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Thyroid problems are extremely common, with about 12 percent of the American population affected by one at some point during their lives (American Thyroid Association). Since an underactive thyroid gland is by far the most prevalent of the problems that afflict the thyroid, it is little wonder that millions of people are taking levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid), a thyroid hormone intended to supplement or replace the inadequate production of the thyroid gland. But there is plenty of confusion about how to take this medication. It has a number of possible interactions that can make it tricky to find the best time to take Synthroid.
The Best Time to Take Synthroid:
Q. I’ve been told to take my Synthroid first thing in the morning, but I’ve read that coffee interferes with its absorption. I hate waiting an hour after I get up before I have my coffee or breakfast. Is this really necessary?
A. Levothyroxine is better absorbed when you have not eaten (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Oct., 2009). That is probably the basis for the usual admonition to take this pill first thing in the morning. But that is not always the best time to take Synthroid. Food, dietary supplements and coffee can interfere with its absorption (Thyroid, March, 2008). As a result, the most conscientious patients may end up like you, rising an hour before breakfast time and stumbling through that hour before enjoying the first sip of steaming coffee.
Try Another Time:
Taking your Synthroid at bedtime is effective and you don’t need to worry about coffee (Archives of Internal Medicine, Dec. 13/27, 2010). Of course, you’ll want to make sure you haven’t eaten for at least an hour or preferably longer. Since that is beneficial for lowering the likelihood of nighttime reflux, you’d want to do that anyway.
Researchers Say You Can Pick the Best Time:
The dilemma described above inspired scientists to test whether taking thyroid at different times changes the results (Endocrine, Nov. 2018). They used randomization to assign approximately 90 hypothyroid patients into three different groups. (84 people finished the trial.) The first group took levothyroxine half an hour before breakfast, as is usually recommended. Another took the pill an hour before the main meal of the day. The last group took their medicine at bedtime, at least two hours after the evening meal. The investigators measured TSH, free T3 and free T4 at the beginning and end of the two-month trial period. There were no significant differences among thyroid function markers regardless of when people took their pills.
As the researchers concluded,
“The three investigated timing regimens of LT4 administration were equally efficient and offer additional options regarding the treatment individualization.”
Other readers have found it helpful to switch to taking Synthroid at bedtime.
One person wrote:
“I’ve been taking levothyroxine for years and have felt crappy the whole time. I could barely drag myself out of bed. Trying to take my thyroid medicine on an empty stomach and wait an hour before eating or drinking was really inconvenient.
“After reading on your website that thyroid could be taken at night I feel liberated. My days are normal again. Since I’m taking my vitamins, minerals and tea earlier, I’m not having trouble sleeping anymore and I don’t wake up feeling exhausted. My energy is back.”
Be Consistent When Taking Thyroid:
The most important thing to remember about taking Synthroid or any other thyroid hormone is to be consistent. Even taking your pill with breakfast can work, so long as you do it every day and your breakfast time doesn’t vary too much. If you are consistent, your doctor will adjust the dose so that it is appropriate for your usual regimen.
It is better to avoid taking Synthroid at the same time as some supplements you might be swallowing with your morning juice. Specifically, both iron and calcium can reduce the absorption of the hormone. Vitamin C, on the other hand, can increase absorption (Clinical Therapeutics, Feb. 2017). Soybeans, like coffee, interfere with good absorption, so you might want to skip the soy sausage if you take your levothyroxine at breakfast time. We don’t know exactly how fiber affects levothyroxine, so to be prudent, don’t indulge in bran muffins or bran flakes cereal.
Liberated from the Morning Routine:
Q. I’ve been taking levothyroxine for years and have felt crappy the whole time. I could barely drag myself out of bed. Trying to take my thyroid medicine on an empty stomach and wait an hour before eating or drinking was really inconvenient. After reading on your website that thyroid could be taken at night I feel liberated. My days are normal again. Since I’m taking my vitamins, minerals and tea earlier, I’m not having trouble sleeping anymore and I don’t wake up feeling exhausted. My energy is back.
A. Research has shown that levothyroxine to treat a sluggish thyroid works just as well if not better when taken in the evening instead of the taking thyroid medication in the morning (Journal of Thyroid Research online Jul 14, 2011; Archives of Internal Medicine, Dec. 13, 2010).
No matter when it is taken, it is important to know what foods, beverages and drugs may interact badly with levothyroxine (Synthroid). For example, preliminary research indicates that PPI acid-suppressing drugs such as omeprazole might reduce levothyroxine absorption (Journal of General Internal Medicine, June 2021).
A different formulation may solve the problem as well. Italian researchers report that liquid thyroxine taken with breakfast does not appear to interact with coffee or food (Cappelli et al, Thyroid, Feb. 2016).
Learn More About Taking Thyroid:
You’ll learn about taking thyroid medication, along with the symptoms of thyroid disorders and innovative approaches to managing them, in our Guide to Thyroid Hormones.
Alice
I have no data or studies to refer to but I have been taking my Armour thyroid at bedtime now for about two years. I have experienced no problems with this at all. It works much better for the morning, as I need to have coffee, breakfast, shower and dress in a short amount of time; no messing around with wait times or added complications allowed ;-)
Nancy
I usually wake up about 2:00 a.m. to go to the bathroom. I have my levothyroxine on a table beside my bed and a mug of water and take it then. It doesn’t interfere with food at that hour!
