What side effects happen at each dose of 50,000 units of vitamin D?
Question posted by Capitola on 24 Nov 2010
Last updated on 25 August 2023
I took my first dose of 50,000 units of vitamin (D2) this past Friday night. I was prescribed 50,000 units once a week for 12 weeks.
I experience adrenalin rush symptoms along with a little shakiness and insomnia. However once I fell asleep, I stayed asleep until I woke up abruptly feeling like I couldn't catch my breath and my heart pounding... I sat straight up in bed and violently coughed. It really scared me. After I calmed down all was fine and I was able to relax.
Now at 4 days later I just feel achy, a little nauseated, some stomach upset/cramps. I am finding myself a little scared to take the 2nd dose this friday night...
Has anyone had a similar experience? What can I expect after the 2nd dose? 3rd dose? etc.
Thanks so much for any advice you can give. ~ Capitola : )
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86 Answers Page 6
BA
backtrack
11 Oct 2015
I too was prescribed vitamin d 50,000 to be taken weekly and I did not read the bottle and ended up taking one a day for 4 days. Told doctor how I was feeling. Heart rate was up so she gave me Metropolol to slow down. Have not taken it yet. Adrenaline rush, hyper, shakiness, achy, weak, tired, loss appetite, dry mouth, tightness in chest,, diarrhea, dizziness,fsweat, also take Lisinipril for blood pressure, she prescribed me more vitamin d 1000iu taken twice a day. Did not take those yet. It seems my symptoms started after I took vitamin d 50000 iu. Can you please help me. Iam feeling like it is my imagination thank you for your time. No fine is listening to my concerns.I appreciate it for any thoughts what is going on with me.
Votes: +0
DA
Darla kay
23 July 2018
Please don't take any more for a while until side effects are not so bad then take lower dosage from shelf of vitamin d 3. I was taking vitamin d2.. 50,000iu's once a week... hurt my stomach a little but on 3rd month of taking I was doubled over in pain all day so quit taking and was advised by nurse lower dosage of vitamin d3 ... no vitamin d 2! They are made from different products. My stomach now hurts continuously even after I quit taking any Vitamin d supplement a month ago.
BK
Bkroll
6 May 2015
I started taking 50,000 iu of vit d yesterday and feel a little more alert than I have in a long time. My level was 9.2. I have 10 weeks to go and hopefully by than I will feel a lot better.
Votes: +1
WU
wuzu
4 June 2015
I was wondering if everything went ok with you after you finishing your 50,000 units of vitamin D? I just started yesterday and have another 9 weeks to go. After my first one I felt a burst of energy (which is good) and felt better after that. ShAring your experience is greatly appreciated.
LO
loriaslaughter
11 June 2015
I have now been taking Vitamin D (50,000 units) weekly for about 5 months. I have had no side effects from the medication but have only seen positives. When I started the doses, I was hurting in what appeared to be most major joints, ie. knee's, back, shoulder, neck, to the point that I could not sleep at night without changing positions about every 10 minutes. I couldn't pull my knee's up high enough to put my pants on in the a.m.'s because I was so stiff and hurt so bad. I felt weak in my bones/muscles, was tired/exhausted all the time and was constantly sick. Since my APRN started me on the Vitamin D, my symptoms are greatly improved. I still hurt some at night but not even a fraction of what was before and most other symptoms are very low or not at all. However, if I am even a day late taking the Vitamin D, my symptoms start to return. So I guess my next question is how do I keep my Vitamin D up without the supplement or can I take it long term?
LO
loriaslaughter
11 June 2015
I have now been taking Vitamin D (50,000 units) weekly for about 5 months. I have had no side effects from the medication but have only seen positives. When I started the doses, I was hurting in what appeared to be most major joints, ie. knee's, back, shoulder, neck, to the point that I could not sleep at night without changing positions about every 10 minutes. I couldn't pull my knee's up high enough to put my pants on in the a.m.'s because I was so stiff and hurt so bad. I felt weak in my bones/muscles, was tired/exhausted all the time and was constantly sick. Since my APRN started me on the Vitamin D, my symptoms are greatly improved. I still hurt some at night but not even a fraction of what was before and most other symptoms are very low or not at all. However, if I am even a day late taking the Vitamin D, my symptoms start to return. So I guess my next question is how do I keep my Vitamin D up without the supplement or can I take it long term?
