Methimazole for Hyperthyroidism User Reviews (Page 2)

• dru...
• March 18, 2023

"It was a terrible experience for me. I developed thyroiditis following a severe cold, which in turn damaged my heart. I was subsequently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and was told that I had Graves' disease, Hashimoto's disease, two worrisome nodules, thyroiditis, and another condition. The medical professionals suggested various treatment options, including drinking an iodine cocktail, undergoing laser surgery on the nodules, possibly having my thyroid removed, and taking medication. Interestingly, they initially believed that my hyperthyroidism was caused by a long-standing iodine supplement that I had been taking. However, it turned out that the cause was actually virus-induced hyperthyroidism with four insignificant nodules. I was prescribed a 10 mg dose of medication, but I experienced adverse reactions and promptly informed my doctor that I would be reducing the dosage. A few days later, I informed my doctor that I had stopped taking the medication altogether, as I was experiencing constant heart racing, elevated blood pressure, daily headaches, dizziness, weight gain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Prior to this, my heart rate had been too slow. As the patient, I believe that my doctor is working for me and should therefore focus on identifying the root cause of my condition."

• MB1...
• December 3, 2019

"After 11 days on methimazole of a 40 dose, I had side effects of fever and chills that shook my whole body. The doctor claimed that was not caused by the prescription. Stayed off 1 day, the doctor told me to start again. Have chills, backache, sore throat, can't sleep, tried, and feel like I am in a fog. With so many bad reviews throughout the net, I say 85 percent are negative. How are doctors still pushing this medication?"

• Anonymous
• September 3, 2016

"I was put on methimazole 10 mg late May. Within a month, I had gained 10 lbs, my finger and feet became swollen, pressure headaches that would not go away after taking Advil, it hurt just to walk, back pains, and I was soooooooo tired. I complained to my doctor and she lowered the dosage to 5 mg, and then she took me off of it after my levels were okay. Then last week, I've had to go back on it again, but I've noticed that my symptoms aren't that severe this time, but I'm still continuing to gain weight. My doctor says I need to be on it and try to have my hyperthyroidism go into remission. I hate this drug! I've never felt this bad in my entire life, but I have no choice but to be on it."

• Che...
• October 19, 2019

"I got diagnosed over a year ago with Graves. I was just slightly hyperactive and was put on 5 mg. I've been on and off this medicine over the past year, and it absolutely kills my stomach! I have no gallbladder, so maybe this medication affects me differently than everybody else. The pain is a burning in the upper gastric area, including ribs. I don't care what doc says, it's half strength or nothing!"

• Nag...
• September 8, 2015

"I'm taking methimazole for about 4 months and already experienced side effects. I have a very bad burning in my tongue and mouth. My teeth have become very sensitive, and I have headaches every day. I told my doctor 2 times about this. He just runs the same tests on me, and he finds nothing. I think it's this medicine that's making all of this, but he just doesn't listen. I need help, 'cause these side effects are killing me!!!!"

• D H...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2021

"Have been hyperthyroid for years. Finally doing something about it. I have been taking 5 mg for 2 months with 0 side effects. Every morning at 6:30 am, I have 4 crackers and a pill. Had blood work done at 6 weeks and my levels are normal, finally. Blood work in 3 months. Bottom line, I wanted no part of this medicine after reading reviews, for me, no problems at all. I am 69 years old."

• Mic...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 4, 2021

"Diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about 10 years ago. Have taken methimazole since with no side effects. Have blood work done monthly to check levels and adjust dosage if needed. My thyroid levels do vary somewhat occasionally, however, I've never taken more than 10 mg per day. My endo has suggested RAI to me, however, the thought of actually getting rid of one of my organs is scary to me, and I have heard of some real horror stories associated with this. Any feedback on this would be helpful."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2023

"I had a bad reaction to this medication. I was prescribed 10 mg once per day. After about 10 days, I experienced insomnia and chills. My doctor advised me to stop taking the medication for a week and to decrease my dosage to 5 mg. After a week passed, I began to take 5 mg and experienced discomfort and swelling on the left side of my neck and throat."

• Gra...
• March 23, 2013

"After being diagnosed with Graves' disease, my doctor prescribed methimazole to bridge my symptoms until my procedure to 'kill' my thyroid. I noticed I no longer had extreme stomach pains and the shaking improved considerably. However, after a month of being on the medication, I broke out in itchy, uncontrollable hives. Benadryl didn't even get rid of them. Once I stopped taking methimazole, they went away after about 48 hours, but the itching was still prevalent. Now my stomach pains are back, and the shaking is worse."

• CC ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2016

"After 2 weeks of taking this medication, I began an extreme itch all over my neck and body. This itch lasted about 3 weeks. Then, severe back pain for 1 week. Weight gain. And extremely dry mouth and hair. Had to discontinue use. This medication scared me."

