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How do you take your Synthroid, the levothyroxine medication used to treat an underactive thyroid gland? Usually, people are urged to take it first thing in the morning. Ideally, it is taken at least half an hour to an hour before eating or drinking anything else. That’s because quite a few things interfere with Synthroid absorption. But not everyone is willing to give up morning coffee with Synthroid. What else can you do?
What Is the Problem of Coffee with Synthroid?
Q. I take levothyroxine for hypothyroidism and have done so for 20 years. Usually I take it with my morning coffee.
I started on 75 mcg, but the dose has gradually been increased over the years. It’s gone from 75 to 100, 150 and now 175 mcg. That dose seems high to me. Could I be having trouble absorbing this thyroid hormone?
A. Coffee can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine such as Synthroid (Thyroid, March 2008). Coffee is not the only thing that could cause trouble for thyroid absorption. So can tea (Frontiers of Endocrinology, Sep. 12, 2022).
Taking Levothyroxine at Breakfast:
Taking levothyroxine with a healthy high-fiber breakfast such as oatmeal or a bran muffin could also limit absorption. So could antacids, acid-suppressing drugs or mineral supplements such as iron, calcium or magnesium. Even a simple multivitamin could interfere with your thyroid medication. You can learn more about the best ways to take your thyroid medicine from our eGuide to Thyroid Hormones.
We agree that 175 mcg might be a high dose. Too much thyroid hormone can weaken bones and affect cardiovascular health. It might also lead to diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety or tremor. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may wish to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Is It Essential to Take Synthroid in the Morning?
Q. I was told to take my Synthroid before breakfast. Some of my favorite healthy breakfast choices have a lot of fiber, like oatmeal and granola and walnuts. I read that fiber can interfere with Synthroid absorption.
When I discovered coffee also was prohibited for at least an hour after taking the pill, that did it! No more morning Synthroid for me. Why don’t doctors know these things?
Alternate Dosing Avoids Coffee with Synthroid:
A. That is a good question. The FDA includes a warning about fiber reducing levothyroxine (Synthroid) absorption in its prescribing information available to every doctor.
Quite a few foods can affect Synthroid absorption. Coffee and soybeans can significantly reduce the amount of levothyroxine that is absorbed, while vitamin C increases absorption (Skelin et al, Clinical Therapeutics, Feb. 2017). If you like a latte, or put milk on your bran flakes, the plot thickens. Cow’s milk also interferes with optimal levothyroxine absorption (Chon, Endocrine Society, April 1, 2017).
Taking Synthroid at Bedtime:
Many people have concluded, just as you did, that no coffee in the morning is a non-starter. Instead, they take their Synthroid in the evening. That eliminates the problem of coffee with Synthroid and works just as well, if not better (Bolk et al, Archives of Internal Medicine, Dec. 13, 2010). A randomized controlled trial concluded that bedtime administration also works equally well for older adults (Frontiers in Medicine, June 23, 2022). The advantage is they don’t have to worry about coffee with Synthroid.
You can learn more about the pros and cons of levothyroxine and the best ways to take it from our Guide to Thyroid Hormones.
Wayne
I take my T4 when I wake up in the morning (still in bed) so it is easy to wait 1 hr before taking anything else. Fortunately T3 can be taken any time.
Lois
I’ve taken my thyroid pill before bed at night for the last ten years at least. I take no other pills at night. People I’ve told (and some doctors) seem amazed at that. I’ve had no problem with it, and my dosage has been the same for years.
Brian
How about iced coffee? Caffeine free coffee? Only as indicated by the prescription instructions? People who are stressed and need their coffee may not be able to understand fully how important it may be to follow instructions. Help should be a phone call away. Learn what to do, and do it. Learning can be fun. Brian that is Brian, not a Roman.
Terry Graedon
We haven’t seen information testing decaf. It’s hard to imagine (but also untested) that iced coffee would act differently from hot coffee.
Jane
This article was extremely informative & the information was very surprising. I have been taking Synthroid every morning (with my coffee) for about 4 years. Never has my Dr. or the pharmacist advised me to avoid coffee or milk with the medication; just the standard advice not to eat for 1/2 hour after taking the medication.
After reading your well written article, I even reviewed the drug information from current drug books. Medication interactions were listed, but nothing about foods. From now on, I’ll be following the lead of other readers & taking my Synthroid before bed.
