Levothyroxine and Headaches: What Users Say

• joy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "In November 2020, I was diagnosed with low thyroid. My doctor put me on levothyroxine 25 mcg. I also went to Walmart and they gave me Euthyrox. I started taking it on the 11th. After taking it for one week, I began having hip pains that radiated into my legs. My joints ached and burned. I had headaches, low energy, dizziness, confusion, and a foggy brain. I didn't want to move as it hurt. I am a retired nurse and knew the recent change was due to medication. I stopped taking it on the 19th of November. I went to the doctor's office and was told to stop taking it. By Thanksgiving, I was feeling better. It took a few weeks to feel normal again. I have been prescribed Synthroid today and going to try it. It is the brand name of levothyroxine. Hopefully, I can use it. They need to inform people about how dangerous this medication is. I will stop using Walmart. They told me I was sick with a virus and treated me like I was delusional or making it up. I hope they never experience the same as I did."

• NAa...
• September 8, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Walmart switched my levothyroxine to Euthyrox. The first day, I had a headache almost at migraine level. Within two weeks, my hair was falling out, insomnia every night. I have been on levothyroxine for 12 years with no issues. Do not take this medication."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Pharmacy gave me Euthyrox instead of Levothyroxine (generic). I didn't think it would make a difference, so I have been taking it for several months. Kept feeling worse but didn't connect it to the meds. To the point now I can barely function - arms hurt so bad, so tired I can hardly make it through my day, headache, etc. Called pharmacy to see why they switched it. She said, 'That is just what Walmart sends us. Lots of people have been complaining and switching back.' So, so am I! Hope I start feeling better soon. Shame on you, Walmart, for switching people's meds without a doctor's request!"

• Doe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 3, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "This stuff is just awful! I’ve had my TSH go as high as 52.0 (wasn’t aware it was that out of control) and felt better than I do now on years of treatment on brand name Synthroid! Endocrinologist just doesn’t seem to agree? And now I have a whole new set of symptoms such as itchiness all over, horrible anxiety, headaches, weight gain, the list goes on and on, and nothing new has been added to my daily routine, I know it’s this medication, I hate it. Just throwing this out there for anyone else so that you know you're not crazy! Good luck!"

• Geo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Began taking in early June when Walmart pharmacy refilled my prescription, saying Euthyrox was their new generic and what I would be getting going forward. Within days of taking the first pill, I began to experience headaches that progressively increased in duration and frequency during the four months of taking Euthyrox. Then began the insomnia, tinnitus, heat intolerance, uncontrollable sweating, swelling in the face and eyelids, diarrhea, neck and shoulder pain, blurred vision, fatigue, occasional dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, and brain fog. Stopped Euthyrox almost two weeks ago, and most symptoms have gone away except for headaches and neck pain. Definitely returning to the prior medication, this one was disabling."

• gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "My pharmacy switched me to Euthyrox instead of levothyroxine. Then, four hours after taking the first one, I had a massive headache, didn't think anything of it. The second day, same thing, only this time it was odd, I rarely get headaches, so it worried me how severe it was. I called my pharmacist and asked if it was related, yes, it is. I couldn't even function, it was so bad. I demanded they switch it back. I then found out today that with my recent heart attack, I shouldn't have even been given this med! HORRIBLE stuff!"

• mls...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "This drug is causing all kinds of awful issues. My hair is falling out, I'm completely exhausted, want to sleep all day/night, can't think straight, can't make it through my work day, loose stools, headaches, cold. Increased heart palpitations. I feel exactly as I did when I wasn't taking anything."

• KET...
• August 10, 2013

For Underactive Thyroid "Before taking this medication, I thought I'd look up reviews to check for any side or long-term effects caused by this medicine. I was terrified after reading so many bad reviews, but decided to take the medication regardless because I figured the medication would do me more good than harm. It's been about a year since I've been on levothyroxine 50mg and I must admit - I had never felt better! I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at 19 and started this medication quickly after. My levels are normal and I can definitely notice the significant change in my health and everyday life. I am back to being happy and enjoy going out, not like before. No more headaches or fatigue. Thank God for this awesome medication. I recommend it 100% of the way!"

• Joy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Walmart switched me to this brand back in April. They assured me it was the exact same thing as the levothyroxine brand I was taking. I had just had labs done in March. Things were good. By early May my TSH had jumped to a 14 from a 0.40. I had fatigue to the point that I was bed-bound. Headaches, sleeplessness, rapid heart rate, sweats, memory issues. This medicine is a dangerous medication. My doctor had several other thyroid patients complain of the same medication after Walmart switched them. It is absolutely not the same as what I was taking. This medication will crash your labs and make you feel like the walking dead. It shouldn't be on the market."

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 22, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Walmart switched my levothyroxine medicine without doctor permission. I started taking Euthyrox in May, started having sharp pain, muscle spasm, headache, dry mouth etc. The pain became unbearable. Went to the doctor and had inflammation, high sodium, kidney function decrease, and pain all over. I couldn’t focus as I had brain fog. This medicine should not be sold. Walmart is trying to save a dollars while putting our lives at risk."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I had my Levothyroxine prescription refilled at Walmart like 3 weeks ago, and they gave me Euthyrox, saying that it was a new presentation. They said they had changed the name, but it was the same medication. I’ve been having lots of headaches, itchy skin, dry mouth, and loss of focus. I thought I had an allergic reaction to something, but I haven’t changed anything-soap, detergent, lotion, anything. My husband told me it could be the new pills, and now that I read all the comments, I realized that is my problem."

