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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Having Constipation, Hair Loss , Tiredness, Depression, Dry Skin. On Carbamazepine For Depression. Effect On Thyroid Levels?

Hi, I am on Carbamazepine for depression (200mg twice per day) and my thyroid levels have come back that my TSH is normal but T4 is low @ 3.8. The doctor has said I am subclinical..I do have symptoms however (constipation, hair loss , tiredness, depression, dry skin ) They have just doubled my Carbamazepine so does that mean my thyroid levels will get worse? Will I need thyroxine? Thank you
posted on Tue, 12 Mar 2013
Twitter Wed, 13 Mar 2013 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 14 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Subclinical hypothyroidism is charecterised by raised TSH levels & normal levels of T3 & T4. Since your TSH level is in the normal range there is no need for thyroxine. Carbamazepine is an enzyme inducer (increases the metabolism of drugs). It definetly increses the metabolism of thyroxine At the same time it is also an autoinducer (increases its own metabolism). So there is no need for concern. But, carbamazepine may possibly aggravate the preexisting hypothyroidism, So pl check your thyroid status once in every two months as you are taking carbamazepine.
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Having Constipation, Hair Loss , Tiredness, Depression, Dry Skin. On Carbamazepine For Depression. Effect On Thyroid Levels?

Subclinical hypothyroidism is charecterised by raised TSH levels & normal levels of T3 & T4. Since your TSH level is in the normal range there is no need for thyroxine. Carbamazepine is an enzyme inducer (increases the metabolism of drugs). It definetly increses the metabolism of thyroxine At the same time it is also an autoinducer (increases its own metabolism). So there is no need for concern. But, carbamazepine may possibly aggravate the preexisting hypothyroidism, So pl check your thyroid status once in every two months as you are taking carbamazepine.