Haven't taken thyroid medicine in over 3 months.

[Whitney1226]

I haven't taken my thyroid medicine in over three months and I haven't had my thyroid levels checked in over a year. Yes, I know this is dangerous and trust me I am picking my thyroid medicine up today. They are filling it right now. I had my thyroid removed in October of 2008 after having Hyperthyroidism/Grave's Disease and my levels couldn't get regulated. I've been taking Synthroid .125mcg ever since. Honestly, I kept forgetting to take my medicine because of my son I had in May. I am always on my feet with him and I just straight forget. And now that I haven't taken it for over 3 months maybe even 5 months I am so afraid that I just won't take it anymore even if I have it, because I'm so use to not taking it every day anymore. I really feel like my body is shutting down. When I stand up I feel like I am going to pass out and I get really hot, my ears ring, my whole body shakes, and I just can't really move. I've had a migraine for a couple months now and no pain medicine or anything helps. I've been having horrible nightmares. I feel like sometimes I can't catch my breathe. Getting up with my 10 month old son seems like torture no matter how much I have slept. I am always depressed. I can't seem to just get up and go. One minute I'm okay the next I'm getting sick. I barely eat. And since my son was born I've lost close to 50 pounds. I weight 110 and can't weigh more than that no matter how much I eat. I lose my appetite right in the middle of eating. My eye sight is starting to not be a good as it was and I lately find myself squinting. I use to always be hot and I could never take a hot enough shower, but now I get so hot so fast and easy and I also get cold way easier. I'm always pale and have dark circles around my eyes and it feels like my body is moving, but I'm not. I just want to be me again!

My question is, how long will it take me to start feeling better after I take my thyroid medicine & when I pick it up if I take 2 at first will it hurt me?

[goolarra]

After several months without meds, you really should have blood work and see your doctor.

It takes 4-6 weeks for thyroid meds to reach their full potential in your blood.  After that, if the dose is right and doesn't have to be adjusted, it takes your body time to heal from being hypo.  

Taking two at first is not advisable.  Too high a dose can give you hyper symptoms.  In fact after a long meds hiatus like you've had, it might even be advisable to start out at a lower dose and increase as your body adjusts to the meds again.

Have you ever been sensitive to meds in general or to thyroid meds in particular?  

I think it would be worthwhile to see your doctor and get his help with this.

[Barb135]

It takes about 4-6 weeks for the medication to build in your system.  Taking 2 pills at once will not help and you should not do that.

Thyroid hormones are essential for life and taking them on a daily basis is critical for your well being and for the well being of your son, who depends on you for his care.

Nearly everyone on this forum has to take the medication daily; some of have to take more than one dose and we don't forget, because we know how essential it it.  You need to figure out a schedule to make sure you take the med EVERY morning.  Keep it by you bed, with a glass of ice water and down the pill before you even get out of bed.