HM
Hmcool
5 July 2015
I was prescribed 50,000 IU of vitamin D this past week. I had previously been diagnosed with fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue syndrome & IBS. I've only taken one dose so far & my biggest problem has been sleeping even with clonazepam so far. I'm praying that this will put an end to all the pain I've experienced for years. My vitamin D level was 4 instead of the 30 it apparently should be & I'm wondering why my vitamin D level wasn't tested much sooner, like years ago? Perhaps my husband might still be with me if I'd found out about this years ago.
FB
fbs
24 July 2015
Why are most of you taking vitamin d 50,000 IU at night. I just got mine but decided to do some research before taking it. Some of the comments make me question if I want it or not. Thanks
FB
fbs
24 July 2015
Why are most of you taking vitamin d 50,000 IU at night. I just got mine but decided to do some research before taking it. Some of the comments make me question if I want it or not. Thanks
NA
nabt
20 Oct 2015
so true every joint in my body ached because I had no vitamin D in my body.. and the first time I took 50,000 dosage I noticed a big difference in my body.. My hair isn't falling out and my joints in my fingers and feet stopped hurting.. I felt like I couldn't think clearly and I was a little depressed.. Now I'm feeling better than before.
NA
nabt
20 Oct 2015
My level of vitamin D was zero nothing in my body.. I feel better with it than without.. so I do take my meds.
FR
franadora
28 Oct 2015
I have been taking 50,000 IU and higher (for awhile Ithink it Was as high as 120.000 IU a week) for 2 to three years now. In addition, I take 2,000 IU daily. The reason to take at night is usually your guts move slower during the night and thus allows more absorption (Vitamin D is absorbed largely through the large intestines). To facilitate this, my doctor had suggested I take an imodium about a half hour before taking the large doses.
I never had these side effects, but whether it was the timing, my taking an over the counter version (is prescription even available in the US?), or just luck; I couldn't guess.
By the way, my doctor, a rheumatologist-allergy specialist, believed the optimal level of Vitamin D in the blood should be over 50, not 30. Closer to that of a lifeguard at the height of summer. Not easy for someone who must restrict their sun exposure due to risk factors for skin cancer. It also gets more difficult as you age and if you are even mildly obese. It took me over a year to reach the goal, but Ino longer remember what my starting point was.
JA
Janny123
26 March 2017
Ive been prescribed 50,000stexerol d, side effects I've suffered are vertigo feeling sick, and 2 days after taking them I went into anaphylaxis shock, had to call an ambulance, be administered adrenalin, and admitted to hospital, I now need an epi pen with me at all times woke up this morning and my face is really puffy, I am going to see my gp tomorrow, I will advise my outcome.
I was given 50,000 units of vit.D to take once a week. I was also told to take 2,000 units daily. My count was 4. I am shakey my heart races and my stomach is not happy! I can't sleep I've been awake for 48hrs. I'm afraid to take my second dose. I am vomiting and feel very achy. Is 64,000 units to much??? Any help would be great Thank you
Votes: +0
KN
KnowsIt
26 March 2016
You should only do the 50,000 units for the period of time prescribed THEN do 2,000 units daily. Not both at the same time.
DV
dvgoad
17 April 2015
I am under a doctor's care for low Vitamin D (21.2) took my first dose of 50,000 IU Vit D last week. No issues. I took my second dose last night. Today I feel a little light-headed - like after 1 glass of wine - upon waking. That feeling isn't going away 3 hours later. I have a slight metallic taste. I am sleeping much better however.
