How much Cytomel is safe?

[summer7gal]

Just curious about how much Cytomel I should add to my Synthyroid medication. I take .175 of synthyroid. My doctor doesn't know much about Cytomel and HE asked ME how much I should be taking. I said 10mg because I had read this somewhere but I'm not sure. I figured I could write you guys and ask you. :) I can't get 5mg tablets here (tried MANY pharmacies) so they gave me 25 mg tablets that I have to break up. <sigh> The pharmacy called my doctor who then said it was okay for me to take half of this tablet each day. That's more that 10mg of Cytomel. Will I be okay?

Just so I know what to look out for...

1) How do I know if I am taking to much Cytomel? What side effects/symptoms will I notice?

2) How long does it take to get into your system? (I am talking it to help with weight loss and other thyroid related problems and want to know when I can expect some relief.)


Thanks guys!

[CONILUV]

While I don't know the answer to your question, Summergal, I sure hope someone sends you a post because my story is the same as your and I go to the doctor on Thursday morning.
I still am not sure whether to ask just to add the Cytomel or beg to be changed to Thyrolar. Do you know how expensive the Cytomel is? Course, if you have to break the Cytomel in pieces, a little will go a long way. Keep me posted about how the Cytomel works. The best to you and I hope you feel better AND get the bonus weight loss that some achieve by switching medicines...Connie in NC

[summer7gal]

Hey Connie,

So far no one has replied but I am hoping someone knows. If I knew what to look out for it I am taking TOO much Cytomel then it would help me know when I should call my doctor and go back to his office.

I haven't had my period since January and three days after starting Cytomel it started. While I never enjoy this time of the month I am hoping that it is a good sign that my system is trying to get back on track. I wish I knew how long it takes before you notice weigiht loss because at some point if nothing happens I will have to go back to my doctor and ask to be switched to another medication. For now I am thinking of holding off on this low carb way of eating. Our family eats very healthy anyway and lowcarbing hasn't made a noticable difference for me in the two months I have been doing it. :( It just makes my grocery bill larger!

Cytomel is really really cheap Connie. No worries in that department. I think I only had to pay a few dollars for a two months supply. Let me know how your trip to the doctor goes and don't forget to report back on your experience with Cytomel! :)

[surfer376]

Summer I take 4 5 mcg a day , two in the am and two in the afternoon. Your Doctor should know how much you should take . Is he/she an Endo?
Here's what to look for and I got info off www.cytomel.com
Possible side effects are: heart palpitation, trembling, irregular heartbeat, heart oppression, agita-tion, shortness of breath, excretion of sugar through the urine, excessive perspiration, diarrhea, weight loss, psychic disorders, etc., as well as symptoms of hypersensitivity." Our experience is that most symptoms consist of trembling of hands, nausea, headaches, high perspiration, and increased heartbeat. These negative side effects can often be eliminated by temporarily reducing the daily dosage. Hope this helps. Cytomel here is 80 dollars for 30 day supply for me. I copay 40 ouch!

[surfer376]

You can order 5 mcg cytomel from here...it's a Canadian site
click here (http://www.affordablerx.com/)
and another one (http://www.nobordersrx.com/)

[surfer376]

Here's another link that may answer your questions.
click here (http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/XJ&sdn=thyroid&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kingpharm.com%2Fproduct_view.asp%3FKP_Product_ID%3D36)

[summer7gal]

Thanks so much surfer! Can I ask how long you were on Cytomel for before you noticed a decrease in your weight?

[surfer376]

Summer I have been on it about 5 months now but along with that I changed my diet and started working out with weights and cardio about two months ago...so it's hard to say if it was the cytomel or the other things. Also I was on Armour before that and it has T4 and T3 in it. I have lost 40 pounds since I found out I had a thyroid problem and 24 of that since this past Christmas.
Give it a try what do you have to lose...except the weight..lol. Let me know how it goes...have a great day!

[B.B.B.]

I live in Canada...do you need a perscription for Cytomel or can you just buy it on line? I'm taking Synthroid 112 mcg. right now but would like to add Cytomel in....

[surfer376]

I live in the states and I need a script...I don't know about Canada..maybe you could go to the websites above to find out.

[B.B.B.]

Thanks I will be sure to check it out. I want to see an Endo. but my doctor is being a jerk...saying my levels are fine and that I don't need to see one. I need a referral to see an Endo I believe?

[CONILUV]

Hello all!

My doctor changed (at my begging) my medication from 100 mg Synthroid to Cytomel, I asked if if should be taking both and he thought just one of them. I have mail order medicine (to get a 90 day supply) so it will take about 2 weeks to get it.
I am supposed to take 50mg a day. I will let you know how I feel after I start taking it.
How are you feeling on it, Summergal?

[summer7gal]

So far I haven't noticed any real changes. I guess it must need time to enter my system.

[tla]

I have been on Cytomel for a month now. As for how much is too much I take four 25mcg a day along with one .1 mg levothyroxine. I go to the doctor in aweek and he will probably increase my cytomel. It has been the only thing that has gotten my meomry back. I have hashimoto disease I was at stroke level before I was sent to endo.