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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by atypical on March 5, 2010, at 23:03:55
Anyone who is not necessarily hypothyroid taking thyroid meds to augment other meds for depression? Are you taking T4 (Synthroid?) and T3 (Cytomel) or just one? What blood test are you taking -- is the TSH level enough? I started taking Cytomel 25 mcg, now up to 50 mcg as an augment to Nardil/Lithium. I'd like to hear others' experiences. Thanks.
Atypical
Posted by Phillipa on March 6, 2010, at 10:32:39
In reply to Thyroid meds for depression, posted by atypical on March 5, 2010, at 23:03:55
I know this isn't what you asked for but I have bonifide thyroid disease and the goal is TSH between 1-2 and not all docs follow the new guidelines. Have you tested yours? I've had the full panels and antibodies. I tried cytomel and it gave me coffee jitters. At this point I'm thinking I'd like off these meds as was better before. Phillipa
Posted by em_kath on March 6, 2010, at 15:24:21
In reply to Thyroid meds for depression, posted by atypical on March 5, 2010, at 23:03:55
I have been taking 50 mcg of Cytomel for a couple weeks (previously at 25 mcg) to augment Emsam. My TSH levels were on the low-ish end of normal before I started taking it and I haven't had a blood test since then. I am not sure that I've noticed much of a difference, it's made me feel less cold all the time but it hasn't really helped with my low energy, except some occasional jittery feelings. It also seems to give me some GI discomfort, but nothing bad enough to discontinue for now. Have you noticed any difference on Cytomel? How long have you been on Nardil?
Posted by softheprairie on March 6, 2010, at 19:39:28
In reply to Thyroid meds for depression, posted by atypical on March 5, 2010, at 23:03:55
I don't come to this board much since Bob made messages so easily spread, and also due to my feeling so much better, that I am not aggressively on the lookout for a better med cocktail. But, I came here today, and I do love my Cytomel, taken as an adjunct for depression. I don't think I've ever been out of the (too-broad, IMHO) "normal" range for TSH set by my local lab. I think I get it tested around once a year(?, not sure). I am curious about some of my other thyroid lab things that _could_ be tested, such as T3, but I haven't fought to get them tested. I don't want the doctors to let the normal lab results keep me from trying thyroid medication that I might benefit from. I want my doses set by how I feel, mainly, and I'm lucky that I have a psychiatrist who is okay with that, and prescribes my Cytomel.
I too take 50 mcg, but had a while on 25 mcg. I previously tried generic Synthroid, and Armour (name brand, I think), but I just feel better on Cytomel (T3). I feel Cytomel is really underutilized in psychiatry. I know typically people feel more energy from thyroid meds, and I don't know that I experience that; I'm still fatigued most of the time, and still on disability, but at least my mood is doing much better than it was one and two years ago.
Posted by Phillipa on March 6, 2010, at 20:21:36
In reply to Re: Thyroid meds for depression » atypical, posted by softheprairie on March 6, 2010, at 19:39:28
I sure don't feel more energy on the synthroid which doesn't have T3 just T4 but armour contains both T3 & T4. Phillipa ps armour is bioidentical from pigs. Check out Mary Shoman
Posted by atypical on March 7, 2010, at 11:32:32
In reply to Re: Thyroid meds for depression » atypical, posted by em_kath on March 6, 2010, at 15:24:21
em_kath-
I've been taking Cytomel for over 5-6 weeks now. Starting at 25 mcg, with no effect. I noticed some improvement at 37.5 mcg, and now I am at 50 mcg. I divide up the dose to 25 mcg twice a day to lessen the side effects of jitteriness. I have been on Nardil for about ten months. So far I'm still not where I want to be mood-wise. I am also a little concerned about how the Cytomel effects my thyroid functioning.
atypical
> I have been taking 50 mcg of Cytomel for a couple weeks (previously at 25 mcg) to augment Emsam. My TSH levels were on the low-ish end of normal before I started taking it and I haven't had a blood test since then. I am not sure that I've noticed much of a difference, it's made me feel less cold all the time but it hasn't really helped with my low energy, except some occasional jittery feelings. It also seems to give me some GI discomfort, but nothing bad enough to discontinue for now. Have you noticed any difference on Cytomel? How long have you been on Nardil?