Votes: +1
BL
blest3
7 March 2015
I just took my first 50,000 of Vitamin D2 on Wednesday. It is now Friday night, and the headache(like wearing a tight swimming cap), chest ache, calf ache, itchiness and some nausea are still present. Have been wide awake, but edgy and my heart hurts, it seems... as for the other comments; I, too, am nervous about a second dose... though I have more "energy"?
Votes: +0
RO
rosario sandvl
21 Nov 2015
i took my first 50,000 last tuesday today friday i'm still felling sick /vertigo, headache nausea i'm hesitating to take the second dosige i hope some one can tell me if side effects are less as we go on w treatment thakn you
LY
lyyle
13 May 2016
AFTER READING ALL THIS IM AFRAID TO TAKE WHAT THE DOCTOR GAVE ME HIGH DOSE 50.0000 once a week I'm already on valium and have motion sickness high blood pressure high cholesterol
MR
mrshmlow
20 May 2016
Same here, just came home with a Rx for Fosamax and 50K Unit capsules of D2. I'm afraid to try either after reading about all the side effects. I have fibro/post lyme and don't need more joint pain/neck pain. Also have migraine w/aura and afraid it may trigger one.
LO
Lou in Alabama
9 Dec 2016
Now that I have taken my first dose I am kind of scared because some of the side effects could be detrimental to my health,
AR
Aracely1620
16 Dec 2016
I was prescribe vitamin D 50,000 unit and omg I've had a massive headache and feeling my eyes extremely heavy that doesn't go away. I've been to the Dr to treat my head ache, next day went to urgent care and they can't seem to find the cause of my headache. They have schedule a CT Scan and will see what happens.
BI
BigEll
18 Dec 2016
Ok.. It's 12-18-16. My last post was 12-16-16. I took one Vit D capsule with serious side effects.
GL
GLG30
28 Feb 2018
After reading all these side effects, I AM NOT TAKING THIS DAMN MEDICATION AT THIS DOSAGE!!!
LI
listen up
23 Aug 2019
It should be okay as long as you do not have high calcium. A level over 10 that fluctuates is considered high calcium which is caused by a tumor in the parathyroid gland. I was told by the doctor who removed the tumor that if I had take the 50,000IU Vitamin D I could have had a stroke or heart attach because Vitamin D makes you absorb calcium. I recently found out that Vitamin K2 (MK7) directs calcium to where it needs to go. I have learned to look at my lab results and research everything a doctor wants me to take. Much of the time things can be helped by the food we eat and the foods we should not eat is usually the reason for many problems we have. Research the balance you need between calcium, vit d, magnesium, and K2.
I am a 34 year old female, who takes 50,000 mg of Vitamin D TWICE a week, courtesy of hypocalcemia, hypoparathyroidism, & hyperthyroidism. Out of all of the above mentioned side effects you have experienced, I only deal with the upset stomach, & it only lasts (usually) for the day that I take the medication.
I would seriously suggest to get your calcium levels checked because as a previous comment notated, & based upon my own experiences, it sounds like you may have an overall calcium deficiency.
Votes: +2
SI
Silversky292004
4 Feb 2015
Hi, i have a 14 years old daugther, and she is allways complaing about are without energy and sometimes problems with the stomac, her doctor gave her a prescripción for the 50,000 vit D, i am concern after reading all this comments. She is taking Focalin and Abilify.
VA
Vaughn5458
13 March 2017
I have been taking 50,000 once aweek for 6 months. HD labs done last week and the Dr. Called and is increasing the doseage from 50,000 once a week to 50,000 3 times a week. Does anyone else take this much
DR
Driver4898
6 April 2017
I take 50,000 iu 3 times a week
GT
gtonanna67
7 June 2017
I am taking 50,000 3 times a week. The only side effect I have noticed is my legs between my knee and ankles feel like I'm wearing compression socks. I did get a headache the first day. But none of the other problems.
