[gary290]

I don't like taking my thyroid medication (Cytomel - a form of Synthroid) because it make me sweat a lot. My wife says that my depression and hypomanic moodiness is made worse when I don't take it. She says that if my thyroid is working normally, then my psych symptoms are better and my energy would be better. My question is has anyone noticed feeling better on hypothyroidism medication?

[BNLsMOM]

I have noticed enough of a difference that I am not stuck in bed wallowing all day, but not enough that I didn't need my current round of ECT. Mainly, I noticed a difference in my energy levels rather than my psych symptoms.

[bluemountains]

Yes, the thyroid medication helps me. It alleviates some of the depression and keeps me awake.
Bluemountains

Ask your doctor about Levothyroxine; I've never noticed any excessive perspiration
caused by that, although you do have a warmth from it for a moment or two during
the day.

[gary290]

Originally Posted by BNLsMOM

I have noticed enough of a difference that I am not stuck in bed wallowing all day, but not enough that I didn't need my current round of ECT. Mainly, I noticed a difference in my energy levels rather than my psych symptoms.

That makes sense to me. I don't think the Thyroid med would help my psych symptoms so much, but increased energy makes sense.

[gary290]

Originally Posted by genetic

Ask your doctor about Levothyroxine; I've never noticed any excessive perspiration
caused by that, although you do have a warmth from it for a moment or two during
the day.

I'll check it out.

[wing]

Funny, I just switched Drs. and this new one asked me if I'd had my thyroid checked lately.It must have something to do with moods, I guess, or he wouldn't have sent me right to the lab. I'm glad to know about the sweating and "hotflash" side effect in case he puts me on something.

[Confusedinomicon]

I have more energy and wake up refreshed. It also helps regulate your menstrual cycle and weight gain.

[gary290]

Originally Posted by wingin'it

Funny, I just switched Drs. and this new one asked me if I'd had my thyroid checked lately.It must have something to do with moods, I guess, or he wouldn't have sent me right to the lab. I'm glad to know about the sweating and "hotflash" side effect in case he puts me on something.

My doc checked my thyroid at the same time she did a lithium level. I don't know if a low thyroid is associated with taking lithium. But it came back low and she put me on Synthroid. I complained about sweating and she changed it to Cytomel, but it was the same. My doc is sort of mysterious.

When I say I sweat, I mean I'm pouring out sweat - dripping off my face - it's embarrassing.

[Confusedinomicon]

Lithium is known to slow the metabolism as do a lot of psych drugs.

[cocoabeans]

Yes, hypothyroidism is one of those physical issues that causes mood problems and thyroid problems (hypo or hyper) are something that needs to be ruled out when diagnosing mood disorders since a low thyroid can cause depression.

Lithium does damage and can cause hypothyroidism. It is actually common with that drug (like 10 to 15 percent) and one of the reasons I won't take it.

[Anneinside]

Hypothyroidism is known to cause depression so it only makes sense that if you treat it then you decrease depression.

[mllihgt]

Hi. I'm new to this forum but have something to say about this. It's my most passionate topic! I was being treated - unsuccessfully - for borderline personality disorder/bipolar II for 3 years when someone (not my Psych) finally suggested I have my thyroid tested. (BTW, a good Psych should know to test this! Mine didn't.) My primary Dr. diagnosed me as subclinical hypothyroid in Oct. 2009. Of course, I had no idea what that meant. I mean, I knew I was high and low all the time but the Psych just kept adjusting my anti-anxiety meds, my sleeping meds, my mood stabilizers, etc. Nothing seemed to make me feel better. When I reviewed all the symptoms of being hypothyroid and I realized that many symptoms of hypo and bipolar II are the same. I felt like there was finally hope for me. A "fix" if you will. I began taking Syntheroid then Syntheroid + Cytomel and now am taking 2 grains of Nature Thyroid every day @ the same time - rain or shine My levels are tsh levels are closer to 0 than the Western accepted level of .3 and my Dr. and I monitor this regularly so I don't dip over to becoming hyperthyroid. This is obviously not something one should ever do without a Dr. monitoring but I believe there is a strong connection between thyroid and bipolar and have an article about it you might find interesting. I have seen a huge, life changing difference in my ability to manage my moods, sleeping schedule and energy. My family no longer walks on eggshells when I walk into a room. Previous to the thyroid meds, you never knew which me you'd get. Happy me, sad me, hyper me, mad me. You get it. Anyway, check out this article. Maybe it's something new to discuss with your Dr's. psycheducation.org / thyroid/ HighDose.htm