried to cut the pill, so I could take a smaller amount of T3. But it just turned to dust. Anyway, my mood seems pretty good without it, so far. I am MUCH less nervous, short fused and not sweating so. Hopefully, my energy level will pop back up to where it was pre-T3. I hope it's OK that I d/c'd it, cause I just couldn't stand feeling so tense. I can't wait until my levels come back from the lab. I wonder if my TSH anywhere near 0.5? It sure felt on the hyperthyroid end of the scale to me...But I am not sure I can function feeling so tired. Should I try to take half? I wish I could get a hold of my pdoc. But it's a holiday weekend, and she is gone. I think I got to go to bed now... I wish the thyroid was helpful. But honestly, I think it made me too nervous. At least at that dose (10mcgs). Any thoughts, anyone?
Chloe
Posted by Jonathan on November 9, 2002, at 23:35:09
In reply to Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal???, posted by Chloe on November 9, 2002, at 10:25:25
> Re: Should I add SYNTHROID if T3/4 are normal???
>
> Hi Everybody,
> I quit the Cytomel 10 mcgs. I was so HOT and nervous and racy. I didn't like that feeling of being all cracked up. The first feeling I would have when I would wake up is anxiety. I have been off it since Wednesday, about 4 days. And my mood is fine. But I am soooo tired. I just want to nap and nap and nap. But I have to go to work this afternoon. I hope I can keep focused.
> I had a level drawn on Wednesday, when I had maintanence ECT. But my pdoc wasn't able to get into the computer to get my values. I haven't yet told my pdoc I stopped the T3. Do you think my energy level will pop back up? I was on the Cytomel a little over a week. Or could I take the Cytomel every other day? It's not really possible to cut the teeny pill in half effectively. It just turns into dust...
> But like I said, my mood is pretty good. I have been getting involved in more things, and even having fun! I never laughed so hard the other night. It was such a blast. The ECT has been so helpful. Now I am down to every other week and soon I will go to once a month. I am just not sure the T3 is/was helping. It was adding to my anxiety and making my fuse a bit shorter. I sure would like to know my thyroid values...Can adding thyroid to a normal thyroid cause damage?
> Hope you all are well,
> Chloe
Posted by Pfinstegg on November 10, 2002, at 0:35:48
In reply to To read above post, click 'Español' on top line :), posted by Jonathan on November 9, 2002, at 23:35:09
Hi Chloe...I remember that your taking Cytomel 5 mcg. seemed to prevent the crashes a week or two ago. Can't you stay on just the 5 mcg.? You absolutely do not have to worry about any damage to your thyroid gland as long as you take the correct dosage. You just need to be sure that the TSH doesn't go below about 0.5. Normal values for TSH range from 0.3 to 4.5. The reason for your taking T3 was because it is needed for emotional balance, and some people just don't convert some of their natural T4 to T3 the way they should.
If you begin crashing again, I would think 5 mcg. of Cytomel would be the safest, most effective medication that you could take as an adjunct. If you do fine without it- so much the better!
Pfinstegg
Posted by Chloe on November 10, 2002, at 9:59:01
In reply to To read above post, click 'Español' on top line :), posted by Jonathan on November 9, 2002, at 23:35:09
Posted by Chloe on November 10, 2002, at 10:07:13
In reply to Re: To read above post, click 'Español' on top line :) » Jonathan, posted by Pfinstegg on November 10, 2002, at 0:35:48
> Hi Chloe...I remember that your taking Cytomel 5 mcg. seemed to prevent the crashes a week or two ago. Can't you stay on just the 5 mcg.? You absolutely do not have to worry about any damage to your thyroid gland as long as you take the correct dosage. You just need to be sure that the TSH doesn't go below about 0.5. Normal values for TSH range from 0.3 to 4.5. The reason for your taking T3 was because it is needed for emotional balance, and some people just don't convert some of their natural T4 to T3 the way they should.
>
> If you begin crashing again, I would think 5 mcg. of Cytomel would be the safest, most effective medication that you could take as an adjunct. If you do fine without it- so much the better!
>
> Pfinstegg
>
>
Pfenstegg,
I think I am going to try 2.5 mcgs or whatever the pill cutter can do. It really just turns to dust, the pill is so small. But I think I had more energy and "verve" when I was taking the Cytomel. I am so sleepy, and it's hard to focus right now. But, 5 mcgs (I made a mistake with the 10 mcgs, I have never taken that much) is really too much, I get so sweaty and racy. I will experiment with half the dose while I wait for my pdoc to give me the report about my labs.
Thanks so much for answering. I am relieved I can't hurt my thyroid if I take a small, proper amount. I hope you are well.
Chloe
Posted by Pfinstegg on November 10, 2002, at 10:48:36
In reply to Re: T3-Cytomel » Pfinstegg, posted by Chloe on November 10, 2002, at 10:07:13
Hi Chloe..it sounds like you are really sensitive to the T3. But weren't you taking another medication which can also cause an elevated heart rate and sweating? I know what you mean about the pill size! I take 10 mcg. per day myself, and when I look at that tiny pill, it does look as if it would crumble altogether if I tried to cut it. Well, I guess you wouldn't be the first person to take a few crumbles while you wait to find out how your TSH is doing!
I am doing a bit better than I was, thank you. I am taking tianeptine and fish oil, in addition to the Cytomel. Because I have such high cortisol levels, and have read that they can be associated with memory problems after ECT, I am quite fearful of having that. Instead, I have decided to join a trial of rTMS in January. I think it's basically the same as ECT in its method of action, but they give it a little differently- daily for between two and five weeks, and there's no anesthesia involved.
