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Cytomel

I am currently on Synthroid 125 and Cytomel 5 to treat my hypo.  I have been on thie Synthroid for over 15years.  I have been on the Cytomel for about 10 years. I feel like the Cytomel is a waste of money. I was thinking about gradually dropping it to see if I notice any changes. I feel that 5 mg is hardly enough to notice a difference.  Does anyone have any idea how long it takes to stabilize or to notice the change. I have forgotten to take it on occasion  and I don't notice a difference in energy.  Also,  how long does it take for the Cytomel to get out of your system.   In other words, how soon am I likely to feel symptoms if I were to have any? Will it take a few days?  I am also worried that I have been on it for so long that the conversion process is damaged. My doctor is very open minded and I suggested we add  cytomel years ago.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated
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Avatar universal
I will look into generic. I am paying 4times this now. I will try to post my latest blood work thanks
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
This is related to the other question you asked about generic vs brand cytomel.  It's always best to keep related questions together.

While you may not feel that 5 mcg cytomel is not making a difference, most likely, it is, even though it may be subtle.  I was on 5 mcg for quite a while before my endo finally agreed to increase to 7.5 mcg/day and I'd even forget to take it on occasion.  If you forget often enough, you'll know the difference.

Cytomel is fast acting and doesn't stay in your system for very long - it peaks within a few hours.  Its half life is only about 1 to 1.5 days.  I never really noticed a huge difference when I take it either, but I do notice a difference when I miss more than one dose - of course, I'm now on 10 mcg/day and take it in 2 doses.

If you stop taking it, it would be out of your system within a few days.  It could take a bit for your own conversion to ramp up, so you might feel some symptoms before that happens.

Before I'd recommend stopping the cytomel, I'd want to know what your actual thyroid hormone (FT3 and FT4) levels are.  I'd probably suggest a switch to generic liothyronine before completely stopping the T3.  I buy a 90 day supply of generic liothyronine (5 mcg X 2 daily) for $21 ($7/mo), with insurance.  
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