# Doubling thyroid med dose to use it as an appetite suppressant. Dangerous? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 6, 2016, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111 "2016-05-06T22:35:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2016, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/1 "2016-05-06T22:35:43Z")
So anyway, for a variety of reasons, mainly financial, I stopped going to my personal trainer about 9 months ago and started stress eating, and as could be predicted I’ve really packed on the weight. Now that I have Obamacare I had a free annual checkup visit last month and the doctor noted the weight issue with concern. She had done a thyroid workup last year and said I was somewhat hypo thyroid and prescribed levothyroxine to kick my levels back up. She asked if I had been taking it as prescribed and I told I had not as I took it for about a month last year and absolutely nothing happened. She told me that it often takes several months for the medication to work (really?) and doubled the previously prescribed dose to “50 MCG” tabs. So, maybe it was a bad idea but over the last week or so I’ve been taking _two_ 50 mcg tabs a day instead of the prescribed one and I’ve found it’s starting to have something of an appetite supressant effect. It’s slight but it’s noticable. Honestly I’ll take any help where I can get it re appetite control. Is doubling up to 100 MCG a day of levothyroxine more of a danger than being fat? ---
**Author:** ![Cub\_Mistress](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea666f/32.png) [@Cub\_Mistress](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cub_Mistress)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/2 "2016-05-07T01:05:03Z")
You should not do this. "You shouldn’t take more levothyroxine than your doctor prescribes. If you take too much of the drug, you may develop symptoms of overactive thyroid, including fatigue, sensitivity to heat, increased appetite, and sweating. Symptoms of a levothyroxine overdose may also include: •Confusion and disorientation •Shock •Coma •Death If you or someone else has symptoms of an overdose, call a poison control center at 800-222-1222. If someone collapses or isn’t breathing, call 911." [quoted from Everyday Health here] ([Levothyroxine (Synthroid) - Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings | Everyday Health](http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/levothyroxine)) ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/3 "2016-05-07T01:23:37Z")
Bad idea. Really _ **really** _ bad idea. Thyroid storm is not something you want to do to yourself. > [@](#): > > There are really not many emergencies that we need to worry about regarding the thyroid gland - but thyroid storm is one of the rare exceptions. Thyroid storm is a medical emergency condition and needs to be treated immediately; even before all confirmatory diagnostic tests are performed. > > What is Thyroid Storm? > > Thyroid storm is a crisis or life-threatening condition characterized by an exaggeration of the usual physiologic response seen in hyperthyroidism. Whereas hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms such as sweating, feeling hot, palpitations and weight loss - symptoms of thyroid storm are more severe, resulting in complications such as: > > fever > dehydration > rapid heart rate > nausea/vomiting > diarrhea > irregular heart beat > weakness > heart failure > confusion/disorientation > death > **[Thyroid Storm Causes, Signs & Symptoms](https://www.medicinenet.com/thyroid_storm_symptoms_causes_and_treatment/views.htm)** > > Learn about thyroid storm (an medical emergency) symptoms like feeling hot, sweating, heart palpitations, and weight loss. You may have noticed that thyroid replacement hormones are dosed in micrograms, and 2 digit numbers of micrograms. A very little bit of increase can cause a huge change in thyroid function. It often takes 6 weeks to see an effect from starting or an increase in synthroid. Not quite “several months,” but more than one. Assuming you’ve already taken your double dose today, PLEASE call your doctor tonight and ask her what to do for your dose tomorrow morning. Have her paged. It’s that serious. I don’t know how to advise you to fix this, because changing _down_ drastically in thyroid dose is dangerous, too. Any change, up or down, should only be done at the direction of a doctor. Thyroid meds are not something to mess with. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/4 "2016-05-07T01:30:17Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > Bad idea. Really _ **really** _ bad idea. Thyroid storm is not something you want to do to yourself. > [http://www.medicinenet.com/thyroid\_storm\_symptoms\_causes\_and\_treatment/views.htm](http://www.medicinenet.com/thyroid_storm_symptoms_causes_and_treatment/views.htm) > > You may have noticed that thyroid replacement hormones are dosed in micrograms, and 2 digit numbers of micrograms. A very little bit of increase can cause a huge change in thyroid function. > > It often takes 6 weeks to see an effect from starting or an increase in synthroid. Not quite “several months,” but more than one. > > Assuming you’ve already taken your double dose today, PLEASE call your doctor tonight and ask her what to do for your dose tomorrow morning. Have her paged. It’s that serious. I don’t know how to advise you to fix this, because changing _down_ drastically in thyroid dose is dangerous, too. Any change, up or down, should only be done at the direction of a doctor. > > Thyroid meds are not something to mess with. I’m feeling fine. Per your caution I’ll go back to one a day. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/5 "2016-05-07T01:52:07Z")