Pfinstegg
Posted by jane d on November 10, 2002, at 11:43:35
In reply to T3 makes me feel too hot and anxious..., posted by Chloe on November 9, 2002, at 18:24:12
Chloe,
If you want to give Cytomel another try you can buy a pill splitter from the drugstore. I've found they work when using my fingernails just crumbles the pill. Also, if you are taking T4 too, try reducing the amount of T4 when you add the Cytomel. And Cytomel comes in 5mcg pills.
If you are more tired now than before you started the Cytomel I would guess it is just your reaction to stopping. Your body may have reduced the amount of thyroid hormone it was producing to compensate for the Cytomel (I'm not sure how long that takes) and it may take a while for your own production to go back to normal.
Jane
> I posted above, but it didn't "translate." So I wrote it again:
>
> I stopped the Cytomel (T3) two days ago. I was too hot and anxious. I feel much better now, but I am SOOO sleepy. I am dragging myself around. I ready for bed now and it's only 7pm.
>
> I tried to cut the pill, so I could take a smaller amount of T3. But it just turned to dust. Anyway, my mood seems pretty good without it, so far. I am MUCH less nervous, short fused and not sweating so. Hopefully, my energy level will pop back up to where it was pre-T3. I hope it's OK that I d/c'd it, cause I just couldn't stand feeling so tense. I can't wait until my levels come back from the lab. I wonder if my TSH anywhere near 0.5? It sure felt on the hyperthyroid end of the scale to me...But I am not sure I can function feeling so tired. Should I try to take half? I wish I could get a hold of my pdoc. But it's a holiday weekend, and she is gone. I think I got to go to bed now... I wish the thyroid was helpful. But honestly, I think it made me too nervous. At least at that dose (10mcgs). Any thoughts, anyone?
> Chloe
Posted by Chloe on November 10, 2002, at 19:23:20
In reply to Re: T3-Cytomel » Chloe, posted by Pfinstegg on November 10, 2002, at 10:48:36
> >Hi Chloe..it sounds like you are really sensitive to the T3. But weren't you taking another medication which can also cause an elevated heart rate and sweating? I know what you mean about the pill size! I take 10 mcg. per day myself, and when I look at that tiny pill, it does look as if it would crumble altogether if I tried to cut it. Well, I guess you wouldn't be the first person to take a few crumbles while you wait to find out how your TSH is doing!
Hi Pfinstegg,
Yes, I am taking Celexa, an SSRI which can really make me hot and sweaty if I take too much. BUT, I was only taking a milligram and a half to begin with. The starting dose is 20 mgs. I have backed the Celexa down to 0.5 mgs and I added back in the 2.5 mcgs of Cytomel and I don't feel anything so far. I am sooo sleepy. I am ready to go to bed 3 hours early again! But I think I will stay at 2.5 mcgs until I hear what my level was...>> I am doing a bit better than I was, thank you. I am taking tianeptine and fish oil, in addition to the Cytomel. Because I have such high cortisol levels, and have read that they can be associated with memory problems after ECT, I am quite fearful of having that. Instead, I have decided to join a trial of rTMS in January. I think it's basically the same as ECT in its method of action, but they give it a little differently- daily for between two and five weeks, and there's no anesthesia involved.
>
> PfinsteggThat rTMS sounds very interesting. And how nice nice to have to deal with anesthesia. It was mentioned to me, but ruled out, because I was too depressed to try something so new. ECT has been so helpful to me. I never imagined I could feel so good. I am really enjoying laughing again! I was missing out on so much of life. I truly hope rTMS works for you, and effectively "squeezes" the three lobes of your brain so you have more proteins and neurotransmitters available to you. That's how ECT works anyway...Glad you are doing a bit better :)
Chloe
Posted by Chloe on November 10, 2002, at 19:35:46
In reply to Re: T3 makes me feel too hot and anxious... » Chloe, posted by jane d on November 10, 2002, at 11:43:35
> Chloe,
>
> If you want to give Cytomel another try you can buy a pill splitter from the drugstore. I've found they work when using my fingernails just crumbles the pill. Also, if you are taking T4 too, try reducing the amount of T4 when you add the Cytomel. And Cytomel comes in 5mcg pills.
>
> If you are more tired now than before you started the Cytomel I would guess it is just your reaction to stopping. Your body may have reduced the amount of thyroid hormone it was producing to compensate for the Cytomel (I'm not sure how long that takes) and it may take a while for your own production to go back to normal.
>
> Jane
>
Hi Jane,
Wow, I was only taking the Cytomel for about ten days. Do you think that is enough time to shut down my thyroid? I am not taking any T4, my pdoc did not think it was necessary for cycling...I am not taking it for depressed thyroid levels.
I did get a pill cutter, and I was able to kinda cut the pill evenly in half. As I wrote in the above post, I really don't feel anything from taking it. But that is fine. When I took the whole pill my heart was racing and I was so sweaty. I was uncomfortable.
But now I am still so sleepy. It's really ridiculous. I am sort of dragging myself around. And yesterday at work, I had to work so hard just to stay alert. I hope I didn't screw up my thyroid. I wish my pdoc would come back from the weekend and give me my lab results. Figures it a holiday weekend!
Thanks for writing
Chloe
Posted by jane d on November 10, 2002, at 21:53:44
In reply to Re: T3 makes me feel too hot and anxious... » jane d, posted by Chloe on November 10, 2002, at 19:35:46
> Wow, I was only taking the Cytomel for about ten days. Do you think that is enough time to shut down my thyroid? I am not taking any T4, my
Chloe,
I think this was already answered but no, I don't think you screwed up your thyroid. Even if some of your own thyroid production was suppressed a little bit it should go back to normal soon. The same thing happened to me when I took too much T3 - racing heart, sweating, etc. It went away as soon as I reduced the dose. I don't remember being fatigued then but I did need a few days to get used to each new dose.
Jane
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