[npatterson]

#1069690

I did not take Tapezole, but know many who have done so. You should see results fairly quickly (a week or two). Be consistent about when you take it, and be consistent in the way you evaluate it. Example: Sleeping 12 hours last week, now sleeping 8 hours.

Good luck!

[elisebeary]

#1019153

Hi –

Figure many people in the group have gone through various changes of dosage on tapazole …

I started on 20mg/day about 9 weeks ago, but a few weeks ago started feeling some potentially hypo symptoms – latest test results gave free t3 and free t4 in the normal range (though tsh still basically undetected..)
My doctor wants me to reduce my dosage to 15 mg/day –

I’m wondering a) if such a small reduction can have any impact on symptoms and b) how long does it typically take to feel a change when reducing medication?

thanks for your help!
Elise

[Kimberly]

#1069691

elisebeary wrote: I’m wondering a) if such a small reduction can have any impact on symptoms and b) how long does it typically take to feel a change when reducing medication?

thanks for your help!
Elise

Hi Elise – Every patient is different, but many endos will cut the dose in half once Free T3 and Free T4 are in range.

In my first 8 weeks on Methimazole, I went from hyper to the BOTTOM of the "normal" range. And I would have ended up in major hypo territory if I hadn’t called my endo when I did to demand a new set of labs.

If you continue to feel hypo symptoms over the next couple of weeks, I would definitely call your endo’s office and tell them you want new labs done. I know other patients who had a hard time stabilizing on meds once they found themselves in hypo territory, so it’s best to catch it early and adjust the dose accordingly.

[elisebeary]

#1069692

thanks for the information!!

One additional question – is it actually possible for me to be hypo if my tsh is still really low (<.015)?

thanks so much!

Elise

[Sue_Conard]

#1069693

Hello Elise: I’m on Tapazole and my Endo dr. increased mine 4x the dosage because I went back into hyperthryoidism. I’ve been on the increased dosage for 1 wk. today and I noticed last night that I slept through the ENTIRE night without hot flashes or insomnia waking me up. I’m a HAPPY GIRL this morning!!

[Kimberly]

#1069694

Hi Elise – Someone else here can probably better address the *clinical* definition of hypothyroidism…I’m not sure if your TSH has to be out of range on the high end to make the diagnosis "official" — or if it goes by your Free T3 and Free T4 being out of range on the low end.

However, TSH is a lagging indicator, and in some patients it can take months to rebound. So it definitely is possible to have Free T3 and Free T4 below normal with TSH still supressed. That’s why it is so important to have our "Frees" tested with each set of labs, rather than just TSH. Shortly after my diagnosis, my doctor’s office tried to tell me that my insurance would only pay for TSH testing. I said "great, I’ll pay for the other labs out of pocket." As it turns out, I’ve never had a problem getting labs paid through my insurance provider.

Best of luck!

Kimberly

[jlw]

#1069695

I always noticed that I started to notice differences – mostly feeling better, sometimes worse – about two weeks after my dose changed. I’ve been on 5mg since March now, so supposedly I am stable.

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