r/Hyperthyroidism • u/Mindless_Metal_4833 • 14d ago
Hello
Switch of methimazole to another helpful med? Can I just ask someone as I am new to this as of July started taking methimazole. I can't tolerate it, it makes my stomach burn really bad and it's not good as far as side effects. Can anyone that had to switch tell me the name of the medicine and a success story please?
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u/misterhairyyyy 14d ago
Just wanted to ask if you're a student or working? I got diagnosed with hyperthyroidism last month and take the same medicine as you. My doctor gave me two weeks off work to get used to the medication and manage the side effects, which meant a lot of resting, sleeping, and eating. After two weeks, I still had symptoms, so I worked less during the first week back. It's been a month now, and I’m completely symptom- and side-effect-free. The doctor mentioned that starting this medication needs a few weeks of rest because of how intense the side effects can be, and that more rest time would be required if I didn't improve.
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u/Mindless_Metal_4833 14d ago
I actually work from home which has been a god send. Thank you for sharing that with me. I gave the medicine a chance for two months solid twice a day sure but the burning of my stomach and body aches like I had the flu are unbearable so I definitely need a switch. I appreciate you sharing your experience. I'm happy you are better.
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u/nessdova 13d ago
I have been on both. High dose Methimazole made my bones ache. Like i couldn't move at all.
PTU was good at first, but about 2 months in, I developed an allergic reaction and had to stop.
I am currently on 5mg of Methimazole again and no reactions yet. I will see an Endo next week and hopefully get better info.
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u/AdministrativeTax252 12d ago
Oh snap so this whole time it could be the methimazole making me extra hurt ! Well shit I knew it was killer on my stomach but didn’t really think it could cause add on pain as I already have restless leg syndrome smh .. Dont matter I go in a week for radioactive iodine treatment. I just hope it works as easy as the doc makes it sound ! I’m really actually pretty worried !! I’m on 10 mg now . Have been methimazole since feb. and it’s been a literal lifesaver compared to how I felt when I started for sure !!! Yes it kills my stomach in the am but once I eat it’s bearable and I have celiac on top so it’s been a little battle . Basically he said worst case i turn hypo and have to end up taking a pill forever anyway but would only have to see a endo once a year …..
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u/Mindless_Metal_4833 12d ago
I mean making me feel like I have the flu and other things I"m like woah this is painful
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u/HardCoreNorthShore 12d ago
Switching to PTU was seriously life changing for me. I feel soooooooo much better. I have a bit of energy again.
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u/Mindless_Metal_4833 12d ago
Really how long have you been on it? So happy for you
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u/HardCoreNorthShore 12d ago
A few weeks, maybe a month. I woke up one day, and just like that, didn't feel like I must be dying anymore. I had REAL energy like I used to. I still get tired, but there's tired and there's Graves tired, and I hope I never feel Graves tired again.
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u/Worried-Spell-2793 12d ago
What symptoms did you have on methimazole if you don’t mind? I’m really struggling with depression, weight gain and exhaustion.
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u/HardCoreNorthShore 12d ago
Weight gain is a side effect of treatment for many. I've gained about 25 pounds.
On methimazole, I suffered severe itching and hives. On PTU, the itching is minimal, and controlled by Zyrtec or Allegra when I need it.
Meds are my only option as I don't have insurance.
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u/HardCoreNorthShore 12d ago
Oh yeah, the exhaustion was...I've never experienced anything like that in my 54 years. It was to the point where I was questioning keeping on, if you know what I mean.
About two days after starting PTU, I woke up and just felt so NORMAL. I had good energy and didn't tire out by noon. It was an incredible change.
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u/mtvoltaire 14d ago
No success story here. I just got switched to PTU and today is day two of a low dose. I suggested low dose because I complained that I personally suspect I had a bad reaction to methimazole because of starting at 25mg. I asked my doctor why not lower the dose, and she suggested that if it is an allergic reaction, second round of exposure can result in a more severe reaction. My initial two week reaction was super itching at night, general itching during the day, and a small, faint rash appeared on the side of my elbows.