NEW TO SITE *** Will palpitations subside?

[DonnainFlorida]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about a year ago.  I have a great, patient doctor who understands the importance of measuring T3 and T4 and not just TSH.  I started taking 30 mg of Armour with few results and then 60 mg but my T3 and T4 were still not converting properly as of latest test results.  Last Friday I began taking 90 mg.  Holy canoli!  On one hand, my energy was phenomenal, felt like I could actually think for the first time in a very long time and just felt generally happier.  The difference was amazing within just hours of taking the new meds.  On the other hand, I am now having heart palpitations, high pulse, and difficulty sleeping.   I contacted my doctor who said I should try 75 mg (one 60 mg + 1/2 of a 30 mg pill).  I am still having the issues since reducing to 75 mg.  I have only been taking the new meds for a week but am relatively new to the whole thyroid thing.  I also had a radical hysterectomy last August and was immediately thrown into menopause which adds to the fun.

So is my body just adjusting to the new meds?  Will the palps and other issues subside over time?  I would hate to give up all the positive results.  Thanks to all who respond.

[stella5349]

Track it my dear. Its really amazing on how the D worked for me too.

[medicmommy]

Thanks Stella!
In the last month I've gotten a taste of what feeling better means -I'd forgotten. vitamin D level of 80, here I come! :) ~MM

[stella5349]

That's not uncommon MM. Most autoimmune patients * not just thyroid * are finding if they raise that D level to around 80 they feel much better.

[medicmommy]

I think the raising of my vitamin D intake to above 50 had more to do with the palpitation decrease than the thyroid support supplements did. When my vitamin D dose was decreased (I was taking 10,000 units/day for 3 months and then was dropped to 5,000), the palpitations (and leg cramps!) returned...(levels dropped below 45) I'm waiting for them to raise again to test my theory (I'm back on 10,000)..The supplements seemed to decrease the fatigue and a few other symptoms, but still not a cure...~MM

[stella5349]

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/EnforcementReports/ucm242808.htm

[stella5349]

Ya know? - the analyzer in me just had another thought and it "could" lean on the over dosage suggestion. Just this morning I dropped a post about an error on Armour pills could cause overmedicated issues. It wouldn't hurt for you to check out this information posted on the FDA website about this error.

Armour Thyroid (thyroid tablets, USP), 1/2 grain (30 mg) , each tablet contains 19 mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 4.5 mcg liothyronine (T3)

Forest Pharmacuticals Manufacturer

100-count bottle
NDC 0456-0458-01.
Recall # D-231-2011
Lot #: 1077413,
Exp. 9/30/2011

Reason: - 30 mgs pills were marked as a 1 grain (60mg) tablet which could overdose patients.

Take a look at the pills and if anything looks odd - return back to the pharmacy and provide this link below to them to see if your pills are a apart of this recall.

[stella5349]

Here is what you may find could be the issue connecting thyroid to it. Your doctor seems good in the few short things you mentioned and knows how to handle thyroid. Hopefully s/he is aware of these too.

Your adrenals may be off beat and causing a bump with palps for you on the increased Armour.

You may have low magnesium levels and should be checked soon with an RBC mag test and/or trail a night time supplement of magnesium citrate to see if that works - (after you speak to your doc if need be)

You need to split your new dosage of Armour and take it 2x's a day instead of all at once. Maybe look into a Selenium supplement also while splitting it for a few weeks

You are low LOW LOW - on Vit D and may need D-3 supplements at a pharmacutical dosage like 8 to 10 ius daily. OPPS, I missed your comment to MM above on this and I DO SEE you are bad there on D's. Well this for sure needs to be addressed and properly with D-3 supps only.

And lastly, your iron could be a tad off and need a ferritin tests to know how much you are off - would be low.

These steps above are fairly common on a bump with palps with Armour adjustments or other desiccated thyroid meds. Some are easy to fix - some not - i.e. adrenals... You just need to be guided in the right direction whether you research them to put a connection together to speak to you doc - or you depend on this doc knowing all there is with these issues and do it all for you.

Good Luck - I think you can find most of your answers why - addressing and learning more about these things above. Don't debunk getting those new labs done  either with a few others like that RBC magnesium, etc..... It doesn't hurt but if I had to really say you are over medicated based on what your post said - I'd really have to say I don't think so.. Its the new addition of T3 coming in and you needed to adjust more than having too much coming in.



.

[Barb135]

It sounds like you are suffering from over medication; you need to have your thyroid levels tested to see where you're at.  

How long were you on the 60 mg?  It's the Free T4 that must be converted to Free T3; but with Armour, already supplying T3.  Maybe you didn't give yourself enough time to stabilize.

I do not recommend that you add any further supplements at this point.  If you are over medicated, they could do much more harm than good.

Get your thyroid levels tested, to see where you are, then you may have to go back down on the med and build up more slowly.  

[DonnainFlorida]

Hi medicmommy

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond.  I am quite the mess between thyroid and hormonal insanity!  My vitamin D level is practically non-existent so my doc put me on a time-release 50,000 IU each week.  I eat better than another I know, take my vitamins every day and exercise 1 hour 20 minutes 5 days a week.  These things aren't supposed to happen to people like me!!!!  Not.  What thyroid support supplements do you take? Thank you!

[medicmommy]

Hello!
I'm a Hashi's patient, so the cause of my palpitations might be different, but I found that by bringing my vitamin D level up (I was very low at 15), and adding thyroid support supplements that the palpitations are nearly gone. -Yours may be caused by your female hormones being out of balance which by stabilizing the thyroid stuff, that will be easier to treat. (Thank God I haven't had to cross that bridge yet!) Hang in there! ~MM