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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Synthroid And Cytomel?

I had total thyroidectomy in 2015, and I am taking 175 mcg of Synthroid and 5 mcg of Cytomel. I recently started taking an extra 75 mcg at night to feel better. Are there any serious health complications I can have if I do this? I haven t felt anything different, but I just want to know. Thanks.
Mon, 3 Apr 2017
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hello,Thanks for the query.
In total thyroidectomy usually recommended dose of levothyroxine is about 1.6 mcg per kg per day. If you are already taking 175 mcg of levothyroxine, then that should be quite adequate to meet the total hormonal need. Plus there is hardly any need for T3 (tri iodo thyronine, Cytomel). Because levothyroxine does all the hormonal activity needed. If you are able to maintain TSH levels around 3 to 4 mU/L with 175 mcg dosage, then there is no reason to add any additional quantity as well as Cytomel.
Taking extra thyroxine can cause heart related side effect like increased rate and palpitation or other rate related abnormality. Thanks.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Synthroid And Cytomel?

Hello,Thanks for the query. In total thyroidectomy usually recommended dose of levothyroxine is about 1.6 mcg per kg per day. If you are already taking 175 mcg of levothyroxine, then that should be quite adequate to meet the total hormonal need. Plus there is hardly any need for T3 (tri iodo thyronine, Cytomel). Because levothyroxine does all the hormonal activity needed. If you are able to maintain TSH levels around 3 to 4 mU/L with 175 mcg dosage, then there is no reason to add any additional quantity as well as Cytomel. Taking extra thyroxine can cause heart related side effect like increased rate and palpitation or other rate related abnormality. Thanks.