Posted by softheprairie on March 7, 2010, at 12:40:38
In reply to Re: Thyroid meds for depression, posted by atypical on March 7, 2010, at 11:32:32
I am also a little concerned about how the Cytomel effects my thyroid functioning.
>
> atypical
>I have that concern, too.
Posted by maria3667 on March 9, 2010, at 17:19:32
In reply to Thyroid meds for depression, posted by atypical on March 5, 2010, at 23:03:55
Dear Atypical,
Thyroid meds are no joke! As you will soon find out...
I made that mistake some years ago; hoping thyroid meds would help me lose weight. a) it didn't work for that purpose. b)the side effects - increased anxiety, insomnia, trembling, perspiration, headache, palpitating heart - to name a few, made my life miserable!
Now I'm reading you are taking 50 mcg Cytomel whilst you don't have hypothyroidism??? 50 mcg Cytomel is an ENORMOUS amount for someone who doesn't have hypothyroidism. Besides that, if you want to built it up, you should do it very slowly over the course of weeks/months.
How do I know? Because in 2005 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism myself. I take quite a high dose of both T3/T4, but I'm not even on 50 mcg Cytomel (T3) myself...!
From my experience (and that of others I read on thyroid forums), these meds MIGHT help for depression - but only for those with thyroid diseases.
For me, even after the diagnosis, I remained depressed. The only thing which could counter that was a good anti-depressant and anxiolitic.
I don't want to sound overwhelming, but I do think a sound warning is in place here.
Take care,
Maria
> Anyone who is not necessarily hypothyroid taking thyroid meds to augment other meds for depression? Are you taking T4 (Synthroid?) and T3 (Cytomel) or just one? What blood test are you taking -- is the TSH level enough? I started taking Cytomel 25 mcg, now up to 50 mcg as an augment to Nardil/Lithium. I'd like to hear others' experiences. Thanks.
>
> Atypical
Posted by atypical on March 9, 2010, at 23:44:21
In reply to Re: Thyroid meds for depression - no joke! » atypical, posted by maria3667 on March 9, 2010, at 17:19:32
Maria,
Thanks for posting up your experience. In this case, even though you might sound overwhelming, I need to hear this. All I see otherwise is the "pro" Cytomel/T3 for depression and how it is effective. I did gradually increase dose from 25 to 37.5 to 50. I take 25 mcg twice a day because if I take 50 mcg once I feel more agitated.
It's been about four weeks on Cytomel and I don't see any difference in my mood yet. I am going to also talk to my primary care to get her opinion on my taking Cytomel.
Atypical
> Dear Atypical,
>
> Thyroid meds are no joke! As you will soon find out...
>
> I made that mistake some years ago; hoping thyroid meds would help me lose weight. a) it didn't work for that purpose. b)the side effects - increased anxiety, insomnia, trembling, perspiration, headache, palpitating heart - to name a few, made my life miserable!
>
> Now I'm reading you are taking 50 mcg Cytomel whilst you don't have hypothyroidism??? 50 mcg Cytomel is an ENORMOUS amount for someone who doesn't have hypothyroidism. Besides that, if you want to built it up, you should do it very slowly over the course of weeks/months.
>
> How do I know? Because in 2005 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism myself. I take quite a high dose of both T3/T4, but I'm not even on 50 mcg Cytomel (T3) myself...!
>
> From my experience (and that of others I read on thyroid forums), these meds MIGHT help for depression - but only for those with thyroid diseases.
>
> For me, even after the diagnosis, I remained depressed. The only thing which could counter that was a good anti-depressant and anxiolitic.
>
> I don't want to sound overwhelming, but I do think a sound warning is in place here.
