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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Gothmog on December 27, 2003, at 10:56:55
Sorry for the novel. If you want the short version, skip to the third paragraph.
I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism after complaining to my doctor about depression. I was put on Wellbutrin and a few days later I got the news about my thyroid problems and was put on Synthroid as well. The wellbutrin isn't working out very well. My ears ring constantly, constipation is over the top, along with insomnia, chest pains, anxiety and agitation. OTOH, my depression is better. I don't remember the last time I got annoyed at anything where before everything got on my nerves, and I don't feel like I have a stone around my neck anymore. The problem is I don't know if the improvements are due to the synthroid or the Wellbutrin or both. I have taken the Wellbutrin for a little over 3 weeks and the Synthroid a few days less. I know I can't stay on the Wellbutrin and I am considering requesting Lexapro or Paxil at my next doctor's visit on Jan. 5. I guess my questions are:
Should I continue taking ADs while I am getting my thyroid problems sorted out or tackle one thing at a time? My opinion is that I will almost certainly benefit from an AD since I have been depressed for a looong time, whatever the root cause. If I opt out of taking an AD, I think it is likely that I will only begin taking it later with more time wasted feeling like crap. OTOH, it would be nice to know what to attribute to what.
I have read some claims that SSRI's diminish the effects of thyroid supplements. Not by a huge amount, but about 10% or so. Can anybody shed some light on this aspect?
TIA
Posted by noa on December 27, 2003, at 15:11:44
In reply to Synthroid + SSRI?, posted by Gothmog on December 27, 2003, at 10:56:55
It is hard to sort out since you started both around the same time. If the SE's of Wellbutrin are such that you will go off of it, why don't you have an AD hiatus for a month or so to see if the improvement from the synthroid is real and lasts. You might, as you said, also need an AD, but it would be good to see how much the thyroid med does on its own. If you feel depressed, then start another AD.
I haven't found SSRIs to diminish thyroid med power at all. Lithium did make me more hypothyroid but not the ADs I've been on.
Good luck.
Posted by Civ on December 27, 2003, at 20:10:53
In reply to Re: Synthroid + SSRI?, posted by noa on December 27, 2003, at 15:11:44
Frankly, I would get off the AD as soon as possible and see how the thyroid medication makes you feel. It's very possible your depression could be entirely linked to hypothyroidism. Do some research on natural thyroid boosting supplements and such too.
Posted by Maxime on December 27, 2003, at 20:24:47
In reply to Re: Synthroid + SSRI?, posted by Civ on December 27, 2003, at 20:10:53
I am hypothyroid as well and take Synthroid. My doctor recently raised my synthroid because my blood levels are low. She said to wait 6 weeks before a new level is taken. So I am think that it might be too early for you to tell if the synthroid is helping you. I would get off the anti-depressant and wait.
BTW, wellbutrin gave me the same side effects you are having and eventually I went psychotic on the med and had to be hospitalised.
Check out Psycho- Babble Alternative. A discussion about hypothyroidism and supplements took place recently.
maxime
Posted by Mrs. R on December 29, 2003, at 8:42:19
In reply to Synthroid + SSRI?, posted by Gothmog on December 27, 2003, at 10:56:55
> I have read some claims that SSRI's diminish the effects of thyroid supplements. Not by a huge amount, but about 10% or so. Can anybody shed some light on this aspect?
> TIAI'm on Lexapro and I can say that it absolutely did diminish the effects of my Synthroid to the point where te Synthroid was not working at all. However, this effect was caused by the fact that I was taking both at the same time in the morning.
Now, I take the ADs in the morning and the Synthroid at night before bed (making sure I eat nothing for 2 hrs prior).
Good luck,
Mrs R (on thyroid hormone for 44 yrs.)
Posted by Bill LL on December 29, 2003, at 11:09:29
In reply to Synthroid + SSRI?, posted by Gothmog on December 27, 2003, at 10:56:55
Taking synthroid along with an antidepressant is EXTREMELY common. I sort of doubt that the synthroid alone will help enough with the depression.
Either way, if it were me, I would want to start on an antidepressant right away. After you are stabilized with both the TSH test and the depression, you can then experiment and see if you can do without the antidepressant.
This is the end of the thread.
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