Posted by Mitch on November 10, 2001, at 1:06:51
In reply to Noa, Mitch and Wendy - Interesting twist, posted by AnneL on November 10, 2001, at 0:48:29
> Hi all,
>
> Well, after I rid myself of my IUD, dropped my dose of Effexor XR from 225 to 75 mg. over 4 days
> and cut my Klonopin (taken at bedime for sleep) by one-half to 0.5 mg, I decided that maybe I was doing a lot rather hastily (duh!) This is a typical behavior, rush into something before thinking it through. Luckily, no serious withdrawal symptoms except a feeling during the day that I had too much caffeine, pretty uncomfortable and some crying spells (which do coinside with the start of PMS).
>
> Saw my new Pdoc, this is our second meeting and I thought Noa might have a thought or two concerning my Pdoc's advice. Although my TSH is within normal range (3rd generation range 0.35-5.55) at 1.57, my Pdoc wants me to decrease my dose of Synthroid from 150 mcg to 125 mcg. This puzzled me. Why I asked? He said he noticed a "lid lag" which he states is seen sometimes in those who have two much thyroid hormone. He said when I glance at the floor while talking with him he can see the upper white of my eye, meaning the lid is "lagging". Noa have you ever heard of such a thing?
>
> So his plan was Synthroid down to 125 mcg from 150 mcg (the source of my thyroid disorder is autoimmune, Hashimoto's disease to be exact) and go back up to 150 mg. of Effexor, stay at 1 mg. of Klonopin for now. OK, I agree with not dropping the Effexor too rapidly, but after thinking about it, I called my endocrinologist today and she said that "lid lag" is only seen in patient's with Grave's disease (hyperthyroidism) that my TSH is within range, etc. She dosen't buy his theory at all, but said I could drop it and see how I feel and get my TSH redrawn in one month or less if I start having symptoms, such as fatigue and depression (oh great!).
>
> I have never met a doctor PDoc or otherwise who has been so "hung-up" on lowering a thyroid dosage. Any ideas or suggestions? By the way, I feel so much better without the hormone IUD. That thing was really making me moody.
>
> I think he is trying to rule out a thyroid-induced hyper state when I was dieting and exercising for about 1 1/2 years. Ever since I had the onset of my depression in Jan. Feb. of this year, I haven't engaged in any of those behaviors. My eating is normal (well, probably too much) and I'am not obsessed with exercise, to the contrary, I feel quite unmotivated. I don't know anymore. I guess I should be greatful that someone is checking all avenues instead of pushing another pill. I feel pretty resistant about lowering my Synthroid and I think this stems from my fear that my metabolism will decrease and I will gain more weight. I have already gained back approximately 10 to 15 pounds since I stopped dieting and exercising. One more interesting thing, that progestin-releasing IUD along with the Effexor is a bad combo in that I really craved carbohydrates. That seems to be easing up a little. Anyway, thanks for listening and any suggestions. :) Anne
Hi Anne,FWIW, your writing seems a lot more pointed and less *racy* since your reduction of Effexor dosage. You sound a lot better. Your pdoc is probably concerned about Effexor withdrawal symptoms.
Mitch
poster:Mitch
thread:83107
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011104/msgs/83756.html