• Tas...
• January 17, 2021

"I have Graves’ disease. I’m on and off this medication. I really don't like it but have no choice but to take it because I want to keep my thyroid as long as I can because once you take it out, all it will do is go to another organ, then there's another problem. I don't like the side effects of this medication: headache, nausea, constipation, dizziness, body aches, tired all the time, like you have no energy, low white blood cells. It sucks. They need to make a new medication. It’s no winning with this disease and medicine."

• Jrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2020

"This is now my second attempt at taking methimazole as I thought I was in remission - but wasn't. I am currently on 5 mg. The stomach pain is terrible and so sporadic. I am hoarse in the voice and can't jog anymore due to being out of breath. I am tall and lean and not overweight. I have begun to put weight back since starting the medicine 6 weeks ago. I am getting weird, red bumps on my skin. I am coming off of this medicine and looking into other options. I cannot do the stomach pain anymore."

• Mar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 9, 2021

"I have been on methimazole for 9 years, and I also believe this is a life-saving drug. I have had no side effects, and my weight is very stable. I am on the thin side and always have been, but that being said, I also exercise and eat right. My dose ranges from 2.5 to 5 mg, depending on how often I forget to take my meds. I don't have palpitations anymore, typically, I notice it if my heart rate starts to creep up, but the minute it hits my system, I know it's back working. The doctors told me eventually my thyroid would burn off, but so far, that hasn't happened. Has that happened to anyone on this string? Thanks."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 9, 2021

"I had Graves' disease 25 years ago, and now again. This time, heart palpitations, shaking, hot all the time, lost 18 lbs in one month, sleepless nights. Started on 5 mg methimazole once a day. Immediately I started feeling better. I had hair loss, weight gain, depression, fatigue, and muscle pain. I have been on it for just over 1 year. For the past 4 months, my T3 and T4 have been normal, however, my TSH has dropped to 0.05. When I was taking 2.5 mg, my TSH was 0.30. I have now developed an eczema-type rash on 1 elbow, 1 knee, and on my toe. I think it is too much methimazole, but the doctor feels differently. I am supposed to be taking 5 mg, however, I am only taking 2.5 mg and have noticed my skin getting better. I am also a smoker, and I have found out that smoking can cause Graves' disease. 25 years ago, I was on methimazole for 8 months and quit smoking, Graves went into remission. Trying to quit again. Good luck to all with this disease."

• Spa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 24, 2019

"My hands were trembling, and leg muscles were weak, hair loss and 62 lbs lost. I was diagnosed with Graves. I started a low dose of methimazole 5 mg and kept doing labs, increasing 5 more mg at a time. I am now at a 30 mg dose, which my doctor considers a high dose and thinks it’s time to radiate the thyroid as I’m not in remission. Side effects were itching, slight nausea, joints aching all over instead of usual arthritic hands. Immediate and continuous weight gain every time I increase the dose. Feeling kind of lazy and sleepy. My labs are all normal, but I’m getting a goiter-like thing in my neck. But it’s been 2 years, so I will take the radioactive meds and switch to thyroid hormones. Would be interested in knowing how the radioactive swallow works out for others. Did side effects cease? They say there are no side effects after the radiation, whereas with the methimazole, you can have liver and kidney damage over too long a period."

• ORL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2018

"I took Methimazole for less than a week. Almost immediately, I had itchy all over my body, including my scalp, and pain on the right side of my teeth. Upper and lower all hurt-worse than the only toothache I ever had in my life. The pain was unbearable. I was told to take Benadryl and go to the dentist. I knew I couldn't have 10 toothaches! I figured it was Methimazole. Benadryl did very little for the itch. Then a rash broke out, and I was told to stop it and try the other drug. I was off it for 1 1/2 days, and my teeth quit hurting. Hmmm. The pharmacist told me I could take the Methimazole and my blood pressure medicine at the same time. I wonder if that is why all this happened? Maybe you can't take it all at once? Plus, I was on 40 mg of Methimazole. Maybe it was too high of a dose. I just wish there were more proper instructions on how, when, and with what to take this drug!"

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2021

"After waking up each morning with my right eye swollen, I went to an ophthalmologist and was placed on a prescription eye drop. My condition became worse. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in September 2020 and had an ultrasound on my thyroid, and thank God no nodules. I was placed on Methimazole 10 mg. It seems like my symptoms have gotten worse, and my thyroid has become slightly bigger. I have night sweats, chronic itchy hives, swollen face, lips, pain in joints, blurred vision, and brittle hair. I was a beautiful woman, however, this condition has extremely altered my appearance. I have an upcoming appointment with an endocrinologist in hopes I can be helped."