Janet
How about Armor thyroid?
Ariel
I wonder if this also pertains to Armour Thyroid?
and should when taking any thyroid med if taking it at night is ok on the stomach – not eating any food for many hours?
Tom
I’m curious whether the same routine of taking NP or Armour thyroid at bedtime would also be just as effective as a morning dose?
Also curious: I’ve submitted several questions over the years, and I’m not aware I’ve ever received a response. Am I not looking in the correct spot?
Thanks
Mary
I can’t take it, as it causes irregular heart beat for me.
David
Being a male in my 60’s, I get up at least once to use the bathroom. It’s usually around 2am, so I take my thyroid pill as I get back into bed and then I’m ready for my coffee as soon as I rise in the morning.
Brian
Eating my share of the broccoli to help regulate my Throid. Thanks for a Good Year.
Revelle
Is this also true for Armour Thyroid?
Terry Graedon
Revelle, we don’t know because the studies have not been done.
Barbara
If I take it in the evening, will it interact with my nightly trazadone?
Terry Graedon
Barbara, there does not appear to be a change in absorption of either drug. However, a report from 1990 suggests that levothyroxine potentiates the effect of trazodone. Don’t change what you are doing, but do check with your doctor about this.
Pat
I did some research on it and then asked my endrocrinologist, and he saw no problem with it. So I’ve been taking Levothyroxine at night for years and definitely feel the difference. No more getting up early or waiting before I can have breakfast.
Arie
I switched to Armour thyroid, and I feel much better.
Before I had no energy.
Felecia
Can methimazole for hyperthyroidism be taken at night?
Sherry
Canada
Can I lie down right after taking synthroid? I am thinking of switching taking it from morning to bedtime. I find having to wait a hour in the morning before having a coffee is a real pain.
Terry Graedon
There’s no problem lying down after you take Synthroid. Be sure to swallow it with enough water so you don’t get it stuck in your throat.
Shirkey
Canada
Can I take hydrochlorize (water pill for blood pressure ) with Synthroid.
Terry Graedon
Yes.
Theresa
New Brunswick Canada
I was happy to find out that I can take my Synthroid at night While I am on several different medications I could not find the best time to take my Synthroid so I often don’t take it I know I should take everyday at the same and right before bedtime is going to solve my problem….I am really grateful I came on this site
Becky
Indianapolis, Indiana
I take 100 mg of Levothyroxine and I am going to start taking it in the evening. I also take 48 units of insulin at bedtime. Will this cause a problem?
Terry Graedon
We are not aware of an interaction. Do check with your endocrinologist, though.
IDA
pembroke pines
Ida Pembroke PINES never stopped to take my Synthroid
but now I take it in the middle of the night I discovered a new better life.
I don’t take supplements. Please recommend me some important supplements? thank you
taryn
CA
I’m still awaiting someone to invent the levothyroxine patch. You see I can’t take this little pill at night, because my husband and I enjoy a late night snack or drink while relaxing from a long day of parenting. As I suffer ill effects of low blood sugar, going to bed hungry makes me ill.
I can’t take this first thing in the morning because I wake before the kids for a morning jog and need food in my system (low blood sugar) before I can run. So I’m left waiting until I’m hungry near lunch time, hoping that my stomach is “empty” enough, and then being hungry for an extra hour longer (feeling ill and exhausted the whole time – once again, low blood sugar).
This “empty stomach and wait an hour” business has been the bane of my existence for the last three years. Come on medical industry, we’re putting jellyfish DNA in mice to make them glow, let’s get this synthetic hormone in patch format so the sufferers can live their normal lives again.
ida
Pembroke PINES FL
I am a female, 87 years old. At 60 years old, because of a toxic thyroid gland, I got radiation and was treated with elthroxin. No problem. Because of sleeping late in the morning after taking elthroxin, I want to skip tonight’s dosage. Is this OK?
Terry Graedon
Ida, normally you are advised to take levothyroxine (Eltroxin) every day. If you skip one dose, you probably won’t notice an impact, but you don’t want to get in the habit of skipping.
John
Las Vegas
I take lots of supplements plus a 5 mg blood pressure med, plus my breakfast and morning coffee I’m confident the thyroid meds where blocked on the path to my thyroid.
I will be taking the levothyroxine at bedtime, I haven’t slept in months. perhaps all this will change, I’m desperate for relief! Will advise, thanks!
Jennie
Georgia
I have been taking Synthroid 25 mcg for about 7 years with no problems. Recently, my osteopenia is inching toward osteoporosis, and I have begun a program of calcium, vitamins, and strontium. The timing for all these medications is getting complicated. I know I shouldn’t take Synthroid within 4 hours of the calcium supplement, but I’m wondering if there is an interaction with the strontium which I take at bedtime. I don’t eat or drink anything after dinner, except maybe a cup of non-caffeinated herbal tea. Would it be safe to switch over to bedtime for the synthroid and take it along with the strontium? Thanks!!
Liz
Ct.
After reading your advice about taking levothyroxine without food or liquid (coffee) in your system, I started taking it in the middle of the night when I awoke to use the john. It absolutely changed my life. I feel like myself again and have the energy back that I thought was gone forever. Many thanks.