>
> Take care,
> Maria
>
>
> > Anyone who is not necessarily hypothyroid taking thyroid meds to augment other meds for depression? Are you taking T4 (Synthroid?) and T3 (Cytomel) or just one? What blood test are you taking -- is the TSH level enough? I started taking Cytomel 25 mcg, now up to 50 mcg as an augment to Nardil/Lithium. I'd like to hear others' experiences. Thanks.
> >
> > Atypical
>
>
Posted by morganator on March 10, 2010, at 0:44:25
In reply to Re: Thyroid meds for depression - no joke!, posted by atypical on March 9, 2010, at 23:44:21
You might want to consider natural alternatives that increase thyroid activity.
Posted by maria3667 on March 10, 2010, at 6:56:33
In reply to Re: Thyroid meds for depression - no joke!, posted by atypical on March 9, 2010, at 23:44:21
Hi Atypical,
My guess is the side effects will manifest themselves slowely (like aggitation). If you start to experience an increase in anxiety, you'll know you've gone too far. (and not feeling headaches yet? or muscle spasms?).
Whatever you do, GO LOW GO SLOW.
And of course, try to do it under supervision of a Dr.
Maria
> Maria,
>
> Thanks for posting up your experience. In this case, even though you might sound overwhelming, I need to hear this. All I see otherwise is the "pro" Cytomel/T3 for depression and how it is effective. I did gradually increase dose from 25 to 37.5 to 50. I take 25 mcg twice a day because if I take 50 mcg once I feel more agitated.
>
> It's been about four weeks on Cytomel and I don't see any difference in my mood yet. I am going to also talk to my primary care to get her opinion on my taking Cytomel.
>
> Atypical
>
>
> > Dear Atypical,
> >
> > Thyroid meds are no joke! As you will soon find out...
> >
> > I made that mistake some years ago; hoping thyroid meds would help me lose weight. a) it didn't work for that purpose. b)the side effects - increased anxiety, insomnia, trembling, perspiration, headache, palpitating heart - to name a few, made my life miserable!
> >
> > Now I'm reading you are taking 50 mcg Cytomel whilst you don't have hypothyroidism??? 50 mcg Cytomel is an ENORMOUS amount for someone who doesn't have hypothyroidism. Besides that, if you want to built it up, you should do it very slowly over the course of weeks/months.
> >
> > How do I know? Because in 2005 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism myself. I take quite a high dose of both T3/T4, but I'm not even on 50 mcg Cytomel (T3) myself...!
> >
> > From my experience (and that of others I read on thyroid forums), these meds MIGHT help for depression - but only for those with thyroid diseases.
> >
> > For me, even after the diagnosis, I remained depressed. The only thing which could counter that was a good anti-depressant and anxiolitic.
> >
> > I don't want to sound overwhelming, but I do think a sound warning is in place here.
> >
> > Take care,
> > Maria
> >
> >
> > > Anyone who is not necessarily hypothyroid taking thyroid meds to augment other meds for depression? Are you taking T4 (Synthroid?) and T3 (Cytomel) or just one? What blood test are you taking -- is the TSH level enough? I started taking Cytomel 25 mcg, now up to 50 mcg as an augment to Nardil/Lithium. I'd like to hear others' experiences. Thanks.
> > >
> > > Atypical
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Phillipa on March 10, 2010, at 20:08:26
In reply to Re: Thyroid meds for depression - no joke! » atypical, posted by maria3667 on March 10, 2010, at 6:56:33
Maria is right and might want to google Mary Shoman who is all about thyroid. Also there is armour thyroid natural alternative contains both T3 & T4. Phillipa
Posted by delna on March 12, 2010, at 9:54:39
In reply to Re: Thyroid meds for depression - no joke! » atypical, posted by maria3667 on March 9, 2010, at 17:19:32
Hi Maria,
I wish someone had told me this before I started T3. I didn't realize the seriousness of taking thyroid meds. I took T3 for 2 months at 25mcg for fatigue associated with depression. I was not hypothyroid. I suffered all the side effects you mentioned. Infact some still continue 3 weeks post withdrawal like the SEVERE overheating. Do these symptoms go away? How long did it take for you to fully recover from them? I am quite worried.
