Tapazole
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Tapazole
| Mon, 07-12-2004 - 8:47pm |
I have just been "officially" diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism and my doc has put me on Tapazole. I am just curious about some of the side effects and how quickly I may seen a change in some of my symptoms. I always feel you get the best information from people who have experience as opposed to doctors who have never taken the drug themselves.
I am also curious if anyone diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism has experienced depression along with the disease. In the little reading I have done on Hyperthyroidism I havn't seen anything about it but I have been experiencing some depression and I am hopeful that now that I am on medication the depression with subside.
THANKS!

Anyway, he says that 30 to 50% of patients treated with tapazole or PTU achieve remission when taking the medication 6 months to a year. Tapazole lasts longer in the body than PTU and can be taken as a single dose whereas PTU must be taken 3 to 4 times a day. Antityroid medications are picked up by the thyroid gland, where they inhibit the production of thyroid hormone. They also have an effect on the immune system, diminishing the autoimmune attack on the thyroid. Side effects include: Itching, skin rash, hives, joint pains, fever, upset stomach, metallic taste. These may occur during treatment and often resolve spontaneously. This is where some firsthand experiences would be helpful!
You need to stay on the medication for at least 8 tp 12 months to give it a chance to produce remission - which would be normal thyroid hormone levels and TSH levels without taking medication. I'm sorry I don't know firsthand how quickly you can expect to see some changes in your symptoms. Perhaps someone can help with this, too!
About the depression, there's a definite link. It's listed as one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, (although Dr.Sidha says that it is much more common in hypothyroidism. )
He says anti-depressants may aggravate the situaion and only the use of antithyroid drugs to normalize thyroid function dispels the depression. Major depressive disorders accompanied by generalized anxiety disorders are much more common in patients with hyperthyroidism than in the general population.
I hope this helps a little. I know you're looking for some more personal info but this is some good information in the meantime!! Let me know if you need anything else and hopefully you'll hear from others who are hyperthyroid and can help with firsthand experiences. Cathy :)
Hi Meridithsc,
I can also say "yes" to your question about depression.