Diane I.
Maryland
This is all new to me. I am at the point of reading everything I can find. My Dr. told me to take the thyroid med in the morning, but, if I can, taking it at night sounds much better. I can’t give up sitting & reading while I drink my coffee in the morning.
*high TSH, very low T3, Low/Normal T4, after 3 months long battle with Thyroiditis
Bets
Being in my mid-sixties, I am up around 3 a.m. anyway going to the bathroom so I take my Levothyroxine then. Even if I wake at 4 a.m., I am relieved to be able to have coffee at 6 when I get up for my day.
Brenda
I have to get up once a night to urinate so I take my thyroid then. I just set the pill out on the counter. That way I’m sure I’m taking it on an empty stomach.
Abigail
NW USA
Tirosint is a gelatine capsule of Levothyroxine. I have heard coffee does not affect its absorption but I have not seen any medical infdormation confirming this.
Catherine M
fl
I had my left side thyroid removed due to suspicious mass, but was ok. I am on 75mcg of levothyroxine. I, too, along with alot of others, dont like waiting for my morning coffee, so I started taking it anywhere between 3 and 5 o’clock in the morning when I make a trip to the bathroom.
They say to take it the same time every day, would the 2-3 hr make a difference? Since I learned that you shouldn’t drink coffee for a hr after taking it, I feel better, not so tired, nails are not so brittle &
dry.
Terry Graedon
Catherine, it sounds like you have a routine, and it sounds like it is working for you. Stick with it.
Annabelle
Plano TX
I take mine when I wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, which I do consistently. That way I have no worries about having eaten.
Kim
I find I have really vivid night terrors when taking Levothyroxine before sleeping.
Iris
Scarborough
I just want to onow if i forget to take my levothyroxine the night before, can i take the missed dose in the morning?
Frantzes P
I am on 50mcg synthroid for 5years I been not sleeping wake up feeling sleepy but cannot sleep sweating panicky hot flashes over heat fever, took a lot vitamins think will help still the same I do not know should I switch to take it at night but work night shift 3-11shift. What time should be best?
Claire K
Yorkshire. UK
I take Lansoprazol, Felodopine, and Levothyroxine every morning all with 10 minutes of each other. Half an hour for the lot and then eat breakfast of cereal and a cup of tea.
I now feel perhaps I have been mistaken for over twenty years!
I am in my seventies and and as far as I know am fit and healthy.
What do you think, should I start taking the Levo at night?
Many thanks for any posts.
sheryl
vancouver
These articles have being so helpful! Every 3 months after 5 years my thyroid is a bit off ..
After reading these artilcles realized it may be coffee with it and also eating too close to the tablet. I m going to switch later in the night when i go to bed making sure no food for 2 hours before . See if that works!
Ann
New York
I have been taking Armour Throid for a little over a year. It has helped all of my symptoms aside from exhaustion and excessive grogginess in the morning. I kept thinking this would go away, but it never did. So I told my endocrinologist and he said to try taking the first dose at my regular time and my second dose right before bed. It worked like a charm. After about two days of doing this I felt much better when I got out of bed and I think it helped me sleep better too.
Helen
CA
I have been searching every where for this simple answer and can’t seem to find it. My question is…How long do I have to wait after eating dinner to take my thyroid medication at night?
Annie
I just asked my Dr this same question and he recommended taking the medicine 2-3 hours after eating.
Judi
THANKYOU so much for all of these, it’s so so helpful to me, while making decisions.
Patricia
Albuquerque, NM
I’m wondering if the recommendation for taking thyroid medication in the evening also applies when taking Armour Thyroid–extracted from beef or pork. I know there are other differences, but haven’t seen anything about this one issue.
Annette F.
clearwater FL
I read a letter in your column regarding a negative result from levothyroxine and it dawned on me that after I was given that drug is when my list of symptoms began, the worst being foot pain and I am not diabetic.
The person in the article switched to armor thyroid, and when I asked my doctor for a script had the same result as the writer and was referred to an Endocrinologist who told me to stop taking the pill and after a month, blood results showed I never needed the med.
My feet aren’t hurting and I am slowly getting my energy back. (With the med., I was unable to go up a flight of stairs). In my case, I got the low thyroid result while admitted in the hospital.
Every day, I wonder how many people out there are taking a drug they don’t need or a wrong drug and are told by their doctor that their problems are related to age, like mine did. If it wasn’t for the letter I read in your column, I could still be on that drug, so thank you and the writer.
Dawn
Bossier City, LA
Could I try maybe taking both of my T3 and T4 medicine at night, or maybe just my T4 at night?
Julie
Washington
Does anyone have scalp pain on the top/upper back area of your head or leg cramps? Both my husband and I have had Hypothyroidism for 16 years. Diagnosed on the same day and we both have awful scalp pain and leg cramps. Have been told leg cramps are common for people like us, but the scalp pain is AWFUL! Anyone and did you get any relief?
Pam
Yes, my scalp really hurts like a bad bruise or like someone is pulling my hair really hard. So, after trying so many things, I found 2 things that help the best.
