cytomel for depression??

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
cytomel for depression??
5
Fri, 06-16-2006 - 2:52pm

Hi to all..

I used to post here a very long time ago (when I was convinced that I was Hypo). Since then my doc has dx'd Major Depressive Disorder and I have been on an antidepressant for 6 months now.

Its not helping much anymore and we have tried many others with no success. My doc is trying something new. He has rx'd Cytomel 25 mcg / daily to "augment" the antidepressant.

You see, my major complaint is fatigue, lack of concentration/focus/memory, no motivation, no energy.

The last time I was tested my tsh was 3.1, doc said that I wasnt in the "treatable" range.. here we are a year later... and now HE'S the one suggesting thyroid meds, go figure huh?

Anyhow, just wondered if any of you heard about this drug being used for this purpose? And also how it worked for anyone who has tried it...

I've heard that it can help lose weight, whew, would that ever be a bonus for me! The antidepressants have packed the weight on me.

Hope you are all well... could use your support. Love, Marley

Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Fri, 06-16-2006 - 10:33pm

Hi Marley,


I have heard of others taking Cytomel in addition to their regular thyroid meds.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Sun, 06-18-2006 - 2:48am

Hi Calley,

Thanks for the info on thyroid. I started 25 mcg Thursday night, so I guess I'm on day three. I started out taking it at midnight, not realizing that its a stimulant. So I've been slowly backing up the time I take it, so that eventualy it'll be taken in the morning. Tonight I took it at 6 pm, seemed to give me a little boost, heck I'm still awake, that's a good sign!

I'll keep ya posted, we are staying at the 25 mcg/day for 2 weeks and then doubling it for another two weeks (that should be interesting!)

I'd still love to hear from someone who has actually taken this med...

Thanks again,

Love Marley

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2006
Fri, 06-23-2006 - 12:01am
I took it for some time to counter depression and SADD - it really didn't make any difference. My doctor played w my dosages on my Zyban and this, coupled w Topomax and Synthroid, has made an enormous impact.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-08-2006
Fri, 06-23-2006 - 9:47am
I take 5 mg Cytomel b.i.d. One in the a.m. with my Levoxyl and the other in the afternoon. If I am taken off my Cytomel, I crash. I have no desire to move, breathe, do anything. To me, Cytomel gives me the boost I need to continue my day. I feel very sluggish if I don't get it. Sometimes, I feel very tired in the afternoon and I realize at that point that I have not taken my Cytomel. This stuff is a God Send in my case. I hope this does something for you. Cytomel, however, wears off rather quickly. I suggest that starting tomorrow, you take it in the morning and let it do it's thing. You don't have to back yourself up slowly. Just start the next day fresh. You say you are taking 25 mg. How many times a day are you taking it? Do you take 25 mg all at once or do you split up the dosage? It may be beneficial to you to take it 2x a day or maybe even 3x. Of course, that would mean splitting up the dosage. Talk with your Dr. and see what works out for you. You should feel the effects of this almost immediately. Best of luck to you on this.
Brenda
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Fri, 07-14-2006 - 12:38am

Hi everyone..

Thanks for the responses! Sorry I've been so long checking back.

I have bumped up the cytomel to 50 mcg daily and it HAS made a difference in my energy levels.. not to where I'd like to be, but at least I am not sleeping 18 hrs a day now.

The doc just today increased it to 75 mcg daily, and I know Brenda you said that you break it down over the day... he's told me to take it all at once inthe morning. I will mention to him though about breaking it down the next time I see him.

As for "knowing by lunchtime" if you've missed the cytomel, I know excatly what you mean, today was the first time i missed it... and wholly cow, I was a snail all day. I'll be so glad to get up tomorrow and be able to take THREE!

I am so hoping that this will only get better for me. The celexa that I take for depression has worked wonders for the "thought process" but my energy levels where zero prior to taking cytomel. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this is right road we're on.

Again, thanks to all for the info and support.

p.s Calley I dont know if you remember me from way back, I was here so many times and swore that I was hypo and the doc keptsaying that my symptoms were all due to fibromyalgia. I am SO glad that he has finally got me on thyroid med (even if it is for what he thinks is a totally different reason!)