• Jai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2019

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was on a low dose for 2 weeks and developed a rash and sore throat. I thought it was a virus. After 2 more weeks, I developed a severe headache, neck pain, and dizziness. Stopped the medication 5 days ago and am still having issues, but the severe headache is less. Not sure how long it will be before it is all out of my system."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2020

Levothyroxine for TSH Suppression "I was given Euthyrox 50 mcg by Walmart instead of my usual thyroid medication. My doctors did not request Euthyrox or that the medication should be changed. I have been taking Euthyrox for 3 months and have experienced hives/welts on my left neck hairline and lower back. I am also experiencing headaches that are different from other headaches, along with joint and back pain. I may be a coincidence, but have requested Walmart to refill to my original prescription."

• Bud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Very similar to other reviews offered. I was switched by Walmart to Euthyrox from Levothyroxine back in June. I didn't question the change (I should have and researched). I've had three primary side effects, which are sleeplessness, daily headaches, and weight gain (approximately 20 lbs in 5 months). I actually was issued Levothyroxine today as my refill. I had asked to speak with the pharmacist prior to noting the change back, so apparently Walmart got the message. When I got home, I decided to research and was somewhat relieved to read the other reviews. This is by far the worst medication I have ever taken."

• Nat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 4, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "If you have been taking generic levothyroxine and have been experiencing extreme tiredness, chest pain, dizziness, nausea, headaches: find out if the formula contains mannitol (or other) and report it to the FDA. Go to the FDA website. Mannitol is not allowed in levothyroxine in France and Belgium because of its many side effects!"

• Akj...
• August 14, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Started this Euthyrox about a month ago after Walmart switched me to it. Since then, I’m having daily headaches, sometimes migraines, more hair loss, and fatigue. Called Walmart, and they switched me back to my previous manufacturer with no problem. This brand didn’t work for me."

• T E...
• December 30, 2014

For Underactive Thyroid "The first two days of taking the medicine, I experienced body aches all over, headaches. Thus, I took aspirin in the evening to try to alleviate the pain. The third day and beyond, I felt/feel more energized, no headaches, no backaches, mental clarity, and just relieved. I say you have to give the medicine time to kick in and get in your system. I am thankful."

• Ted...
• July 31, 2016

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I feel awful! I have been on this drug for 6 weeks. I have so many side effects. 1. Very tired (no energy). 2. Nausea. 3. Headache. 4. Can't sleep (even if I take a sleeping pill). 5. Always feel hot. 6. Sweating. 7. Clammy skin (have to have the fan on all the time). I live in Canada so it's not that hot. Never felt so sick."

• Sco...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I am so glad I came on here to look at reviews for this medication, Euthyrox. I have had horrible headaches, dry mouth, brain fog, dizziness, muscle pain, tinnitus, and neck aches. I went to see my ENT because I thought I had something seriously wrong with me. He is scheduling me to have a CAT scan done. I'm going to tell my endocrinologist about my issues with this medication. Getting off this one and see if my issues subside. I was on a different generic med, but Wal-Mart switched me to this one. Shame on them!"

• Lil...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 4, 2019

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been on Levothyroxine a long time. Have heat intolerance, lightheadedness, get very weak, feel like a zombie, nauseous, headachy, insomnia, and gained 60 pounds. Doctor won't let me try something else. Time for a new doctor."

• Mtn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "My pharmacy switched my prescription to Euthyrox from levothyroxine, which I had been taking for 3 years with no problem. I figured it was maybe due to a supply shortage. The first day I took it, I thought something was terribly wrong with me. I had stomach cramps, heart palpitations, and a bad headache. The second day was worse. When I went to the bathroom, I felt like electricity was going up and down through my body. And another headache. This lasted all day. I decided not to take it the 3rd morning (of course, it was the weekend). I called the pharmacy and they replaced it immediately with my previous medication."

• NoT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Was on Tirosint for 4 years, and in the past year and a half, I developed severe hypertension (160/100), severe abdominal bloating, extreme weight gain, a stress ulcer, high blood cholesterol, severe leg cramps, muscle inflexibility, angina, chronic headache, shortness of breath, and several other serious symptoms. The very same day I started Thyquidity, my blood pressure dropped significantly to 130/90, and after 3 weeks on Thyquidity, my B/P is now 120/85, I have effortlessly lost weight and one dress size (!), and all the other previous horrible symptoms have disappeared. I now feel completely normal with a metabolism that works! The only explanation for the change to such bad side effects with Tirosint is that it was switched to a new manufacturer."

• 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."

• Nan...
• January 23, 2016

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Before Synthroid, I was achy and tired. Now I have headaches, bloating, stomach pain, loose stools, and the feeling of being in a fog. I'm only on day 4 of the lowest dose cut in half. I'm stopping it. I was put on it before and it made my heart go to sinus tach, but the new doctor insisted I try it again! Hell no! I felt better before the medication!"

• sor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I loved it for the first month. Then, I developed agonizing headaches and chest pains. Had to go to the ER four times in pain. They could not do anything. Seven months later, I am still in pain and have to go to a gastro specialist to find out what is wrong in my stomach. It is really scary. I think it gave me some kind of ulcers in my stomach."