I have an ice pack I wrap around my head and velcros. I got mine at Bartells. The only medicine that works for me is fiorocet. You need to get from the Dr. I hope that helps you, Pam
Leigh
Jackson, MS
Realize this is late, but if you are still having this problem then do go ahead and try taking at night. Taking at night is believed to slow down the absorption and make the T4 convert to T3 better. I take both T4 and T3 and noticed that when I upped the T3 dosage the sore head problem went away. So even if you don’t take T3, maybe taking the T4 at night will help some.
Kathy
Washington
My endocrinologist has told me that consistency is the key. I can take my meds in the morning and eat breakfast right afterwards which is what I have been doing for many, many years or I can take the meds and wait an hour before eating which is what I did while working.
cpmt
Thank you for the information. Do you take it 2 or 3 hrs,. after eating dinner? At night time?
susan
CA
Suzy S I’m wondering if once you are Hypothyroid are you Hypothyroid forever even when on thyroid medication. I recently lost a lot of wt 70 lbs.and find that I have all the symptoms of being cold, vey sleepy hair loss.even though I’m still taking my LThrvoxine tab 100 mcg daily Sanoz. Would a test show that I need additional medication. Also, does one need to not take the medication when one is having the thyroid workups to get an accurate reading. Thank you for clarifying these questions my physician never addresses.
Susan
Cary, NC
My synthroid levels seem to change every 3 -4 months, depending on bloodwork results. I am currently on 88 mcg Synthroid (down from 100mcg), which is no longer covered by Medicare, so I pay out-of-pocket rather than switch to a generic. I take the Synthroid at night. I take Armour 15 mg in the a.m. So far, for the past week, I seem to be doing alright. Although, I admit I hate having gained the 20 lbs when put on Synthroid 8 years ago. In an attempt to lose the weight, I walked and exercised 5-6 days a week resulting in plantar fasciitis. There has to be some sensible answer to all of this.
Valerie
Texas
My doctor ‘s office called yesterday and said my Thyroid count was at a 73 and called in an RX. She said it should be a 3. What do I need to know about this? They didn’t tell me anything.
Deb
Wisconsin
They didn’t tell you anything? You need to start there, not here. You need to call your MD’s office back and ask to speak directly with the doctor for an explanation. Ask what the numbers mean, what the goal is, what the medication is supposed to do, what to expect when you begin taking it, etc. Ask what to expect if you don’t take your Rx as directed. And if the Rx is a brand-name drug, ask if a generic will do instead.
Commenters who say that Insurance/Medicare isn’t covering their Rx or the particular dose they are taking, need to make sure they followed prior authorization procedures, and appeal any decisions that are not in their favor.
Jannette
I’ ve been on Synthroid since ~ July 2007 (T4 & TSH were either in low normal range or slightly decreased for the first few months after head trauma (skull fracture and traumatic brain injury). Even though T4 & TSH were “within normal limits” the lab results together were abnormal since they were out of sync with each other – when T4 is at borderline low levels the body’s biofeedback signals should trigger increased production of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) however it was consistently borderline low – target results for thyroid function test on patients with TBI is high normal range. My dose has been reduced over yrs – currently taking 50 mcg & I haven’t noticed any adverse side effects ( fatigue, nausea, etc).
My blood pressure is consistently low normal (88/64 last wk varies +/- 15), and checked weekly for several yrs@ MD appt for trigger point injections in neck. My BP hasn’t significantly changed in 30 yrs.
Regarding Cholesterol, my bad cholesterol, LDL, is elevated 141 mg/dL – fortunately I hit the genetic jackpot for lipid metabolism – my HDL, good cholesterol is 104. Risk is established using the ratio – even though LDL is elevated my ratio is the lowest my doctor has seen, due to my HDL sky high.
Beverly
I find that Armour thyroid makes me feel much better than synthroid but Armour is so expensive so I may have to switch.
Kathy
Chico, Ca
What is Armor thyroid, and what is the difference between the two?
Helen
Jupiter, FL
Because the cost of Armour thyroid (a natural, non-synthetic, desiccated thyroid medication) has become very expensive over the past year and I have to pay out-of-pocket, I asked my pharmacist about an alternative. He suggested I switch to Nature Thyroid, which is much less expensive, and my doctor agreed to the change. It works just fine. And based on the comments in this thread, I am going to start taking it at night – a great suggestion.
Sumi
Virginia
There is a generic of Armour called NP thyroid medicine. Much cheaper than Armour also not as hard to get as Armour. I feel I have more energy since switching from Synthroid. My hair has just started to grow back after switching from synthroid 2 years ago
JC
New Mexico
Janet O. My mother had the same thing and had to have her thyroid taken out due to a goiter. She took levo and before that synthroid for years and was super tired and no energy. My sister takes armour and she does pretty good on that. Well I had my mom put on NP Thyroid and she is doing extremely well. She has more energy now and feels and looks more like the mom I used to know.
Stephanie
Vermont
Learning that thyroid supplement can be taken at night has completely liberated me from the annoyance of trying to time taking the pill and then waiting to eat or even have coffee. I leave the pill next to a glass of water in the bathroom and take it when I inevitably take a trip to the bathroom during the night. Thank you People’s Pharmacy!!
JEFF
Orange,California
I recently changed to Armour thyroid; I wonder if that would work at night? I am 47 male with hypothyroidism, always tired, I’ve done all the tests. Yawn.
Virginia
Dallas,Tx
I am wondering the same thing.