• Don...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2022

"This is horrible meds, and no one knows anything about the side effects when asked. Doctors, pharmacists, nurse line, ER, even the manufacturer. Started taking 5 mg 1 time a day. By the 5th day, the legs hurt, calves had charley horse symptoms - very hard, feet felt like they were encased in cement, could not even walk. Talked to everyone above, and all they could say was it was from the meds. Went off the meds, after 3 days feet were much better. Tried again a week later, 5 days taking, the same thing! This is terrible!"

• Mik...
• January 6, 2020

"Diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in August of 2019. First med was 10 mg methimazole daily. Then, 2 months later, upped to 15 mg daily. Most all symptoms subsided. 5 months later, some have started to return. Grumble heart. Sweats, cold clammy hands, and erratic heartbeat. However, it's better than what it was 5 months ago. Have some side effects of mild headache, joint aches, fatigue, and tiredness. Trying to make an appointment back at the endo. I wish it would all stop and go away. Strongly considering RAI or surgery. Just tired of waiting to feel normal."

• pga...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 31, 2019

"I was diagnosed with Graves' disease about 7 years ago. I had similar symptoms as others, such as significant weight loss (15 lb), sweating, hand trembling, panic, anxiety, and very fast heart beating, like 194 when I do cardio and 90 when I rest. I stayed on methimazole for years in order to get a detectable TSH. I gained 25 lb in the meantime. Once I had a detectable TSH, I was allowed to go for an IVF. I had to use a low dose of PTU during my pregnancy under a perinatologist's control. After giving birth to my daughter, my thyroid started functioning normally again. It was like magic! But magic is not real, right? My Graves' disease is back, unfortunately, after 3 years of giving birth to my daughter. I am on daily 15 mg methimazole. I lost about 10 lb before I was diagnosed a second time and have been gaining weight already since I started the meds. I think gaining weight is the worst part of it. I am considering having an operation to get it out fully."

• Tam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2019

"Before I got methimazole, I went to the health food store and got liquid iodine, and all my symptoms went away. I haven't started the medicine yet, but will go get my blood work to see where my levels are at."

• Srt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2021

"I feel like this is a miracle drug so far. I was diagnosed with Graves' disease and have been on methimazole for 3 weeks now. I had headaches for a few days and a few stomach issues, but my labs at the 2-week mark show it has brought everything but TSH down to almost normal. I am on 40 mg per day and 50 mg of metoprolol. I was desperate for any help up to the point I finally got in to see an endocrinologist. I haven't heard about a tapering dose yet, but wow! What a drastic change in such a short time."

• Out...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2022

"1. This is not the first time that I have been given a medication that caused more issues than it helped me. This is why I don't usually trust primary care providers to give me the right medicine anymore. 2. Taking this pill every 8 hours is impossible, it actually caused insomnia and completely destroyed my circadian rhythm trying to take this medication on time. Do you know anyone who stays up 16 hours to take the second pill and then sleep on time enough to catch 8 hours of sleep before the third pill? Yep, me neither... 2. I had side effects including: insomnia, itching, severe abdominal pain, trouble peeing, asthma, allergies, anxiety, severe muscle pain, joint pain, increased blood pressure, and high risk of anaphylaxis. 3. I had to get myself off the medication because the symptoms were unbearable. My glands swelled up! This is the first time this happened since taking the medicine! I am on half a pill a day, and it helps with the glands to swell less, but I am still miserable."

• Abd...
• December 21, 2020

"I was diagnosed back in 2016 with hyperthyroidism but felt I had Graves' disease for most of my adulthood (fatigue, heat intolerance, etc.). I had not taken this drug for any significant time until 2020. I came to realize that weight gain issues aren't as important as having heart failure, so I have been now finally committed to having more weight but mainly muscles, less Graves' looks appearances, can do more without getting exhausted. I wish I wasn't stubborn with Tapazole back in 2016."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 15, 2019

"I got diagnosed with Graves' disease almost 2 years ago and was prescribed methimazole. Within the first month, I gained 10 lbs and overall 30 lbs. Previously, I maintained my weight and didn't change my diet. When the doctor had me at 20 mg, I had severe charley horses to the point where I couldn't move. When she lowered the dose, it went away. I am taking 15 mg currently, and aside from it being difficult to lose weight, it is fine. I am no longer experiencing shaking, foggy brain, or any other symptoms I had with hyperthyroidism. If you watch what you eat and exercise more than usual, I think you would be able to combat some weight gain. I, however, kept things the same, and the decrease in my metabolism really hit. If you experience severe muscle pain/charley horses, consult your doctor because it is probably the methimazole. I took calcium in between my appointments to aid with the pain."