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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by wishingstar on April 21, 2007, at 12:41:47
Has anyone ever heard of using thyroid meds to treat depression in people whose thyroid levels are normal?
I was just released from the inpatient psych unit yesterday. While I was there, the dr changed my meds. I'd started on the emsam patch, but it was irritating my skin so much he took me off it. Instead, I'm now taking abilify and synthroid (levothyroxine). They did all sorts of tests (even a brain scan!) and my thyroid levels were normal, but the dr suggested that sometimes thyroid meds help with depression anyway in addition to other meds. Certainly I know that an imbalance in the thyroid can cause depression, but it makes me a little nervous to take meds to affect this if it's already normal. I've never heard of this practice before. Anyone have any thoughts?
Also, if I took this medication, would weight gain or weight loss be more likely? I know the drs there expressed concern over my weight being too low (I do not restrict but have in the past, and am pretty small). I wonder if theyre not trying to "trick" me into taking this so I'll gain weight.. but I'm not sure if that's logical given the chemistry of it all.
Thanks everyone.
Posted by Happyflower on April 21, 2007, at 13:00:51
In reply to thyroid meds for depression, posted by wishingstar on April 21, 2007, at 12:41:47
Hi WS,
I had a slight problem with my thyroid after the the birth of my 1st child. I was showing normal but very much close to the line, so my family doctor prescribed synthroid and it helped with my metabolism a lot! He said something about just because the test shows you in the normal range, if you are close to the line, it is okay.
And it did wonders for my energy level. ;-)But I eventually had to go off of it after the birth of my 2nd child because I was flying way too high 6 weeks after my 2nd child( a year later) was born. Then did a test and took me off because I wasn't near the line of the normal range. Well this was over 11 years ago, so maybe things have changed.
Oh, and as far as weight changes, I started to lose weight after taking the meds, but then they took me off it and I am still trying to lose that weight.
Posted by Phillipa on April 21, 2007, at 22:30:59
In reply to Re: thyroid meds for depression, posted by Happyflower on April 21, 2007, at 13:00:51
Wishingstar I thought cytomel was what was added to boost an ad? Love Phillipa
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