JG
JGK936
3 Sep 2017
Wow! I was really surprised by the many comments reporting unpleasant side effects from taking 50,000 U of Vitamin D. I'm 79 and, due to a stroke, my neurologist put me on 2,000 U daily. Last week my rheumatologist put me on 50,000 U once a week in addition to the 2,000 U daily. Perhaps because I've been taking the 2,000 U daily for four months my system didn't react negatively or in any way differently to the increased dosage (would have been nice to to have had the increased energy that others mentioned.)
RO
Rosanneklaus
7 Sep 2017
I am 60 years old and just took 50,000 mg of Vitamin D for the first time last night. Around 1:30 this morning I woke up with the worst pain around my left ankle. It was definitely not a cramp..lasted about 10 minutes. I went to work and feel tired and am hoping I don't feel that pain next week with the 2nd pill.
I just took my first 50,000 unit dose of the stuff now, I feel a little hyper. And a bit of a headache. Though I am not sure how it will go, as my level as of may was 18 now it's likely lower then that. So hopefully things will go fine, however could likely use help with answers down the road. Some of the answers here have already helped this.
Votes: +0
PA
Pajh
5 July 2015
I also take a 50,000 vitamin D. I have the same symptoms. Neck pain, vertigo, can't remember things,getting angry at just anything. And everyone. Feel tired at all times. My stomach not feeling good. I take it once a week. Have taken it twice and talked to my pharmacist and he told me to go back to my doctor. It is to much for me. So I stopped taking it. You can also go to an organic store and they have gummy vitamins D and it is 1,200 a day. That is more than enough, that is what the pharmacist told me. And mine level came back at 18. Check with your doctor.
DO
Donuts 4u
30 July 2015
Is it possible to increase vitamin D levels taken 2,000 Units? I'd rather take smaller doses over a longer period of time than take the mega dose 50,000 Units with potentially life threatening side effects.
MA
mastatz
16 Aug 2015
My doctor started me on 50,000IU Vitamin D3 about six years ago for severe Vitamin D deficiency. Within a day I was extremely achy. This would happen everytime I tried again to take it. He said he had never heard of such a thing happening, but he switched me to Vitamin D2 anyway. I did not have the same side effect with the D2, but of course I was not happy about taking it, as the body does not absorb it and use it as easily as the D3.
I had an appointment at Mayo Clinic about a year later with a rheumatologist. She asked me if I was taking Vitamin D. I told her about the D3 incident and that my doctor had switched me to D2. When she heard I had been trying to take 50,000 IU of the D3 at one time, she said it was perfectly logical that I would hurt and be achy with that big of a dose. I don't remember exactly how she described why the achiness occurred.
But I think she said that the big dose of D3 was too much for my system, and it was pulling calcium from my bones - or something along those lines. Anyway, her point was that it was causing an imbalance with the other things in my body that it interacts with. She suggested I go back on the D3, taking smaller daily doses. This is what I did, and I have not had a problem with the achiness since.
MA
mastatz
16 Aug 2015
My doctor started me on 50,000IU Vitamin D3 about six years ago for severe Vitamin D deficiency. Within a day I was extremely achy. This would happen everytime I tried again to take it. He said he had never heard of such a thing happening, but he switched me to Vitamin D2 anyway. I did not have the same side effect with the D2, but of course I was not happy about taking it, as the body does not absorb it and use it as easily as the D3.
I had an appointment at Mayo Clinic about a year later with a rheumatologist. She asked me if I was taking Vitamin D. I told her about the D3 incident and that my doctor had switched me to D2. When she heard I had been trying to take 50,000 IU of the D3 at one time, she said it was perfectly logical that I would hurt and be achy with that big of a dose. I don't remember exactly how she described why the achiness occurred.
But I think she said that the big dose of D3 was too much for my system, and it was pulling calcium from my bones - or something along those lines. Anyway, her point was that it was causing an imbalance with the other things in my body that it interacts with. She suggested I go back on the D3, taking smaller daily doses. This is what I did, and I have not had a problem with the achiness since.
