Posted by Susan Jane on September 21, 1999, at 12:02:50
In reply to Re: Thyroid problems via meds?, posted by anita on September 18, 1999, at 21:28:09
> Hi,
>
> The hypothyroidism should go away once lithium is discontinued, if that was the cause, and sometimes when the dosage is just reduced. T4 is thyroxine (Synthroid), which is often used for
> hypothyroidism. T3 is triliothyronine (sorry, forgot how to spell this!), also given for hypothyroidism (brand name Cytomel). T3 tends to feel activating. I don't know how these meds affect rapid
> cycling, but maybe searching Dr. Bob's site will turn up something.
>
> Have you gone to an endocrinologist? That should help w/ pinpointing your thyroid problem. If lithium is working for you, I wouldn't be in a hurry to give it up, especially if you don't have any hypothyroid symptoms.
> I had a friend who got hypothyroid on lithium, but didn't have any symptoms, so she decided to wait it out, and after a few months she wasn't clinically hypothyroid anymore. Just my 2 cents :-).
>
> anitaThanks for the info. My psychiatrist and I decided to start the Synthroid. She says I'll know one way or another in a week or so. I do have symptoms that could be hypothyroid, the blood test numbers certainly say I am. At the same time they could be due to the Neurontin.
My regular doctor did suggest an endocrinologist. I'll have to call and find out if he/she has worked with manic-depression before. I also have talked with a specialist in rapid cycling and my psychiatrist did suggest that I call him. I guess it's time, since a phone call is cheaper then an appointment.
Thanks again.
SusanJane :)
poster:Susan Jane
thread:11565
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990914/msgs/11851.html