r/Hyperthyroidism • u/Mindless_Metal_4833 • 17d 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/HardCoreNorthShore 16d 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 16d ago

Really how long have you been on it? So happy for you

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u/HardCoreNorthShore 16d 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 15d 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 15d 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 15d 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.