FS
FS123
19 Aug 2015
WOW. My D level is very low, so I was prescribed the 50,000 once week and experience almost all those symptoms, anger irritable, people asking me what's wrong, insomnia, lack of appetite, in a cloud, aches. Wow! So others experience these too!! I took the dose for two weeks, but I doubt I will continue. Someone mentioned gummy bears. I think I will stick with that. Perhaps, going from very low to 50,000 a week is too much all at once.
SM
smarsh1961
25 June 2016
I took my first dose, my heart rate went up and I felt jittery and nervous all over. I had headaches and sweats. I think I'd rather take smaller doses daily along with calcium. 50,000iu is alot at one time.
RO
Romeo67
3 Oct 2017
So my doctor prescribed me that 50,000 thing of vitamin D my immune system is really down because I had shingles but I don't really feel like taking this vitamin such a high dosage can I just take like over-the-counter vitamin D what happened to you so far
I've taken my second dose of 50,000 vit D3 and after taking the first dose last Friday I had no appetite later that night. I noticed the same thing the following week but I force myself to eat. I have awaken at night and tossed and turned and finally went back to sleep but on other websites I notice people complain of insomnia. The pharmacist and drs office claim there shouldn't be side effects but to stop taking the med and see if there is a difference I hope this loss of appetite goes away as my vit d level was 9
Votes: +2
RS
rs90805
15 May 2014
I took and second dose last Friday and then I got sick aches and pains in the whole body',shortness of breath, headaches dry mouth very tired all the time. I am just so sick. I saw the Dr. and see told me to pill. I felt the same lose of appetite a-
RO
rocket2moon
26 Nov 2013
Wow. I also took a dose of 50,000 mG of vit D and I immediately felt my heart rate increase that night. The next day, I confirmed it when taking my blood pressure. The next night I was hyper and wide awake like I just had three cups of coffee. Now, almost 1 week after my first dose, my heart rate is settling down. I feel more alert and in a better mood since taking the vit D, but I am a little cautious about the 2nd dose as well.
Votes: +2
YU
yuhoo51
25 April 2012
Try taking smaller doses all during the week. But it should not ever give any side affects at all unless your doctor misdiagnosed you and your calcium level is not as low as he thinks. Too less of calcium will make you have seisures all kind of problems as well a cateracts, teeth falling out, brittle hair and nails, skin drys out for lack of moisture... and so forth. It would take alot of vitamin D over a long period of time to get any side affects if any!
Votes: +1
MA
Marvell
25 Nov 2010
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is a dietary supplement that is used to treat vitamin D deficiency. It is also used with calcium to maintain bone strength.
This medicine is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor's prescription.
Vitamin D3 supplements have rarely produced adverse events in clinical trials.
You can view the side effect profile if Vitamin D3 here:
Thank you for commenting in on my question. My doctor did not say anything about me taking calcium however now I am thinking I need to make sure I also have plenty of calcium in my system if I'm taking all this Vitamin D. Today I took my 2nd dose of the 50,000 units of vitamin D... I'm in 4 hrs of taking it and have TONS OF ENERGY. I will report back here in a day or so if I have other symptoms/side effects from this 2nd dose. Thanks again for your response. - Capitola
CY
cynthiaveal
18 Feb 2015
I have had all these side effects. I am on my 3rd refill. Twice a week with 5 refills. I am achy , depressed, nauseaus, headachespecially , and bone pain ,confusion, fatigue and weakness. I guess it's normal. I'm wondering.
CY
cynthiaveal
18 Feb 2015
I have had all these side effects. I am on my 3rd refill. Twice a week with 5 refills. I am achy , depressed, nauseaus, headachespecially , and bone pain ,confusion, fatigue and weakness. I guess it's normal. I'm wondering. What is wrong with me?
CY
cynthiaveal
18 Feb 2015
I have had all these side effects. I am on my 3rd refill. Twice a week with 5 refills. I am achy , depressed, nauseaus, headachespecially , and bone pain ,confusion, fatigue and weakness. I guess it's normal. I'm wondering. What is wrong with me? I also have become irritable and agitated with people.
