Levothyroxine and Depression: What Users Say

• ire...
• October 27, 2011

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been on Synthroid for about 7 years. I am 43 now, but I still feel very tired and have no energy or motivation. My bones feel weak. I have been telling my doctor that maybe I need a higher dosage, but he said no. I suggested changing the medication, but he insisted I am fine. But I know my body. My hair is falling out, it's thin. Maybe a new doctor can help me."

• Anonymous
• March 17, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Synthroid is terrible, it gave me an exacerbation of mental health symptoms! Nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, fatigue, constant dark thoughts, and depression. My TSH dropped from 0.50 to 0.02, and still no symptoms of hyper, just the same symptoms of hypo: weight gain, tiredness, and depression. I thought I was losing my mind! Trying to adjust my psych meds, thinking that was the issue, didn't work because it was the levo causing the problem. It's difficult to separate symptoms of mental health problems from thyroid problems because they can be similar. I got a referral from my PCP to see an endocrinologist. They switched me to Armour. Significant improvement. Levothyroxine stinks! I'd rather take no thyroid medication and suffer the consequences than take Levothyroxine."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2021

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I've been on Levothyroxine for over 10 years and haven't had any issues. All my levels have been great. Wal-Mart pharmacy prescribed Euthyrox in place of my Levothyroxine, stating it was the same, and it is NOT THE SAME!! After two months of missed periods, weight gain, brain fog, moodiness, depression, etc., and now my blood work has CONFIRMED my levels are all off balance for the first time in over 10 years!!! DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE!! Wal-Mart, please STOP using this!! My Dr. has switched my prescription to Walgreen's, and I am now back on Levothyroxine once again and throwing Euthyrox in the TRASH!! Beware, it is not the same, and you will be messed up!! Euthyrox should be removed, and I am reporting it everywhere I can report it!!"

• Anonymous
• January 18, 2011

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I was put on Synthroid after having my thyroid removed due to cancer 6 years ago. I think I've been put on every dosage there is. I have not felt the same since. I'm always tired, I wake up wanting to rip someone's head off, armpits sweat horribly, cry over nothing, depressed, hair loss, always colder or hotter than people around me, no energy, etc. But when I talk to my doctor and explain my issues, I'm told that I'm fine. (I beg to differ, needless to say I'm going to see a new doctor next visit.) Though I'm sure Synthroid is a wonderful medication, it just doesn't seem to be working for me in my opinion... my doctor seems to think differently."

• Jia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2015

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Devastating side effects - I have developed severely crippling joint pain in both knees, debilitating nerve pain in feet after 12 weeks of taking this drug for underactive thyroid. Also experiencing muscle spasms, tremors, depression, suicidal thoughts, restlessness, some chest pains, and tingling all over the body. If I could have given it a lower rating, I would have."

• Mil...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 31, 2017

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I took Synthroid for 10 years. I had severe insomnia, so I also took sleeping pills every day. I was depressed, so I took antidepressants every day. I had high blood pressure, so I took drugs for that. I couldn't focus at work, and just getting up in the morning felt like a chore. In 2013, I switched to natural desiccated thyroid drugs (NDT). It felt like waking up from a bad dream. I'm no longer depressed, my sleep hasn't been this good in my entire adult life. It's like night and day. I wish more doctors gave their patients the opportunity to try solutions other than Synthroid, because clearly, it doesn't work for everyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2012

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had half my thyroid out almost three months ago. Started taking medication about five weeks post-op. I have become depressed and stressed. Everything bothers me and I cannot let it go. I go days without sleeping and live on black coffee. I have the shakes and hate everybody and everything. I cannot rid myself of the stress. I do not know if this is the medicine but that is the only new medicine I have been taking."

• B2L...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 6, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Brand name only! Levoxyl brought me back to life after being on Synthroid for the past 6 years. I was on Levoxyl since my thyroidectomy, then was forced to switch to Synthroid when it was recalled. On Synthroid, I was barely functioning, horribly depressed, very tired, moody, painful heavy periods, horrible thoughts, migraines, and motion sickness all the time! Miserable! I finally told my Dr I want to get back on Levoxyl. Thank GOD I did, almost immediately all the bad symptoms stopped and I feel amazing! I’m back to the land of the living! If you are feeling like I did on Synthroid, do not hesitate and switch to BRAND NAME Levoxyl!"

• Sha...
• January 19, 2014

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I've been on Synthroid for over 15 years due to Hashimoto's Disease and also partial thyroidectomy due to a nodule. For anyone who is on the medication and says they are feeling depressed, tired, etc., check into the symptoms of hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's disease as it may be that your medication is not at the right dose. My doctor considers 'normal' TSH to be between 1 and 3, while the AMA lists it as between 1 and 5. When I am at a 4, I do not feel well and have all the symptoms. DON'T just STOP taking this medication on your own as you can have severe side effects. GO back to your doctor and discuss how you feel. I cannot take the generics as they do not work for me. Only SYNTHROID for me! (I'm on 225 a day!)"

