What Causes Shortness Of Breath,confusion And Depression When On Thyroid Medication?

Posted on Sat, 1 Mar 2014

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

Sat, 1 Mar 2014 Answered on

Wed, 19 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : i am a thyroid patient. female 60. I have thyroid for last 20 years and i am taking Thyronorm. Last month my TSH was 6.00 and so the dose of Thyronorm tab was increased to 150 instead of 100. .Feeling depressed all the times Currently experiencing tension on eyes too. But i work on computer all times I am taking Nicardia Retard and Metolar x r for BP and Thyronorm for Thyroid Now i am experiencing shortness of breath, confusion n bit depressed. Have cod n throat irritation too. Is this due to overdose? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Not all symptoms are related to thyroid Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Good day and welcome to health care magic. May I know your weight?? Hypothyroidism can cause depression where as hyperthyroidism cause anxiety. Some of the symptoms could be hypothyroidism related. However I suggest you to have a proper checkup if you are experiencing shortness of breath etc. That is very unusual for hypothyroidism. At your age we need to think about other causes too.we might need am ECG, xray and cholesterol level as well as Haemoglobin levels. Your blood pressure medications are alright and I hope your blood pressure is under control. I wouldn't say all symptoms are due to thyronorm overdosing but I would suggest you to take 125 mcg instead of 150. Your TSH was not terribly bad. And your throat problems probably are unrelated to thyroid. Please meet an endocrinologist to discuss further. Meanwhile please practice yoga or some relaxation exercises as well wish you all the best regards XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (25 hours later)

Thanks a lot Doctor. My weight is 62 kg. I will surely start practicing yoga. Can you suggest me diet/veg/non veg or at least what i must not eat n what must eat? These r the only questions i have now. Thanks n Regards

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Diet Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome back. I beleive you are asking a diet for your Thyroid problem. PREVIOUSLY, we used to advice patients with thyroid problems to avoid Cabbage,Cauliflower, RAddish, Tapioca etc. Recent studies have shown that this kind of restriction is not required in a place with good dietery iodine intake. I can see that you are from Mumbai which is a coastal area and i hope you are using iodized salt and plenty of sea food. . Truly speking, Mumbai is iodine sufficient area and you really dont need any dietery restriction for thyroid. However, restrict the amount of cabbage, cauliflower, raddish etc. Eat sea food and use iodized salt. For your general health, it is better to reduce red meat and fried food etc. ( this is not important for thyroid) Regards Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T