I’m quite surprised that a grown man with at least decent intelligence would ever think this was anything but a bad idea. ---
**Author:** ![spamforbrains](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@spamforbrains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spamforbrains)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/6 "2016-05-07T01:56:14Z")
Thyroid storm is a worse-case scenario. However, taking too much of the drug WILL cause hyperthyroidism, which can seriously damage your heart and lead to heart failure. Appetite suppression is not a symptom of hyperthyroidism. Early symptoms of hyperthyroidism are subtle, but it can lead to tremors, nervousness, agitation, sweating, and a racing heart beat. You should take the drug as directed and go back to be regularly monitored so they can adjust the dose properly. This might take some time. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/7 "2016-05-07T01:57:16Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > I’m quite surprised that a grown man with at least decent intelligence would ever think this was anything but a bad idea. I’ve been fat far too much of my life. I despise being fat and my struggle to control my appetite torments me daily. I’ll fully admit that being overweight (for me) is such a huge negative on so many levels in terms of the quality of my day to day life it can affect my judgment. When I was working out I had a small leash on it but when I stopped it ran wild again. The struggle is just such a PITA. ---
**Author:** ![spamforbrains](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@spamforbrains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spamforbrains)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/8 "2016-05-07T02:22:58Z")
Have you talked about that with your doctor? There are prescription appetite suppressant drugs that might help you, such as saxenda. The thyroid medication isn’t going to affect your appetite even if it speeds up your metabolism. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/9 "2016-05-07T02:41:45Z")
> [@spamforbrains](#): > > Have you talked about that with your doctor? There are prescription appetite suppressant drugs that might help you, such as saxenda. > The thyroid medication isn’t going to affect your appetite even if it speeds up your metabolism. I asked her specifically about appetite suppressant drugs. She was not a big fan of them and told me they had a lot of side effects and to try the thyroid meds first before anything else. One thing that did work very effectively back in the day before it was outlawed in the US was [Ephedra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephedra). It would crush your appetite all day. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/10 "2016-05-07T02:47:48Z")
> [@astro](#): > > One thing that did work very effectively back in the day before it was outlawed in the US was [Ephedra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephedra). It would crush your appetite all day. Preach. I loved that stuff. Shame about the morons who took whaaaay too much and their heart attacks, though. Used sensibly, it’s awesome stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/11 "2016-05-07T02:58:03Z")
I take the opposite medication, to calm an overactive thyroid. Untreated, I have occasional heart palpitations and am constantly, severely overheated. I can eat like Val Kilmer at a buffet wedding, though, and nothing sticks. ---
**Author:** ![Me\_Billy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e480ec/32.png) [@Me\_Billy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Me_Billy)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/12 "2016-05-07T14:59:21Z")
You will find that you will **live longer** if you do as your doctor says. And also if you consult with your doctor BEFORE deciding on your own to increase your dosage! And consult with a pharmacist, these people are experts at drugs and dosages. Furthermore, there is extensive physicians information on each drug from the drug manufacturer, on their web site and on the Physician’s Desk Reference web site. There you will find detailed information on “drug trials” where they determined what will happen if TOO MUCH of a drug is taken - what is a safe dosage, etc. If you value your life, I would READ EVERY WORD OF THIS INFORMATION! Furthermore, _some_ drugs require that they be increased gradually. And/or reduced gradually when stopping. To suddenly start taking a high dose can be dangerous. And/or to suddenly stop taking _some_ drugs can be dangerous. So if you are going to self-prescribe, at least read every word of the following… [Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium) dose, indications, adverse effects, interactions... from PDR.net](http://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Synthroid-levothyroxine-sodium-26) I would start by reading the following topics on the above page… ADULT DOSAGE & INDICATIONS DOSING CONSIDERATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS WARNINGS/PRECAUTIONS ADVERSE REACTIONS DRUG INTERACTIONS ADVERSE REACTIONS PATIENT COUNSELING ---
