[Ski]

#1070617

Hi, and welcome!

I’m not well versed on supplements that may help you avoid liver problems while taking methimazole, but if you find anything conclusive on the subject, please do share. The only advice we can give you is to say that all of your practitioners should know ALL of the medications and supplements you are taking. Pharmacists are generally a very good source of information as to interreactions between drugs and supplements.

The percentage of patients who have trouble with liver enzymes is pretty low, and the lower the dose you take, the less likely the problems are ~ plus, if a problem begins, you can reverse it just by stopping the med, which is comforting. Once you’ve gone through the period of getting your levels WAY down, your dose will probably drop considerably, so if you don’t have trouble at first, that’s a good sign. I’m sure your doctor will be testing the liver enzymes at each blood draw, so you’ll certainly know if something crops up.

[MRHabetz]

#1070618

I just wanted to say welcome……..I don’t know much. I was diagnosed last week and am just learning. But everyone here has been so helpful already!!! Sorry about the diagnosis…….hope you are feeling better soon.

Michelle

[gypsy-rhod]

#1019294

I just found this site and registered. I was just confirmed with GD on today’s date. I came down with symptoms (rapid weight loss, tremours, rapid heart rate (128 bpm) rashes/hives, heat intolerance, sleeplessnes, some memory loss, etc. back in early February. It didn’t all start at once. I am 5′ 3" and my weight had been increasing for the last decade but esp. the last 6 years. I’ve had my thyroid levels checked for years (I suspected I was low). April 2008 I was diagnosed with Lyme’s disease and my c-reactive protein and Rheumatoid factor was positive. When I had the blood work done in April 2009, my T3 was over 600 and my Free T4 was at 4.3. I just had the Iodine Uptake Test and my ratio after 23 hours was 61%. My Endo is prescribing Methimazole 30 mg. I’ve read the side effects, etc., but can anyone give me any type of info on how this will really affect me? I’m nervous about the meds for purposes of weight gain and I’m nervous about the meds as my liver enzymes were slightly elevated in April (I don’t drink). Has anyone tried any holistic medications to accompany the Methimazole that were helpful? I was thinking Milk Thistle might help the liver. Don’t think I’m a holistic nut. I just think sometimes modern medicine and natural remedies can coincide to compliment each other.

By the way, the posts I have read so far, are very informative and helpful.

[Kimberly]

#1070619

Hello – I have heard that many Graves patients already have elevated liver enzymes…it has something to do with our metabolic rate being out of whack. The reason they run a baseline test is to see if your levels get *worse* while taking the drug.

On the weight issue, yep, that’s definitly a challenge. I don’t know if it’s the Graves, the drugs, or what, but I find that if I get a little off track with my food plan, I put on weight about 5 times more quickly than I used to…and it’s 10 times harder to get rid of.

Your #1 priority for now is to get your thyroid levels in balance…but keeping a journal to track your food intake can be helpful in minimizing any weight gain. You will definitly have to eat less than you did when you were hyper…and you may even find that you have to eat less than you did BEFORE all this started to maintain a specific weight. (Like me ). Also, once your levels are stabilized (NOT while you are still hyper), doing some activity to re-build your lean muscle mass can help as well.

Best of luck!

[julies]

#1070620

welcome

I have been on the methimazole 20 mg. a little over three weeks, I have cut down on eating, and walking a least a mile a day, I go to the gym three times a week. I am freaking out about the weight gain, I have gained five pounds so far, I refuse to gain any more weight! I am feeling better a little wacked out ” title=”Confused” /> but better. I hope you feel better soon

julies ” title=”Wink” />

[jmeret]

#1070621

Hello,
I was diagnosed with Graves about two months ago and have been taking Methimazole and beta blockers. I am just wondering, how long does it take for the Methimazole to kick in and start working? I still have tremors and anxiety (although the anxiety could be related to the fact that I don’t feel attractive anymore as I have acne from the Graves as well as many other physical symptoms).
The other issue is that I am taking ambien for sleeplisness – does anyone know of any drug interactions between ambien and Methimazole? I don’t like taking another pill, but I can’t really sleep without it now that i’m used to it (the ambien).

This bulletin board has really helped by the way so thank you to all members for your posts – I don’t feel so alone!

[julies]

#1070622

Hi jmeret,

Ihave been taken the ambien since April when my primary first thought I had GD. I was on the Methimazole for almost a month but could not tolerate it, had a bad reaction, I do not feel it was caused in relation to the ambien. Like you I cannot sleep with out it, my endo took me off the Methimazole two weeks ago. My Primary wants me back on the beta-blockers ASAP, due to the anxiety. The anxiety; caused by the GD. I am also very glad for this support. No one really knows how this disorder can turn our lives up side down. The best advise, I can give is the same advise I try to give myself everyday; it is that we are all-beautiful on the inside and out. No matter what this disease does to us, we all will get well again. I am counting on that. ” title=”Razz” />

Try to smile ” title=”Very Happy” /> more if you can, that might help you feel a little better

take care

Julies

[jmeret]

#1070623

Thank you and I agree – beauty on the inside is what counts.
I am actually feeling a bit better – not as anxious – it’s a work in progress I guess.
cheers, Jackie

[Julie3588]

#1070624

I was on Methimazole for about a year after I was diagnosed with GD. I was originally on PTU but was allegric (horrible hives). The Methimazole put me into remission for around a year but I have since relapsed. I did RAI 4 weeks ago and am back on 10mg Methimazole to keep my levels in check.

The first time around, the Methimazole made me tired and emotional and I gained 30 pounds in about 8 weeks, which was horrible. I felt bloated and generally bad about my body. It turned out the be mostly water weight. I initially lost 25 pounds from being hyper, from my original 145ish to around 120. I then went up to 150 so quickly, it was uncomfortable. The Methimazole helped so much though that I oculd deal with that side effect. Once I stopped the drug I lost around 10 pounds right away and have maintained. Now that I am on it for a second time I have not had a weight problem since I know what to expect and I am careful about diet/excerise. And don’t stress out too much about weight, because IT IS THE DRUG and IT WILL GO AWAY.

[paloma]

#1070625

” title=”Very Happy” /> Hi! I was taking methimazole 5mg tabs, one twice a day. My PCP upped that to 10mg tabs, one twice a day. My endo upped that to 10mg tabs, two twice a day. I am getting ready to begin RAI. I have noticed that I have swelling since the dose was raised. I was told that this is "normal", but unless it becomes painful, I should stay the course. I have gained 10 pounds in a month! I hope I can lose it after the RAI! ” title=”Confused” />
When I first started this journey, the most I ever took were a couple of Tylenol. NOW, I take the methimazole, a beta blocker (down to 1/2 tab twice daily), an antidepressant, and a sleeping pill. I’ve never taken so many pills in my life!
Also, I had been humming along at 165 pounds for 10 years, when I suddenly began to lose weight. Total weight loss was 36 pounds.
Why, oh why, couldn’t I have kept my mouth shut? Just when I could get into a size 8 dress, I have the water weight coming on! If we could only keep the symptoms that we want, it would be great. I don’t want to live with the "thundering" heart again, though. That was the worst. It kept me awake for hours. ” title=”Confused” /> And the tremors! WOW! I still get those if I try to overdo it.
Some members mention headaches. I’ve seem to get them more frequently, but they’re not like the migraines I used to have. It’s more a dull throb behind the eyes, no real sensitivity to noise, nausea, light (except as caused by GD). I have noticed that my joints and muscles are hurting more, and I have bad lower back pain.

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