What Causes Panic Attacks And Sleeplessness Inspite Of Having Synthroid For Hypothyroidism?

Posted on Wed, 16 Apr 2014

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

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 Answered on

Tue, 6 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am on .75 mcg of Syhthroid my TSH level is right in the middle of where it is supposed to be, or so my Dr. says. But I have been expereicning all of the symptoms of Hypothroidism. I have been experiencing really horrific panic attacks and unable to sleep. I have cut my sythroid in half and have only been taking half the amount for about 5 days. Today my panic attacks have been nothing and I am feeling amazing compared to the last 6 weeks. I think I have been on too much synthroid and my body has not been able to use it and it has caused a reaction. recently my mom was put on shythroid and after 3 weeks of being on it experienced the same things I just described and her doctor took her off sythroid says she was having an adverse reaction. my doctor here in Canada will not listen to me when I have said that I am not reacting well to this drug. I have asked numerous doctors to change me to the desicated thyroid and they are all very scared of it.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Focus more on how you feel!! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about what you have experienced. I am happy with the way you are listening to your body and making some sensible changes too your treatment regimen. You are very correct and I will encourage you to continue in this light. Your doctor has to listen to how you feel( your symptoms) and not base his arguments on what the TSH or laboratory control values are. I am concerned why your doctor would not revise this dosage despite you clearly presenting with signs of hyperthyroidism in the form of panic attacks. I am happy you passed on the same advice to your mother and she is doing a lot better. That's the art of medicine, the patient is what matters and not the laboratory readings. Your doctor has to remember this. In all, you are doing good. If your doctor won't listen, ask for a new doctor or a second opinion. Drugs are for you to feel better and not for any laboratory values to be in the normal range. What matters most is you and not the numbers. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications should need be. Dr. Ditah, MD.

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