Debra
Texas
No one else has answered about nighttime armor. And I am gonna try. I guess no food or drink 4 hours before. ???
Sumi
Please see my reply. I recently started to split my dose, half in the morning on empty stomach and half at night 2-3 hours after eating dinner. Seems I sleep better.
Anna
My doctor asked me to switch my Armour to nighttime. It works fine. It doesn’t keep me awake and I have had to reduce my dose (twice).
Janet O.
California
Hmmm when I was 6 years old I had a thyroid goider (the “S” one that snakes around the inner throat, vocal cords & windpipe) removed, and no medication other than iron pills…and diagnosed with hyperthyroidism a few years later but at age 26, I complained of weakness and tiredness so had some blood work & other lab work completed. All the lab results, including an MRI showed my surgery was a hack job leaving very little of the thyroid gland on the right side, causing an imbalance so I was put on high dose of synthetic thyroid medicine at 4.0 … then a few years later down to 3.0 and back up and down again throughout the 30 plus year period! My pulse was lower than normal and my blood pressure & body temperature registered dangerously low…I’ve been tired for many years and I believe my now .75 dose is way too low. I felt so much better when I was taking 3.0 or 2.5 but my doctors say my tests come back showing normal range. I want off the thyroid meds. I believe something natural would be of benefit now that I’m taking other meds…of which I’m working at getting released from, and which I believe my hypothyroidism has contributed toward needing them. Has anyone else experienced high blood pressure or low cholesterol levels after taking synthetic thyroid (synthyroid
or levothyroxine) for a long period of time? I don’t make enough of good cholesterol. Curious if any long term studies have been conducted in that area to link to justify those kinds of problems?
Sharon
Chico, Ca
I take Ambien CR every night. If I switch to taking thyroid in the evening also, what kind of a time frame should that be? Thanks, this sounds so much easier than AM.
Cheryl
Nevada
Have you been taking your thyroid med and Ambien together at night? If so, how is it working out? I wanna do it at night and eventually get off Ambien.
Sumi
I don’t need ambien any more since I started taking NP half dose 3 hours after dinner
angela
Alabama
Sumi,
I just started taking NP about a week ago. I do take it in the mornings, and I am just tired about mid morning. So you say that you are taking it in the evenings, and it is helping?
Peggy
San Antonio tx
Have been on Synthroid for 25 yrs & have just begun to really retain weight. Have tried all sorts of ways to take it without a clear solution. Dr says take in am with nothing but water for an hr, a near impossibility as I also take hydrocodone for fibromyalgia. Plus am addicted to my morning Diet Dr Pepper! Am 71 & about ready to just toss it out the window!
Jean
Illinois
I wanted to address your fibromyalgia. I have had fibromyalgia for 30 years due to a very bad fall and dental injury. I suffered with unbelievable pain in my head, neck, shoulders and back 24 hours a day. I went thru extreme muscle pain treated with physical therapy and muscle relaxer. The muscle relaxer was a high dose for 12 years. I dragged every day, tired and foggy mind. I now take Bromelain, 500 MG daily. Bromelain is a pineapple enzyme or you can eat 1/4 to 1/2 cup of any type of pineapple, fresh, canned or juice. I obtained immediate relief within 24 hours. I’ve done this for the last 6 months and my life has totally changed.
I have been having upset stomach pain over the last 2 months with levothyroxine. I’ve taken this for 5 years. I’m going to try and take it in the evening as suggested by several people on this web site. If that does not work I will pursue a natural supplement after checking with my family doctor
Carol
Oklahoma
I’m in the same thought process as you! I have gained thirty pounds in the past year, thinking it was a side effect of having a cortisone injection in my left shoulder!
I’ve been faithful in taking my Synthyroid .112, each morning with glass of water, at around 6 am, going back to bed or resting for another hour.\
This past year has been a nightmare! Weight gain, depression, fatigue, joint pain, Synvisc injection series, I consulted an Endocrinologist…… What do you know? All lab studies are NORMAL, HA! Well, I’m paying an extra 425$ quarterly to be on the Endocrinologist’s MDVIP CLIENTELE Roster.
Where do We go from here!?? Oh, and an insatiable craving for ice, and Dr. Pepper! I’ve NEVER even drank soda before?
Steve
G.R. , Michigan
I have been taking Thyrolar , Synthroid , and Levothyroxine (at different times ) for 48 years now, I was 15 when I lost my thyroid , thanks to other people exposing me to radiation during childhood for their own gain , different reasons , not considering other people’s lives. All those years , every day , my metabolism and energy goes up and down like in a sine wave after I take the med. in the mornings. I get to sleep pretty easy at night – I would think taking the med at night would prevent sleep then for me and have me dragging the second half of the day when I want the energy the most usually.
Karen G
Ohio. USA
Been on Armour for 15 years after TT for pap cancer last batch from Actavis did not work been on Erfa for two months feeling better no headaches no brain fog eyes feel better still low energy supplementing with vitamins and Adrenal complex and Dhea. Taking 60mg 3 times a day shoulders were hurting last evening and after taking Erfa went away. Still need to do blood work for levels but feeling much better.
pinkrain
philadelphia
how long does it take before you start getting energy by taking thyroid medication at night. is it a week, a month what? PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANKYOU.
