Cytomel question

[lymom3]

I know that most of you take thyroid medications for actual thyroid conditions but I have a slightly different question. I was prescribe 50mcg of Cytomel daily to augment my antidepressant. I am on day 5 now. I woke up with severe muscle aches and lower back pain today. I know that the muscle aches are a symptom that Cytomel is supposed to alleviate if you have thyroid problems but could it possibly cause muscle aches if you are taking it and don't have thyroid problems?

Thanks for any input.

[Kathy A]

Hi,
this response is a bit late, and your problem may be resolved by now, but for what it's worth, here's some info from personal experience:

I think that when your body gets a sudden high dose of any thryroid meds, it can cause a 'hyperthyroid' type situation. This includes causing muscle cramping.

I have been through this before due to a doctor mishandling a low thyroid problem. I know that it can be very painful.

I believe that if you're taking the 50mcg of Cytomel, you should have started it at a low dose, and slowly built up to the 50 mcg/day.

The 50 mcg is a full dose of thyroid - i.e. a replacement dose for someone whose thyroid gland is removed, or isn't making any thyroid.

It's an awful lot to take just as a supplement...

My suggestion would be to start out on 5 mcg for a few days, then go up to 10, then 15, etc. And see how you feel after 3 or 4 days at each of those dosages.

Good luck!

[Grandma]

How did you get over the muscle pains or did you?