Thank you again for such vital information.
Anni
When I was in NJ – my script said 1 hr before food/drink or 2 hr after. In FL it moved to 1/2 hr. It took me close to 10 yrs to find the info about milk interfering. I spoke with DRs & pharmacists. They were clueless as to why the change — very interesting article — my dosage has gone down – go figure.
Barb
I have been taking Synthroid for years. Recommendation was to take it on an empty stomach in the morning, waiting an hour before eating or drinking anything other than water. And, if taking at another time of the day, take it at least 4 hours after eating, then wait 1 hour before eating again. A pharmacist told me if you take it on an empty stomach, waiting 1/2 hour until eating is time enough. I wondered why having an empty stomach and eating/drinking after 1/2-1 hour was important. Recently, I finally discovered why – Synthroid needs stomach acid to be effective, so if you take anything else, it interferes with the stomach acid and could impact Synthroid’s effectiveness. I try to take Synthroid between 5-8am, depending on my schedule. Even so, I also have to take compounded extended release T3. It has been a problem trying to balance what my body needs.
Darla
Does coffee also interfere with NP thyroid absorption?
Ruth
I dissolve my synthroid under my tongue because I had gastric bypass. My TSH and T4 are always in acceptable range. The reason why the dose increase may be required is that most hypothyroidism is the result of autoimmune thyroiditis which progresses over time in many cases.
Jessica
I am 75. Have been on Synthroid (levothyroxine) for 40 years. Was told by my doctor at the outset to take on rising in the morning, and to wait at least one hour before ingesting any food, drink, or medications (except water). I take 50mcg, which has never changed in 40 years. Bedtime is not an option, due to other meds that must be taken then. My sister, who has Hashimoto’s, takes the same dosage, upon rising, with nothing but water for an hour. Our numbers are normal. This info is also clearly stated in the info that comes with every refill. If the patient and doctor can read, this info is, and always has been, readily available to them for at least 40 years. Coffee or tea is not water.
Susan M
Why aren’t your reader’s questions answered? Maybe it’s because these posted comments are years and years old.
Joe Graedon
Susan,
We get hundreds of messages a week. It would be impossible to answer everyone.
Anne
So, is it the caffeine that I should avoid? I drink decaffeinated coffee. Am I okay with decaf coffee in the morning??
Cami
I take mine when I get up to use the bathroom at night. Before bed I put it in a little container next to my bed. When I come back to bed after using the bathroom, I take it with the water. No worries about food then.
Betty
What about armour thyroid? Does it have same problems or only synthetic?
Sharon
I’m a senior and have taken Synthroid for decades. I, too, have occasional elevated TSH, depressed fT4/fT3. I set my alarm for 6:30am, take my Synthroid, then snooze a little more before starting my day. I have 2 Pug dogs, so I’ve devised a morning routine to take care of their needs first, then drink my coffee. I take my vitamins/calcium with brunch/lunch.
Then I started a vegan diet. Within 2 months, my labs values went off the rails. I traced the cause to my diet: lots of tofu, products containing soy isolate, high fiber and of all things. My evening snack of walnuts or pecans! I’m now back on a Mediterranean diet. My doctor has added a low dose of T3 (liothyronine 5mcg) to my Synthroid. Getting used to the T3 takes some persistence, but I certainly feel better during the day. A good night’s sleep? Well I’m hoping that eventually comes once my thyroid is back on track.
Gemma
I wake up and take my synthroid. I have taken my thyroid medication for at least 30 years first thing in the morning. I drink coffee with cream 10-15 minutes after I wake up. That does not, and never has, affected my thyroid levels. Studies go back and forth.
Mary
I’ve been on Levothyroxin about seven yrs (hypothroidism) and have always taken it with a cup of water then my morning half caf coffee, creamer, & sugar. My labs are always in the normal range. Two yrs ago my dosage had to be changed, other than that no problem. After reading the comments, I feel I can get “more bang out of my buck” by putting the bottle on my nightstand and taking very first thing in the morning. I’ll be very interested in seeing if this helps the brief period of “jitters” I sometimes get from the jolt of the half caf coffee and my levothroxin.
Robert
Good to know that bedtime is as good!
