Is It Safe To Start Pristiq When On Synthroid?

Posted on Fri, 20 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 Mar 2015 Answered on

Tue, 7 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am just starting Pristiq. I am currently on Synthroid (for years). My internist would like to switch me to a new natural thyroid medication by WP labs. I am anxioius to start but I do not think I should until I get more settled on the Pristiq. In addition, what type of side effects does a change in thyroid medication cause. I am knowledgeable about side effects with antidepressants, but not thyroid medications.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (-1 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No significant side effects at correct dose

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Thyroid hormones are interchangeable and if your doctor prefers a particular brand, it may be used.
There is hardly any significant side effects with the correct dose of thyroid hormones.
Excess of the medicine can produce palpitations, trembling and emotional disturbances.
Also there is no interaction with Pristiq.
Best wishes,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (17 hours later)

What differences are noted between synthroid and a the natural thyroid called Nature-Throid produced by WP labs.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Synthetic hormone better

Detailed Answer:
Both are Thyroid hormones.
Synthroid is synthetic Levothyroxine. The dose is clear and easily adjustable.
Natural thyroid is desiccated animal thyroid usually from the pig or cattle. The amount of active hormone may vary from batch to batch.
I don't see any advantage of the natural animal thyroid hormone over the synthetic hormone to achieve adequate replacement and optimum blood thyroid levels and function

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar