Hypothyroidism and Cytomel?

Question

I have suffered from depression for a long time. Lately it has worsened. My psychiatrist sent me for blood work and found that my thyroid level is low and put me on Cytomel. Has anyone here taken this before? What kind of side effects did you have? Do you think it helped you? How long did it take before you started noticing a difference in how you felt? Thanks!

Answer 1

Cytomel is a synthetic T3 thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine).  It has many effects on the body which can basically be summed up by turning up the furnace.  Hypothyroidism is a relatively common cause of secondary depression and it is not surprising that you did not respond to antidepressive medications before as these do not treat the underlying cause.

The effects of this medication do not fully develop until 3-4 weeks after starting treatment, although you should notice a gradual improvement after the first week.  You may not feel spectacular, but you should be feeling more "normal."

Periodic blood tests should be done every 4-6 weeks to make sure you are on the right dose.

Good luck.