Levothyroxine - Has anyone experienced stomach cramps with this/?

Severely, yes! Started the med almost 6 weeks ago. By third week, indigestion, bloating and general digestive discomfort started. It only got worse, by week 5 felt like a brick in the stomach, stomach bloated and stiff like a pregnant lady (I am a man), cramps like crazy, the runs, lots of abdomen gurgling, no relief. I found this site and immediately stopped the medication, but as you read, it builds up and then must be flushed out over 4-6 weeks by your kidneys. Also, have lost a full night of sleep on it. So, insomnia is another benefit. This has been a horrific experience, and I hope you will read this before getting on it. I think lactose in it might have something to do, but my body does not like it. Hope to be well soon. As I type this, I feel the pain of gas, but there is no relief or release of it.
It seems harmless for the first two weeks, but then discomforts start to ramp up.

I started taking levothyroxine almost 7 years ago. I did Not ever experience "bad" menstrual cramps until I started taking it. Its become worse and worse and I am ready to give up this pill. I feel agonizing pain at times. I don't think this is normal.

Lactose is an inactive ingredient found in traditional levothyroxine medications. So if you're allergic or intolerant to dairy... It took me three days of stomach cramps, increased bowel movements and gas as well as lower back pain to figure this out. I'm lactose intolerant so I will need to take a lactaid pill along with the Levo from now on I suppose.

I have really bad stomach cramps on this medication. It hurts so bad at times I feel as if I have a stomach virus. My doctor says, it'll subside over time or I can just cut back on it.

This is my second time starting this medication. My thyroid has been known to storm at opposite ends of the spectrum. I am having a hard time convincing my new Dr of thus without my history yet... but he matched my current blood work with his suggested dosage. The first day I took Levi it was until the evening that I felt attacked from within. It did feel like the worst menstrual pain ever. I didn't even want to lift my leg up to walk without extreme pain. I take no other meds at all and eat very basic foods with almost no dairy or very little every once in while. I know my thyroid is low and the pros of taking this are really welcomed but... for the first 4 days my belly swelled up till I looked 2 to 3 months pregnant and was rock hard and so tender... I was not constipated bit noticeably different and painful. Now after two weeks after I take dose I immediately get stomach cramps.. not dibilitating but not fun... a little nauseous and goosebumps all over my arms with chills.
Has anyone had any luck with this getting better or changing meds?

My doc switched me from Liothyronine, due to my pharmacist having constant stock issues, to Levothyroxine last Friday and have been unwell ever since. Stomach cramps, like the worst menstrual pain ever, gastro issues, dizziness, sweating, palpitations. Seems this drug disagrees with some of us very badly. I've stopped it, but cramp still there. I'm going back to Liothyronine asap.

I've been on levothyroxine for about 35 days. I ve had the gastro problems but 2 days ago painful twinges began happening periodically in my upper right stomach (or maybe gallbladder). I have constipation, etc. too. I can live with the all the gastro problems but not the painful twinges. Does anyone think it's from the levothyroxine? Thanks

Hi I am just wondering the same exact thing! I am not lactose intolerant, but just recently switched from brand named Levoxyl to generic Levothyroxine mfg by Sandoz. I have only taken it a few days and I have had stomach aches/diarreah each day. I haven't been eating anything out of my norm or taken any other meds. I only take Cytomel, the levothyroxine, topamax for migraines and I have Relpax PRN for migraines. I have had hypothyroidism and hashimotos since 2000 and this is the 1st time I have thought a med to be causing me stomach issues. I'm seeing the doctor tomorrow.

I started this medicine about a week ago. The first day I was dizzy. Each day after I have a headache and since yesterday a stomach ache. Two of the side effects are headache and stomach ache. I need to call my doctor and you might want to also. Check out mayoclinic.com and you will get all the information you need..:). My understanding is if you are lactose intolerance that you should not take this med. Maybe that is what is causing the stomach pains & I didn't know lactose would affect me that way because I never drink milk. Hope this helps..:)

Hi Lady Jane,

Over several years taking levothyroxine I have never experienced stomach cramps as a side effect. I'm with my great friend EndlessPred on this one-must be more to the story. Hmmmm...

You have a great community as a resource here, with many who have gained their knowledge as a result of their own long term suffering. I hope we can help further. I'll be following the responses.

Best of luck to you,
4N Substances

Hi. What type of stomach cramps are you having? Abdominal, intestinal, etc? How severe? Problems with constipation? Where are the cramps?

Please provide detail, any other diagnosis besides thyroid you may have and other meds you are taking. With a little detective work we can help you.

In general, though, I have no such side effect as this is a natural hormone replacement for the thyroid. Lets figure out what is happening.