• Anonymous
• June 8, 2010

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I've been on Synthroid (Levothyroxine) for about a year and a half now. They've changed my dose 4 times so far and I'm currently at 100 mcg. Once they keep me on a dose for a bit, I feel okay, but with every change I have a few annoying side effects. I can say that if you take it every day like you're supposed to, it will work eventually. You have to be patient, it won't make you feel great right away. It took me about 3 months. But it helped with my lethargy, weight, and even depression. It's pretty good if you take it as prescribed. If you stop taking it suddenly, the effects of hypothyroidism come back pretty quickly and severely, so I recommend taking it as your doctor states."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 12, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I have been on Tirosint for 21 months along with a T3 only med. But for the past month, I have been exhibiting hypo symptoms when nothing else has changed. This is for the 100 mcg dosage. I called the number on the box and reported my symptoms. The woman said she has been getting other complaints recently, too. What's important to note is that in December 2018, Tirosint changed distributors. I think there is a batch consistency issue. I am sleeping 12 hours a night, having depression (nothing changed in my life), increased joint pain, and severe fatigue. The only reason I rated it an 8 is because for the first year and a half, with the old distributor, I had no issues. I REALLY don't want to change thyroid meds again. That would be devastating."

• No ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "I have only been taking this drug for seven days after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. This drug is awful. I honestly would not suggest it to anyone. I feel like I'm pregnant and have menopause at the same time! I'm having hot flashes, sleeping terribly, my emotions are way out of control (got really upset and in tears over something that normally wouldn't make me react that way). I feel bloated, my joints hurt worse than they did before this med, my heart is racing, and I've had muscle spasms in my back, chest, and legs. I've also gotten severely nauseated for multiple hours every single time I've taken it. It was so bad yesterday that I had to run to the bathroom because I thought I was going to throw up. I also feel very tired, more depressed than usual, and I have intense anxiety that is making me paranoid. Never again will I take this drug! Don't put yourself through it. It's not worth it."

• Anonymous
• December 10, 2011

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "If you are taking Synthroid and you are still depressed, overweight, or losing hair (all symptoms of hypothyroidism, which this drug treats) then your dose is still not high enough. If your doctor tells you that you are 'within the normal range,' switch doctors - if you are still having symptoms, then your dose should be higher. I have been on this medication for several years now and as long as I'm on the right dose, I feel fine. I know I need an adjustment when I start to get tired and depressed. Those are the two most obvious symptoms for me (as well as hair loss). I have used low-carb diets effectively (New Atkins for a New You is good - has a section for vegetarians) to lose the weight I had gained when my thyroid became inactive."

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "I took this for 12 days. Day 6-12, I legit thought I was losing my mind. I’ve always had anxiety, but this junk made it go through the roof, and it was completely different than my “regular anxiety.” My chest felt tight, shortness of breath, felt like my skin was simultaneously on fire and crawling, and my brain felt super weird, plus depression. Once I figured out it was the Levothyroxine, I switched to Nature Throid, and I’m MUCH better! I’ll NEVER take this meds again."

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was on Levothyroxine for three years. Three months ago, Walmart (without permission) changed my prescription to Euthyrox. At the time, I didn't think it would matter, so I took it as I had my previous med. I started having leg and hip pain - then extreme brain fog - tingling and numb extremities - depression. I went to the doctor and was told my levels were within range. The doctor stated he had not heard of Euthyrox. Nothing has changed in my life (other than COVID), but the med. I called Walmart, and they told me they could no longer get Levothyroxine. The pharmacist explained that Euthyrox was much better in foil packs and would not lose its purpose as Levothyroxine would once it was open. After reading other comments, I'm switching back and to another pharmacy."

• Lbj...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 13, 2018

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I'm taking Synthroid - it's a horrible drug. I'm losing all my hair, headaches, insomnia, depression, fatigue, brain fog, etc. This drug sucks, I have no idea why doctors keep pushing this drug. I have a new insurance and doctor, hopefully, I can start taking Armour. If not, I have no idea what's to come."

• Hop...
• October 18, 2013

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was on this medication for about two weeks or so, and within the first couple of days, it made me feel extremely anxious and depressed. I felt as if I was not in control of my emotions. As if this was not bad enough, I also felt an uncomfortable sensation in my neck and experienced trouble sleeping."

