thyroxine questions

[callymissy]

One more question:  Two weeks after I start the thyroxine, I am travelling South for holidays.  I am quite aware of common side effects of taking this medication (ie, moodiness, hair thinning, etc.).  I know this is probably unique to the individual but is it likely I am going to start to feel these side effects so soon after starting the meds????  I am concerned as I travel with my father which is already a stressful situation in itself at times.    What is the average time it takes for the body to adapt to this medication?

[redheadaussie]

Two weeks after starting your new medication will not have any effect on any hypo type symptoms. It takes up to 4 to 6 weeks before anyone notices any real changes in good or bad symptoms. This is because the medication has a life of around 1 week, meaning what you started a few days ago will not even have any effect untill a week later. So you travelling will only just be the start of when the medication starts to interact with your body, but as I said, it takes quite a long time for the mechanism in your body to react.

So enjoy your trip and if your dad gives you a hard time, just smile sweetly, look out the window and enjoy the views!
Cheers!

[Barb135]

Hopefully, you will only feel better on the med.  

[goolarra]

The side effects you mention are really symptoms of hypo.  Sometimes they are interpreted as side effects because people are undertreated and remain hypo.  This can be a problem even if their labs are "in range".

You are absolutely right...reaction to meds is very individual, and it is impossible to predict what yours might be.  Some people also have no negative reaction to the meds.