Anon
Levothyroxine at night????? Someone should examine the effect on the circadian rhythm. I tried that and felt like I had just flown in from China after being there for a month. Sustaining a night dosage for a week or two did nothing to improve that.
Rosemary
Found it amazing that people would rather give up medicine that would protect their health instead of waiting an hour to eat or drink. Sounds pretty dumb to me. I’ve been taking Levothyroxine for years. You will survive the hour, people!
Debbie
Since I always have to get up once during the night for urination, between 1-3 a.m., I take my levothyroxine then. When I get up in the morning, I can have my coffee imediately.
David
I almost always get up to use the bathroom around 2am. I keep the medication in the bedside table and take my pill and go back to bed. Seems to work well for me.
Tim
Huntington Beach
I always thought black coffee was ok but that milk and creamers were the issue. This is the first time I’ve heard that coffee itself is the problem.
Michelleena
NY
I have 1 question, I was reading the great comments. My question is, how about if I take a cappuccino, how long do I wait before taking my synthroid 1 hour later?
Pat
USA
I also take Prilosec every day. I know that that must be taken at least 4 hours apart from levothyroxin. So I started taking the Prilosec at night and levothyroxin in the morning. I always have a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, but wait an hour to eat.
So, I guess I should wait and have my coffee with my meal. I’ve been on this med since 1999, when diagnosed with thyroid cancer and my thyroid was removed.
Mary
Florida
It reduces the efficiency, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. Ultimately, as long as you take it the same way every time, eventually, your dose will be adjusted to match your routines. I take mine at night only because that the only way I can remember.
Peter
Chicago
This article is absurd. DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS.
There are so many other possible contraindications with what you eat throughout the day (especially evening hours) that taking your levothyroxine at night is worse for absorption. In the morning on an empty stomach is the ONLY practical time you should take it. The natural fasting period that your body experiences from sleeping will clear your stomach and you will be in an optimal absorption state in the morning.
I’m sure you can find a way to avoid coffee for one hour. What’s harder, avoiding coffee for one hour after waking up or fasting for 6+ hours in the evening before bed? Because that’s how long you will need to fast before its safe to say you are avoiding contraindications with your levothyroxine.
Also, from my experience, I have always felt an energy boost from taking the medication.
Makes no sense to take at night and it’s sad that people are such slaves to caffeine that they can’t even wait an hour.
By the time I’m done getting ready in the morning and caught up on the news, it’s already been an hour. I eat breakfast and leave for work. When I get to work, I have my first cup of coffee to start the day. (I don’t need coffee to wake up, a liter of water more than does the trick).
Franklin
Greensboro, NC
I’ve been taking Synthroid for 13 years and 11 years ago I mentioned to my physician that the directions said not to take with soy based creamers or milk products. Ironically, coffee was not mentioned. He was not aware of this information, though it was noted on the information provided with the prescription. I have been taking my with medication every morning with my coffee and my results are always good. I also noticed that the PDR only mentions calcium, as well as the fiber inhibitions, but not caffeine. So makes me wonder if coffee becomes an issue because of the creamer?
Thanks for sharing and gives me some to think about going forward.
Sidney K
Fort Worth, Texas
I have been taking thyroid medicine in the morning, on empty stomach, for about 20 years. I also have my coffee short after the medicine. Last six months my TSH is below normal; a recheck two weeks ago comes out the same. The doctor keeps asking me if I take my thyroid medicine. I did every day. Now, I found out, through some readings, that my coffee might interfere with Levothyroxine. Starting today, I will wait at least one hour before having coffee or breakfast. Thanks to everyone who shares the experience.
lou
For those who want to take synthroid at bedtime, it still needs to be on an empty stomach. Meaning no snacking between evening meal and bedtime!
And calcium needs to be taken about 6 hours after synthroid tablets.
Judith
North Carolina
Take your medication during the night when you go to the bathroom (I take mine around 4-4:30 a.m.). No problem drinking coffee, taking nutrients or eating what I want at breakfast. Works great!
Daisy Mae
I have found the best time to take my levothyroxine is at about 3am when I am taking my nightly stroll to the bathroom. It doesn’t conflict with any pills taken during the day or with anything I may have swallowed just before bedtime.
Karen
28731
I take my synthroid, with decaf coffee, every morning when I wake up. I have Hashimoto, so I assume my thyroid continues to fail with time. However, I have been stable for over a year now on the same dose, so if coffee does interfere, it can’t be enough to make a difference to me! And that prompts a question: Is it the caffeine that interferes?