**Author:** ![Me\_Billy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e480ec/32.png) [@Me\_Billy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Me_Billy)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/13 "2016-05-07T15:06:19Z")
P.S. Homework assignment. Learn what the following word means: **Titrate** Hint… [Medication Titration Process: How Doctors Titrate a Child's ADHD Medicine Doses](http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/adhd-medication-titration) ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/14 "2016-05-07T15:47:00Z")
Don’t mess with thyroid Rx. It needs to be checked frequently, and tweaked often to keep it in range. Unlike other meds, that are wishy washy as to dosage, thyroid needs to be spot on. Your body can’t self-regulate and accommodate. ---
**Author:** ![Renee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/renee/32/287_2.png) [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/15 "2016-05-07T15:56:43Z")
What were you planning on doing when the meds ran out in half the expected time? Tell the doc you lost them? ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/16 "2016-05-07T17:16:52Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > Don’t mess with thyroid Rx. It needs to be checked frequently, and tweaked often to keep it in range. Unlike other meds, that are wishy washy as to dosage, thyroid needs to be spot on. Your body can’t self-regulate and accommodate. So she _doubles_ the dose from last year when told it didn’t have much impact? I’m going back to one pill a day but this doesn’t sound like a med that is all that precisely metered by the body. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/17 "2016-05-07T17:19:13Z")
I second, third, and fourth everyone else’s statement: DO NOT DO THAT. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/18 "2016-05-07T18:40:41Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > I second, third, and fourth everyone else’s statement: DO NOT DO THAT. See post number 4. > [@astro](#): > > I’m feeling fine. Per your caution I’ll go back to one a day. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/19 "2016-05-07T19:38:44Z")
I’m assuming you are using T4. > **[Levothyroxine replacement dosage determination after thyroidectomy - PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23369308/)** > > A 1.5- and 1.3-μg/kg dosage calculation based on actual weight is currently the best estimation for levothyroxine replacement therapy after thyroidectomy. > [@](#): > > RESULTS: > Four hundred four patients were included; 85% were women. The mean initial levothyroxine dosage was 1.4 μg/kg, which resulted in thyroid-stimulating hormone normalization in 59%, suppression in 23%, and elevation in 18% of patients. After dose adjustments, the mean therapeutic levothyroxine doses after total thyroidectomy and lobectomy were 1.5 and 1.3 μg/kg, respectively. A regression model incorporating other patient factors did not produce a more reliable dosing regimen. ---
**Author:** ![MaddyStrut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dbc845/32.png) [@MaddyStrut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaddyStrut)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2016, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111/20 "2016-05-08T00:13:49Z")
> [@astro](#): > > So she _doubles_ the dose from last year when told it didn’t have much impact? I’m going back to one pill a day but this doesn’t sound like a med that is all that precisely metered by the body. Technically, she did double your dose, but Synthroid tablets jump from 25 to 50 mcg. After that, it starts to come in smaller increments. So you didn’t jump a lot of steps. > **[Getting the hypothyroidism treatment your doctor prescribed](https://www.synthroid.com/smart/making-sure-its-synthroid)** > > Elisa shares what she does to make sure she gets the hypothyroidism medication her doctor prescribed when she’s at the pharmacy. I don’t have a thyroid at all (removed due to cancer), so I’m on a much higher dose. For me, a change of 12 mcg does make a big difference even at much higher doses (I’m at 137 mcg now). You may already know this, but how you take it can have an impact on its effectiveness. You should take it an hour before breakfast and not have any dairy, soy, or walnuts within 4 hours after taking it. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doubling-thyroid-med-dose-to-use-it-as-an-appetite-suppressant-dangerous/754111.md?page=2)