BA
Barbara letson
26 May 2015
I am on my third refill of vitamin D 50000 units and I take one pill once to week I have a change of heart rate breathing extreme pain in my bones and my muscles and nauseous I don't know if I should continue taking it or just stop I've got to talk to my doctor on Friday may 29th can't handle it making me feel bad if anyone has any ideas of what would make me feel better when I do take it
AU
austin111
15 Sep 2015
Cynthia,
I got really bad bone pain after 1 50,000IU dose - had to stop. You are on 3rd refill - does the bone pain get any less as you progress with therapy - have you found a way to help minimize the bone pain?
Thanks
IN
Inactive
20 Feb 2016
Hi, I just took my first dose of vitamin d2 50,000, on Sunday. My levels were extremely low. I have had absolutely no appetite whatsoever, that really scares me i'm dropping weight rapidily & already suffer from anorexia nervosa. I also had a severe back injury a few years back. I am finding every muscle & bone in my body hurting to the extreme. I haven't slept in days & feel like a complete zombie. I've been so thirsty. I also noticed as I am force feeding myself my food is getting stuck in my throat as if my throat is closing up. I'm confused, dizzy & not to sure what to do. I take my second dose this Sunday after dinner. Will this subside?
MA
maggimoo
28 June 2016
I was diagnosed with low Vit D. My doctor put me on 50,000 mg once a week. After taking my 2nd pill I noticed I was having a hard time breathing, tightness in my chest and felt like I had something stuck in my throat. I have AFIB so this concerned me. I notified my doctor of the side effects that were listed on the paper I rec'd with the pills. She had me stop them but said I could continue the 2,000 mg that I was taking daily. I have not taken any more as I was totally fatigued. So I need to know how long will the Vit D stay in my system. I took 3 50,000 mg and then stopped them. I am slowly feeling better.
EM
Emhoney
22 July 2016
I had all those side effects. Everything even worse after taking my first dose of 12 alendronate 70 mg weekly. I could feel pain in every single bone in my body! More then scared! I am also taking blood thinner pills daily due to a-fib. None of my doctors give me my B-12 shots which is need to help my body process my food for all necessary vitamin and minerals. ( i had a gastric bypass ) now i am anemic, have brital bones vitamin D defincacey . I feel my foctors want me to die! I do not have an answe for anyone. All I can say is if I die then my caretakers ( doctors want that for me)! Good night. Best if luck to all those in my same situation.
JS
jsanor
30 July 2016
I am beginning my 3rd month of V2 50,000 dose and have had no symptoms listed. I do have unbearable body odor 2-3 days after taking my weekly dose. Anyone else have same or any observations??
DE
Debcox67
6 Oct 2016
You might want to look into a magnesium supplement when taking high doses of d and I hope you are taking d3... Google it!
TI
Tinawagnersmith
8 April 2017
I was prescribed 50,000 unit capsules of vitamin d, 1 a week for a month. Also calcium which I got over the counter. When I took my calcium every morning, I also took a vitamin d not thinking at all. What should I do, that's 200,000 of vitamin d in 4 days. I am kinda scarf. I already have a headache. Someone please let me know!
SA
Sandiego 1
19 April 2017
Took first dose way too late in the day felt achy tired and slight headache second dose of little better taken earlier in the day but still feel fatigued symptoms usually it last for 2 days and then go away. When I was diagnosed the doctor told me that my vitamin D levels for undetectable
AM
ameera05
20 July 2017
my doctor prescribe me to take vit d2 ergocalciferol 50000 unit tab once a week but accidentally i take this once a day for six days.. what i need to do.. is this can affect my body condition??? only i feel now is sometimes i feel dizzy.. thank u
RO
Romeo67
3 Oct 2017
So I was prescribed the 50,000 thing of the buy a vitamin D I came down with the shingles like three months ago and my vitamin D level is really really low wonder if I could just start off with a low-dose and then work my way up and what about calcium