Deborah
North Carolina
I always followed the recommended time before eat. But after reading one of your articles, I also learned it was recommended to wait before drinking coffee I was in shock! So now, like Debbie, I take my Synthroid during the wee hours of the morning. Then I can have my morning coffee straightaway.
BonnieK
Illinois
I have taken synthroid for 15 years in the morning and never miss my morning coffee. Given that my dose is obvious adjusted for the coffee I do not have any problems. The only things that affected my tsk numbers were a 42 pound intentional weight loss, cancer and being hit by a car. Have no thyroid so maybe it is different for those who still have some thyroid hormone.
cliff
Youston
I generally take my synthroid 1 to 1.5 hours before breakfast and have done well for years. occasionally I wait only 0.5 hours
Abigail
It is very helpful to me that your articles include the medical / scientific sources of information. My doctor appreciated the information in this article about foods that interfere with the uptake or absorption of thyroid medications.
Elizabeth
wisconsin
After reading about issues with coffee and it’s effectiveness, I am switching tonight to taking my levothyroxine at bed time. I was told it wasn’t a problem to have with coffee, so I set up my whole routine around that advice. I have been taking meds for about 3 months and I even though my numbers are great to the doctor, I am so out of wack: hair loss, major weight gain, foggy mind, no energy what so ever! I can not give up my coffee because that seems to be the only thing to get me moving in the morning. It will be a new routine for me, but I sure hope I see a big change, I will let you know.
Jeanne
Florida
I started taking Synthroid in my fifties and too busy to think about details, just took it as I headed for work. I am 85, and just learned Synthroid rules…makes me wonder what difference does it make?
J. David A
Springfield, MO, USA
Wilson’s syndrome might interest you. T4 has little activity until decarboxylated and enough made to outnumber the binding molecules. This chemical reaction occurs in the thyroid and in the body. Variations in this process have been ignored by most physicians to this date.
susan
Massachusetts
is the same true if one takes natural thyroid like Armour or Erfa? Thanks.
Maria
NJ
Is this drug the same as levoxyl?
Millicent
I HAVE thyroid cancer that has metastizied to the lungs. I am presently taking 200 mg of thyroid to suppress the TSH. Nothing seems to work including 3 ablations. My doctor tried 225 mg of levothyroxin and that was tooooo much for me!!!! So I am back to 200 mg. But I do take the levothyroxin first thing in the morning followed by one cup of caffeine free coffee. Is this a problem? Could this be why my levothyroxin is not working?
Skip2mloo
Rita
PA
I take multiple meds that, ideally, all have special administration rules.
Now, if I need to get up during the night to use the bathroom, I take my Levoxyl with water (which helps my dry mouth). If I don’t get up I take it on arising with black unsweetened coffee. So far my TSH levels have been relatively stable for over 25 years.
Elizabeth
California
I have no problem taking my synthroid before breakfaszt. I take it as soon as I am awake. Its by my bed. By the time I am dressed and prepare my breakfast, sometimes more than an hour has passed since I’ve taken my meds.
What I’d like to know is what other meds may interfere with my synthroid as I have other a.m. meds, 2 of which are anticonvulscents, Gabapentin and Lamotrigine. I also take Famotidine (for Pepcid).
Karen
Wenatchee,WA 98802
If you take Synthroid in the evening wouldn’t other meds that you take at night interfere with its absorption?
L
Southern US
So, what is the proper/best source for information on taking Synthroid? Two people in my household are taking Synthroid for two different reasons and have different doctors and pharmacies. One was told to take it in the morning, one said it does not matter.
No mention ever made of coffee though mention has certainly been made of caffeine ingestion in the morning. What are the consequences of taking it just before bedtime? How long must one wait before coffee or breakfast (iron, calcium, and fiber included.)? Half an hour or four?
What other medications are this fussy about being taken?
Marty
Seattle, WA
I recently had two wildly different results to TSH tests. For years, I’d been taking L-thyroxin with one other prescription medication and a bunch of supplements with results always within normal range.
Then, I started taking it first thing in the morning (before coffee). Both odd test results occurred during this later time. We also changed pharmacies and I’m wondering if a different manufacturer’s formulation is causing the different results? I’m going to repeat the TSH test in two or three more weeks to see if one of the earlier results is a fluke. How does L-thyroxin react to wine (glass of wine before bed)?