Terry Graedon
Most people should feel the results of such an adjustment within about a month and a half. Good luck!
pinkrain
philadelphia
Ive been feeling so wornout for years now, Im having a hard time staying awake during the day, ever since I started taking synthroid it makes me feel so tired I just sleep all day long, so now Im going to take my synthroid medicine at night time and see if it helps. I read here on this websight you can take it at night or in the evening. Im praying this will work, finally I have hope of gaining more energy during the day. I will let you know how this works out for me. wish me luck.
Tiffany McCall
Clinton iowa
I’ve been recently told that I’m getting too much thyroid medication!! I’ve been taking the same amount (.75 MCG), for yrs. How can this be?? No one ever told me I could take it at night. That would be great since I work the night shift.
teal
I changed taking L-thyroxine from morning with breakfast to 5 am with water and back to bed for an hour. On the first day I noticed a strange feeling in my head. Can this be real – first day on an empty stomach?
Has anyone else had a weird sensation in their head/mouth? Head achy-ish but not actual pain, ringing ears (I have tinnitus already but now it is more pronounced), lips feel dry, mouth feels acrid – like the taste and strain when you blow up a really stiff balloon, jaw feels like I’ve been smiling way too much. But I am feeling MUCH better, somehow (20 yrs on thyroxine, 7 years in misery).
Except for one other bad side effect – I feel like my brain is short circuiting. (In desperation, I took a pill on Sunday which I had been skipping for a few months per my Endo’s instruction)
I had been led to believe that one wouldn’t feel any difference immediately, that it takes weeks to be absorbed and to change affect levels.
I do not suggest anyone to play with the levels; I appreciate more than ever the delicate balancing act this is. I just wanted something to change; I am fighting for my life!
Sasha
Toronto
I have been feeling exactly the same way as Teal…but I only just started taking it 2 weeks ago. Same foggy, slightly nauseous, little bit headache-y feeling. That’s why I was thinking I’d be better off taking it before bed. I did happen to meet a nurse yesterday, though, who said lying down after taking it is not good either.
I’m so frustrated, and feel like life will be a disaster if I’m going to feel like this every day.
Shyma81
Ontario
Omg, thank you for mentioning “the strange feeling in your head”. I too have been getting this stramge feeling and was convinced there must be some sort of serious issue with my head/brain. I used to take my synthyroid in the night and never had this issue. I recently started taking it in the morning and have been feeling crappy/tired all day long.
Tara
Indiana
I get up early take my meds and use a NON-flouride tooth paste or mouthwash. I wait 4 hours before eating (I get up early 4 am)
Selah
New England
I was wondering if anyone knows how sub-lingual lorazepam (Ativan) would interact with Levothyroxine? Does it make any difference if it is sub-lingual? I would assume that even though it is, some would probably make its way down via saliva. Thanks.
Rio
US
I am sitting here with a cocktail of shock, relief and outrage coursing through my veins! I was treated for severe Graves Disease back in 1986 and given Radioactive Iodine to destroy my thyroid gland. I’ve been on Synthroid ever since. For years my levels were stable and under control. About 8 years ago my levels went haywire. Suddenly my levels indicated I was not getting enough Thyroid Hormone. My Doctors continued to increase my dosage. Blood work always came back low. I am now (and have been for years) on 300MG per day and readings have been in the low normal to slightly low range. Yes, you read that correctly, 300MG per day.
Doctors – some who are considered the top in their field – have not been able to figure out why I am on such a huge dose. They tell me for my size this dose is off the charts. I’ve endured countless tests for digestive, autoimmune issues and the such, have gone to countless Endo Docs – no explanation.
Here’s the kicker: NOT ONCE, did a single doctor ask me about my diet. It never even occurred to me that some very healthy foods could or would have an effect since in the nearly 30 years of countless Dr. appointments and taking Synthroid, not once was diet ever mentioned which is beyond horrifying as I have spent years in deep worship at the altar of Kale, Broccoli, and Cabbage! I consume large amounts of raw juice directly from them, thinking I was providing my body with the sweet nectar of life. Apparently I was woefully, profoundly wrong.
I have had a torrid love affair with Tofu as well. Coffee – I drink sparingly but I can’t lie- I’ve cluelessly swallowed down a synthroid with a mouthful of that delicious brew thousands of times.
Suddenly, I am seeing literally list upon list of “danger foods” I am supposed to have either sworn off or at the very least not eat anywhere close to taking my synthroid. My beloved strawberries? Strawberries?! Peaches? Spinach?
(insert primal scream here)
I would consider leaping off the roof of my local Farmers Market right now but I can’t. My thyroid levels are so low I simply don’t have the energy to climb up there.
Rio
teal
columbia MO
I’ll be damned. 20 years ago I had thyroid cancer, total thyroidectomy. (routine pregnancy check was pos so I had to wait 9 months for scan and surgery/radioiodine)
For past seven years a roller coaster. Afraid my cancer had come back, I’ve had 2 major elective surgeries, 3 minor procedures, multiple rounds of antibiotics (had been covered with ticks in ’07). By this time my primary had me pegged as a hypochondriac.
Last week typed in “walking dead” and thyroid and began this quest. I obtained and graphed my lab results for the past 10 years; they coincide with my worst periods of illness when I felt I was dying.
In just over 10 days I have convinced my endo doc to add T3 supplement (10 mpg).
