Posted by Gothmog on December 27, 2003, at 10:56:55
Sorry for the novel. If you want the short version, skip to the third paragraph.
I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism after complaining to my doctor about depression. I was put on Wellbutrin and a few days later I got the news about my thyroid problems and was put on Synthroid as well. The wellbutrin isn't working out very well. My ears ring constantly, constipation is over the top, along with insomnia, chest pains, anxiety and agitation. OTOH, my depression is better. I don't remember the last time I got annoyed at anything where before everything got on my nerves, and I don't feel like I have a stone around my neck anymore. The problem is I don't know if the improvements are due to the synthroid or the Wellbutrin or both. I have taken the Wellbutrin for a little over 3 weeks and the Synthroid a few days less. I know I can't stay on the Wellbutrin and I am considering requesting Lexapro or Paxil at my next doctor's visit on Jan. 5. I guess my questions are:
Should I continue taking ADs while I am getting my thyroid problems sorted out or tackle one thing at a time? My opinion is that I will almost certainly benefit from an AD since I have been depressed for a looong time, whatever the root cause. If I opt out of taking an AD, I think it is likely that I will only begin taking it later with more time wasted feeling like crap. OTOH, it would be nice to know what to attribute to what.
I have read some claims that SSRI's diminish the effects of thyroid supplements. Not by a huge amount, but about 10% or so. Can anybody shed some light on this aspect?
TIA
poster:Gothmog
thread:293752
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031225/msgs/293752.html