Suzy
NC
I take my levothyroxine very early in the morning and wait at least an hour before eating or drinking anything. I am confused though about drinking coffee…I do usually have decaffeinated coffee with breakfast…..does drinking coffee at least an hour after taking the medication have an adverse effect on the effectiveness of the medicine? When, if ever is it o.k. to drink coffee if you are taking levothyroxine?
Judith
Ca
I have read this does not apply to Tirosint beause of the gel cap~~~
Dotty
Celebration FL
I’m usually up once a night for potty call. So what I do is place my Synthroid on the top of my pill bottle. I just take it when I get up in the middle of the night. If it’s still there in the morning, I know I must’ve slept great.
Dorothy
New Orleans, LA
As a senior I get up at least 2-4 times a night to go to the bathroom. In the middle of these trips, I make sure to take my Levothyroxine (usually between 2-4 AM.) My Synthroid problem is solved.
Joan K
FL
Easy, leave it on your night table or on the bathroom sink. When you get up in the night to urinate take it then. Plenty of time for it to absorb. Of course those of you who are lucky enough to be able to sleep all night will just have to suffer.
Kat
Florida
I tried taking my levothyroxine at night before bed, but it did not work as well for me, so back to morning. When I was working, I’d take my pill first thing when I got up, then take my breakfast (including coffee) to work with me and eat at my desk while viewing emails. I know some people must eat as soon as they get up in the morning, but that’s never been a problem for me.
bill
Are you just trying to confuse people to sell your health guide?
Cheryl
In my opinion this is important information that should come from the pharmacy that is selling the med. Many years ago I took Synthroid and as recommended I took first thing in the morning, probably with breakfast before I left for work.
CARLIE
How does Armour Thyroid fare regarding coffee, fiber, dairy, etc.?
Sallie
North Carolina
I have taken Synthroid for 40+ years and even though my test results have always been “in the accepted range”, I continued to have hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin and fatigue. Two years ago a new pharmacist recommended I not take any medications within 3 to 4 hours of taking my Synthroid.
After I switched to a 10pm pill time because of meals, I no longer have any symptoms. This has been a huge relief for me. I have mentioned my success in omitting these symptoms to friends and they also have switched to a later time to take their Synthroid (Levothyoxine) and have had positive changes in their symptoms. My pharmacist had the answer to a 40 year old problem.
Denise
NW Florida
I’ve been taking Synthroid for at least 20+ years. Over the years I’ve had dosage changes depending what my lab tests show. While I never eat breakfast for at least 60 minutes I always have coffee (black) after taking my pill. Since my lab tests usually show within the normal limits either coffee doesn’t affect the Synthroid or my body has adjusted to it. I’ve decided not to change this routine since it works for me.
Sandy K
Florida
I tried taking my Levothyroxine at night and I stayed up and my heart was pounding. Then I tried 1/2 and same result. I take 0.125mcg. If it doesn’t work in AM along with coffee about 20 minutes later, then why is my blood work up to par all these years?
Marilyn
bethlehem pa
I am a retired nurse and for years I have tried to get physicians to understand that medications need to address real life situations. No one could ever tell me why synthroid had to be taken in the morning. Very few people waited the recommended time. My mental health clients had many different meds for both psychiatric and physical needs and were given impossible med schedules that they struggled to follow. Then they were called “non compliant” because meds were mixed up or skipped.
TLN
Texas
I take my Levothyroxine two hours after having coffee and breakfast. I don’t usually eat or take any other vitamins or supplements until lunchtime, giving the Levo about 3- 4 hours without anything to interfere with its absorption. This works well for me so maybe others could try this and keep the morning cup of joe!!
Sylvia
Evanston
One can take Synthroid in the middle of the night–I do that when go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I prepare for that by putting the pill in a small bowl and a glass of water next to it on my night table, and can do all that in the dark.
I do wonder why I had to learn about this interference from your site, and not from my doctor. Doctors are often remiss in giving this kind of practical, yet essential information.
Carolyn
Little Rock
Mornings and bedtime weren’t working for me, so I finish breakfast by 8:00 and take my levothyroxin at 12:00, waiting 30 minutes before I eat. I avoid caffeine at lunch. So far lab tests are fine. If I am not careful, taking this in the middle of the night sometimes makes it hard to go back to sleep. I can honestly say that I hate this med because of all the restrictions.