But I also started taking my thyroid at 5 am on empty stomach. I could ‘feel’ a difference right away: a strange sensation to my head, mouth, lips, jaw. Like when you smile way too long and all the tissue feels stressed, clenched and dry or acrid. Then one day my mind started short circuiting – while I was teaching! Very scary ….. yet….
Now, after a week, I really think I feel better. For so long I’d been functioning barely, dread leaving the house and get home exhausted. House looks like ‘Animal House.’
Remember doctor telling me to take med on empty stomach etc. etc. But I had a baby to raise and I felt lucky just remembering to take it in the morning – often with a few vitamins including calcium. But I never had a problem until about 7 years ago.
Never appreciated how absolutely critical dose timing is. Now why would this be kept from a patient? AND to boot, my endo had me convinced my conditions had nothing to do w/my L-thyroxine levels. I feel as though I’ve lost big chunks of my life, family and friends have moved on – no one wants to be around a sickly slug – which is how I’ve felt.
It took a long time just to find the ‘right search term’ to get to this site.
Thank you for confirming my growing suspicion about timing and all. I never and still don’t understand how it all works, supposed to stay in the system for hours, and I’m sure to eat all that healthy green and take supplements but for some reason taking it on an empty stomach really is absolutely!!!!!!!!! essential if you want to have a life.
Thank you Peoples Pharmacy and all of you who have taken the time and effort to post.
Sharon
Oklahoma
I saw this post on T3 thyroid & cringed. My endocrinologist had me on levothyorxin & cytomel (liothyronine) for about 4 years. As a result, I now have advanced osteoporosis, diagnosed at age 64. I’ve been on Forteo for a few months, hoping & praying it helps restore my bone mass. The drug is very expensive & Medicare isn’t helping much. My advice to anyone taking T3 is to check bone density on a frequency that might avoid the horrific side effects of the drug.
Joe
Austin Tx
I take my synthroid 175 about 5 in morning whenever I awake to go to the bathroom . But have restlessness falling back to sleep. I am giving a try to just wait until the morning , about 8:30 when I get up but am finding waiting an hour to eat afterward is really inconvenient. I’m going back to taking it about 5 in the morning . Otherwise I feel in good balance using it as a total thyroid replacement hormone.
Shiraz berri
Lebanon
Recently I changed my way of having thyroids pill. I take it and then eat my breakfast after half an hour and the coffee after an hour…the results are amazing, and I feel more healthy and happy than before when I used to take my pills on empty stomach, and wait more than one hour.
teal
How is it that is incredible news!? How can it be that the docs don’t hand out flaming red pamphlets with skulls and cross bones warning us about taking on absolutely empty stomach. I mean, I though empty was like, not eating an entire meal and then taking it.
I thought coffee is the same as water. I figured a little cream was surely insignificant. What’s a little cereal half and hour later if I’m rushing to go help my mother?
Scott
Metro Detroit
I take mine Synthroid when I get up in the morning with a glass of water. Then I shower and dress and about 30 to 45 minutes later, I eat breakfast and head off to work. My med has worked wonders for me and I began taking it this past March. I feel wonderful with full of energy. I recently got back into karate, I am fully awake at work, sleep great with deep dreams, clear head, etc. I’ll stick with taken it in the morning.
pinkrain
philadelphia
scot, with the medicine time change how long did it take before you started feeling better, please let me know. thank you.
FlowingGeisha
Vancouver BC
I’m trying my best to nurse back my body to being healthy and I take my synthyroid before the clock hits midnight I go lay down I start dreaming and I’m interrupted through out the night by coughing I excrete the mucous cough again laying down I cany hack it I’m tired I don’t take the pill in the morning because hypothyroidism effects the breathing of the lungs I have a sore pulled back muscle that’s not gonna heal if I cough and muscle pain its exhausting to have stubborn body that goes no you’re getting up now I dont care what time
Marilyn
Why should I take synthroid at night rather than in the morning. Are there any benefits?
The People's Pharmacy
It is not necessary to take it at night, but research has shown that many people do better with a bedtime dose. Here is a link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21785690
brenda
california
can someone tell me how long I have to wait after dinner at night before taking my levothyroxine 150mg? I would like to start taking them at night before I go to bed….also are there any foods I should avoid?
I am a late sleeper so having to wait in the morning really throws my day off…
The People's Pharmacy
Wait at least three hours after eating. Four hours is better. No yogurt or milk just before bed, since the calcium could interfere with absorption.
Tomeka
Petersburg Virginia
OMG! I have been taking Levo for yrs and feeling horrible! And now I know why. I was just sitting here getting ready to eat when I realized I hadn’t taken my meds. For some reason I just wondered if the Levo in the morning was why I’m get so tired. And why my daily cup of coffee wasn’t helping. U guys are truly lifesavers. Thx so much
Albert
Canada
I had thyroid cancer 5 years ago, and had my entire thyroid removed and radiation to kill of the rest. I’ve felt like garbage for years, no energy, foggy head, depression! I started doing my own research, and found studies claiming that meds at night were better. I tried it and it did help a bit, but for all you people who want your life back there is only one answer in my opinion: Switch to natural thyroid hormones!! OMG, I switched 3 weeks ago and feel 20 years younger!! Many people can’t convert the T4 into T3 from the synthetic T4. The natural hormone has everything that your real thyroid had.