• Hyp...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 7, 2013

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "6+ years on Synthroid, and this is what I have to show for it. Used to be a size 12, now a 28, no periods, pain all over, hypo symptoms still, mental and mood symptoms (anxiety, depression, mood swings). My growth hormone is only 40 and my FSH is 78. I can't have children. Finally switched to Cytomel, it broke me out and still had the same symptoms as above. My level was over 20 last they checked. Just got a prescription for Armour, hoping I finally get my life back."

• Big...
• November 16, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Hypo/Hsahis - 42 years. I recently moved, and I went to an endocrinologist who looked at the last several years of labs and advised she could see I was not absorbing meds, so she put me on Tirosint. My TSH was 14.99. Three weeks later, my TSH was 0.78. After that, depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and major bathroom issues around the clock for a month. Went to the Mayo Clinic to figure this out, and after two months on Tirosint, my TSH was 43.2. No one believes I am taking meds. Yes, I am. Mayo put me on NP Thyroid last week. Tirosint had already done its damage to my gut. I ended up in the ER Monday with severe stomach pains, bloating, pressure, pain, and bleeding. A CT scan revealed ulcerative colitis. I took the med as prescribed. The doctor that prescribed it to me called me and told me that she can clearly see I stopped taking my medication over two weeks ago. No. I have no thyroid, my Hashis attacked it, and it is no longer there. I am 100% dependent on thyroid replacement now."

• grm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was switched from my levothyroxine to Euthyrox a couple of months ago, and the cramping in my muscles was almost unbearable! At the same time, I have gained 10 pounds and my thigh muscles felt like they were frozen or stiff and didn't want to work. I was extremely tired and depressed from all the symptoms. The doctor ran blood tests and upped my dosage from 150 to 175 because it showed low - the only difference in what I was doing was the Euthyrox, and I had quite a time trying to get my doctor to prescribe another brand. The pharmacist said they had enough left of the prior brand to refill this month."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2010

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was on this medicine for about 6 months, and in that time, I felt worse than when I wasn't taking it. It took the migraines away, but I still had muscle aches, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, and more. The huge symptom I had on this medicine that bothered me was the depression. I felt dread and doom every day. I couldn't take it anymore, so I stopped taking it, then I went to a different doctor who prescribed me Armour."

• Anonymous
• January 25, 2011

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had my thyroid removed in February 2009 and was on Levothroid until about 2 months ago. It did nothing to help. I switched to Synthroid, and it seems to work better, but I still am feeling depressed, have difficulty concentrating, and have trouble remembering things, like any new information given to me. I just haven't felt like myself since the surgery."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "I first found out I had hypothyroid 10/24 (OB checked because I've been trying to conceive) TSH level 8.7. After taking 50 mg for 1 month, my TSH level went to 3.0. Unfortunately, after that, I started getting negative side effects such as constantly sleepy, unfocused, and feeling really out of it, slight depression, and exhaustion. I hated it. A friend who was hypothyroid recommended taking Kelp vitamins for the iodine. I started taking 25 mg Levo and my Kelp vitamin daily. Jan 20, TSH was at 3.5 (Dr. wanted me to stay on the same 50 mg prescription, but I was still having negative side effects). I also had Vitamin D checked Jan 20 per friend's recommendation and found out that was low too. So I STOPPED taking Levo and ONLY took Vit D and Kelp Vit. Apr 18 levels checked again, and TSH was 2.8 HALLELUJAH!"

• Jb7...
• August 14, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I've been on levothyroxine for a week. I feel great! No depression, no chills, no flaky, scaly skin, and tons of energy! I was extremely tired throughout the day. Freezing, even though it's summer in Seattle. Severe dry skin to the point of embarrassment. My hair recently started to thin in my crown area. My legs had extreme cramping to the point I couldn't sleep at night. The most traumatic experience is my recent heart palpitations and dizziness, feeling fatal during each episode. Now, with all these symptoms... I decided medicine that causes hair loss outweighs the thought of dying young (39). I will post another update, seeing how it's only a week into it. So far, the most energy I've felt in years, not cold at all, and no irregular palpitations."

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "Today is my third day on this medication, and so far I haven't had any adverse reactions. I have had a goiter for over twelve years. For years my doctors have been telling me my blood tests are normal. Last year I pushed and had a thyroid scan. They found three nodules, with one having its own blood supply. For years I've been silently suffering, dealing with low sex drive, weight gain, chronic constipation (enema, laxatives), brain fog, tiredness, body aches, depression (meds), hair shedding, and now I'm noticing my extremities are always cold. And so once again I told my doctor something is wrong. She started me on 25 mg levothyroxine. I'm nervous because I don't want more hair loss. Today I'm wearing a wig, ashamed of my hair."