Marlene
Florida
Does coffee affect Armour Thyroid?
Carolyn
Oklahoma
It is tricky to find the right time to take thyroid meds and this information is not always well known. Regular lab work can keep us on track. In fact, my labs were not exactly on target until I read about not taking thyroid meds the morning of lab work. Once I started that, my lab work has been really good. This may apply to supplements as well, like Vitamin D and I recently found out (not sure where-maybe this website) that a few days before lab work, it is best to not take Vitamin C supplements since they may influence the results. I am a big Vitamin C user so I was interested in that.
I take my meds in the middle of the night since I wake up most of the time at least once or twice. This allows me to take my supplements in the morning and not worry about problems with thyroid medication.
Don
Ohio
I take it at 2am with no interference from food or drink. I feel better and I take a lower dosage.
Pat
Ohio
My pharmacist told me years ago to take thyroid and blood pressure meds hours apart. I take thyroid early am, before coffee and blood pressure at night. My doctor did not know this when I told her.
Candy
NC
One of my physicians said to take it when I get up to go to the bathroom at night. I take some medications before bed, so morning and bedtime are both bad for me. If/when I get up at night, I take the thyroid first, then remember I can’t have anything to eat with it. Double good!
Cherrie
Wisconsin
I take 2 antidepressants divided into two times per day, Levoxyl, Yaz, Dostinex, Copaxone injections for MS, and Clonazepam as needed for anxiety & insomnia. It’s almost impossible to keep a regular schedule with all of this much less make sure everything is taken the proper time from each other & foods I eat. My currant doctor does understand though. Life is pretty tough with illness and worse with multiple meds. Thank you.
Debbie
Just wondering why the title of this article says, no coffee with Synthroid means morning dose is no good, doesn’t make sense, since drinking coffee with Synthroid in the morning decreases its absorption.
Linda
Ohio
I take my thyroid med during the night after getting up to go to the bathroom usually between 2 and 3 a.m. When I get up for the day, I’m good to go and have my morning coffee and breakfast. I keep one pill at the bedside along with a glass of water. In case I have forgotten if I took the pill there is only one pill at a time to keep track of.
Etta
Fayetteville, NC
I am a cancer patient with a rare cancer, leiomyosarcoma. I have been taking my pain med, hydromorphone, and the synthroid pill at 5 a.m. because that is the best time for me to take these two medications. Is this a no no?
Terry Graedon
If it is working for you, it is fine.
Charlotte
Glenview,Il
According to Gary E. Foresman, MD, founder and director of Middle Path Medicine, has over twenty-five years of experience in the clinical practice of Internal/Integrative Medicine. According to Dr. Foresman, Desiccated thyroid was working well for patients for more than 50 years before Synthroid, but drug companies couldn’t legally patent desiccated porcine thyroid gland ( a Tr/T3 combo) so they made synthetic T4 (which they could patent) Drug companies are quite an influence and they control the research going on at universities.
If something was being researched that threatened the pharmaceutical company’s profits, your research would get scrubbed immediately-no funding. Desiccated (NDT) is NOT unstable. It is perfectly standardized, tested, and very reliable. Doctors are just not looking into it. They have an outdated, old-school thyroid worldview.
Jan F
So, since you are not supposed t eat or drink anything before taking this med how does taking it before going to bed?
We generally have dinner between 6 and 7 pm. I generally go to bed around 11 pm. Is that enough time between dinner and bed time to use the med before going to bed?
I have taken this med for 2-3 years and still have not seen any change.
Robert
Stockbridge, GA
I presently take thyroid in the AM and simvastatin in the evening before bedtime. Can I take both in the evening?
Eleanor
florida
I take thyroid essentials put out by swanson health products also a combination of seaweeds formulated by the same company – at 88 years of age – it works for me as I have become very ‘anit’ prescription meds!
love your site
Kathy
NC
Interesting information! Does caffeine affect the absorption of Armour thyroid at all?? I’m currently taking this natural thyroid supplement and drinking coffee and eating cereal w/cow’s milk in the a.m. Should I be concerned? Thank you!
Donna
WA
I take Nature Thyroid every morning. I wonder if this applies to this thyroid Medication.