Thanks
D>
> Thyroid meds are no joke! As you will soon find out...
>
> I made that mistake some years ago; hoping thyroid meds would help me lose weight. a) it didn't work for that purpose. b)the side effects - increased anxiety, insomnia, trembling, perspiration, headache, palpitating heart - to name a few, made my life miserable!
>
> Now I'm reading you are taking 50 mcg Cytomel whilst you don't have hypothyroidism??? 50 mcg Cytomel is an ENORMOUS amount for someone who doesn't have hypothyroidism. Besides that, if you want to built it up, you should do it very slowly over the course of weeks/months.
>
> How do I know? Because in 2005 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism myself. I take quite a high dose of both T3/T4, but I'm not even on 50 mcg Cytomel (T3) myself...!
>
> From my experience (and that of others I read on thyroid forums), these meds MIGHT help for depression - but only for those with thyroid diseases.
>
> For me, even after the diagnosis, I remained depressed. The only thing which could counter that was a good anti-depressant and anxiolitic.
>
> I don't want to sound overwhelming, but I do think a sound warning is in place here.
>
> Take care,
> Maria
Posted by maria3667 on March 12, 2010, at 16:24:31
In reply to Re: Thyroid meds for depression - no joke! » maria3667, posted by delna on March 12, 2010, at 9:54:39
Hi Delna,
It can take weeks before all the symptoms subside...
However, to make matters worse, thyroid meds can upset the delicate emotional balance of people who are already hypersensitive (as many on this board are). In the worst case scenario, you might need (extra) anxiolitics to calm down.
Thyroid meds are hormones - not everyone seems to realise this. Hormones have a cascading effect in the body. It takes a while before they are build up, and like wise, might take weeks or longer to wind down.
I hope people will read this as a precaution.
Take care,
Maria
> Hi Maria,
> I wish someone had told me this before I started T3. I didn't realize the seriousness of taking thyroid meds. I took T3 for 2 months at 25mcg for fatigue associated with depression. I was not hypothyroid. I suffered all the side effects you mentioned. Infact some still continue 3 weeks post withdrawal like the SEVERE overheating. Do these symptoms go away? How long did it take for you to fully recover from them? I am quite worried.
> Thanks
> D
>
> >
> > Thyroid meds are no joke! As you will soon find out...
> >
> > I made that mistake some years ago; hoping thyroid meds would help me lose weight. a) it didn't work for that purpose. b)the side effects - increased anxiety, insomnia, trembling, perspiration, headache, palpitating heart - to name a few, made my life miserable!
> >
> > Now I'm reading you are taking 50 mcg Cytomel whilst you don't have hypothyroidism??? 50 mcg Cytomel is an ENORMOUS amount for someone who doesn't have hypothyroidism. Besides that, if you want to built it up, you should do it very slowly over the course of weeks/months.
> >
> > How do I know? Because in 2005 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism myself. I take quite a high dose of both T3/T4, but I'm not even on 50 mcg Cytomel (T3) myself...!
> >
> > From my experience (and that of others I read on thyroid forums), these meds MIGHT help for depression - but only for those with thyroid diseases.
> >
> > For me, even after the diagnosis, I remained depressed. The only thing which could counter that was a good anti-depressant and anxiolitic.
> >
> > I don't want to sound overwhelming, but I do think a sound warning is in place here.
> >
> > Take care,
> > Maria
>
Posted by atypical on March 19, 2010, at 10:05:27
In reply to Re: Thyroid meds for depression - no joke! » atypical, posted by maria3667 on March 9, 2010, at 17:19:32
fyi. 50 mcg seemed too high. I believe I gained 5-6 pounds from it too! I have since reduced the dose to 25 mcg and divide it over the course of the day. I feel it helps a bit with my mood, keeping me up.
Atypical
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