Angie P
England
Hi,
Does anybody else feel so sad all the time. I take my medication 6.30am every day with cup of tea….is that wrong? I have put on so much weight also which is getting me down. I have nobody to talk to about it as I know they are not really interested. Also is it normal for your throat to feel tight all the time…..god I feel so awful, but try not to inflict my illness on my workmates because it’s not their problem.
mary
have on synthoid for 3yrs. , taking it in the morning with water on an empty stomach. I stay nausuated most of the day, should I start taking it at night?
Amanda
USA
I’ve recently was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and put on levothyroxine .25 for starters. Prior to this I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2012. At any rate since I started this medicine I’ve been in a fog,nauseated and tired more so than before, I also have terrible foot pain in my arches, across my feet, and basically my entire foot. It is so painful to walk on them and morning is the absolute worse. Can I take this medicine with pain meds? And does this medicine cause more joint and foot pain?
Teresa S
Canada
I was told to take it twice a day. I that I can still have coffee in the morning, but without milk, and then I have to take it again. She said maybe 2 pm, or should I wait later. It’s not going to stop me from sleeping.
Gail
New Orleans, LA
Can I take a thyroid pill with a pressure pill?
Marlene
California
I take my thyroid pill in the morning (or when I get up if working graveyard – you need a minimum of 5 hours of no food). The time of day you take your thyroid pill doesn’t matter as much as what you have going on in your body. I don’t drink caffeine and I don’t take supplements in the same 12 hour period I took my thyroid. I only take my blood pressure pill with my thyroid if my schedule just doesn’t permit me to take it 12 hours opposite. As I have done that for years you can, but prefer to take my blood pressure with food as it tends to upset my stomach, so with blood pressure I take it with dinner. And I wait 30 minutes after taking my thyroid to drink and eat. My blood tests have proven I am getting all my thyroid medication within 30 minutes. Either way I still take my hormone pill 12 hours later than my thyroid.
Melanie Jane Ewart
UK
I would like to try my medication just night. But I also take hormone replacement therapy could I take that in the morning? Basically swapping them round.
joan
United States
I have been taking levothyroxine for about 10 years. I keep it on my night table along with a glass of water. When I get up in the night to use the bathroom I take the pill and drink a few swollows of water. This has been working well for me and does not interfere with food.
Marlene
That is an awesome idea. Often if I’ve been asleep at least 5 hours when I wake to use the bathroom or get water, I take my thyroid pill too. I’ve been taking thyroid pills for 9 years.
Jean Roberts
Sounds good if it works. How long does it take for your stomach to empty? Have to know when to quit snacking!
Marlene
This entirely depends upon what you’re eating. I avoid meat and dairy for at least 5 hours before I go to bed, preferably 12 if you can. I’ve noted I’ve still had both of those in my stomach (when sick once) at the time I would normally take my thyroid pill. I ate right before bed, and normally would take my thyroid pill when I get up 7 – 8 hours later. I tend to eat veggies and fruit closer to bedtime.
Sharon S.
osakis, MN
This sounds like a good idea. I will give it a try. I have been taking levothyroxine for years also.
Roberta C.
United States
I use a timer in the morning after I take my thyroid meds. The wait is inconvenient for sure.
Ollie
Texas
Does this work if you do not have a thyroid, too? I had mine taken out because of cancer. Will it work just as well?
Barbara
Idaho
I was taking Synthroid for years but was getting to the point I could hardly get up from a chair and when I did, was bent over. Lots of pain. I read a few times what other people did so I did the same. Changed the pill to a natural thyroid medication. No more pain, can actually get out of bed in the morning, that was very painful on the old pill. My Dr. can prescribe a compounding medication or the Synthroid. I opted for the compounding pill. I am now very thankful I did.
Trish
California
Amen to compounded thyroid meds!!! I can’t praise them enough … I got my life back when I started taking them. I also found that Acupuncture helped in a whole body hormone balance to compliment the whole body wellness. I’m losing all that weight, anxiety, racing heart, and high blood pressure problems associated with hypothyroidism (had my thyroid removed in 2012).
Alveraz
United States
Hey what is this compounding medicine you guys are mentioning? I’d love to kick my exhaustion and weight gain (on synthroid, total thyroidectomy). Sounds awesome.
Allen Linoski
United States
Natural Desiccated Thyroid is a porcine-derived thyroid hormone replacement containing both T4 and T3. Brands include Forest Lab’s Armour, and Nature-throid and Westhroid by RLC Labs. There is a generic version of NDT made by Acella Pharmaceuticals. Canada’s desiccated thyroid made by Erfa is called Thyroid. There are also compounding pharmacies worldwide that produce compounded versions using the raw natural desiccated thyroid powder.
D'Ann
California
How long after eating dinner or snacks, should you wait to take thyroid in the evening? and does this schedule also work with natural thyroid?
daniel
md
What do you do when you are told to take two a day?
Judy Warner
United States
Do you think this would apply to Armour thyroid too?
Mary
Mary Shomon has thyroid disease herself and has assisted many with advice plus books on Amazon, etc. You can Google her name for lots of info.
I read that it can be taken at night as well as the morning routine. I would have problems with waiting an hour or more, too.