Gin
I’ve solved that problem, at my age I make a trip to the bathroom between 2-4am I place my dose in an empty pill container placing it on the counter, I always take my pill during my toilet visit. Works for me.
Lynn
Waxhaw, nc
Is it the caffeine in coffee? If so, then we should also avoid black tea–and maybe even decaffeinated beverages since I understand a little caffeine can be in them.
ANN H
Burlington, ON Canada
They still need to be taken on an empty stomach, which is 2 hours after food and allow one hour after. No dairy, iron or roughage for four hours anywhere near your dose, Cereals are fortified with iron and dairy (calcium) which totally knocks out Synthroid and other thyroid drugs.
I have not seen anything about tea. Do you know if tea interacts with Synthroid?
Camille
Seattle
I have taken synthyroid for 35 years. I took it in the morning and waited 1/2 hour before having my coffee and cereal.
Now, I am learning that is possibly interfering with absorption.
In the past I have read that taking the dose in the evening and interfer with sleep.
Is that still true?
Jerry
Atlanta, Ga
I had very low vitiman and have been taking vitamin D supplaments and getting more sun that has me back in the normal range. However, I would like to know half hour or so in the sun in shorts and no shirt how long does that vitiman stay in your body? Jerry P
Jeanne
New York
Just one more question – does taking a PPI with the synthroid cause a problem? That also needs to be taken in the morning an hour before eating.
Karen
FL
If thyroid medication is taken at night. Do I have to have not eaten for 4 hours before I take it?
mary
your heading for this story leads one to believe that not taking coffee with the synthroid invalidates the medication
Joyce
FL
Are we talking coffee with caffeine, or decaf? Does it matter?
Barbara
SC
Honestly taking this at night, seems to act as a stimulant for me. Not in the mornings. Anyone else experience that?
Anna Marie
Cleveland, OH
I take my Synthroid around 3:00A.M. when I usually go to the bathroom during the night. My stomach is empty and I will not be eating or drinking for several hours. Have kept this practice for several years and is an easy solution. Or, keep it in your bedroom and take it as soon as you awake. It will take you an hour or more to shower and dress.
Holly
VA
Before I go to sleep each night, I put my levothyroxin (generic Synthroid) dose in a shot glass on my night stand and take it first thing when I wake up. I usually have my first cup of coffee within 15-30 minutes of that. I’ve been doing this for years and my labs have checked out just fine. I say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
Leslie
Oregon
Good Morning. Very interesting topic. Thank you. I take Armour Thyroid. ( i have none, destroyed by radiation during WWII as i was born in Spokane and leaved near Hanford N P.) Always first thing on an empty stomach wait about 15 min to drink first cup of coffee. And yes eat a bowl of doctored up oatmeal almost every morning. I take Metoprolol and Celebrex soon after both best on a full tummy. In your article you talked of the Synthetic Thyroid, only, not the Natural that has been tested numerous times is the only one I am to use.
i will take the A Thyroid in the evening now. with my low dose aspirin and evening Calcium pill.
thoughts?
Sue
Florida
Wow. What an interesting article! I was taking Synthroid but am still experiencing SEVERE hair loss. Endocrinologist thought the Synthroid might be the problem. Switched me to Naturethroid. Still experiencing hair loss to the extreme. (Not much left!) My question about all the above information is whether it is the same with Naturethroid? No coffee for at least an hour and the concerns with fiber and cows milk? I was also not given any information from doctor about the interactions with fiber, milk, etc. I take fiber supplements and have been taking my medications (for hypertension) and supplements in the evening before bedtime and taking Naturethroid first thing in the morning. I’m wondering about recommendations for when I take my medications and if I should discontinue fiber supplements? I am also on a low carb diet which has been very effective for weight loss so not eating bread, oatmeal, etc. As a result of the diet (and my predisposition anyway) I experience constipation. Frequently! Help!
Paul
Sanford, NC
I’ve been taking coffee about 20-25 minutes after my morning coffee, and my results are always good. I tried taking it at night, but unless you eat dinner at 4:00 or earlier, you still have food in your stomach, and when I tried this my blood work was really high.
Also, when you read the title to this article it really says that if you don’t drink coffee with your morning dose, then the dose is no good. You might want to drop the “No” at the beginning of the sentence :)