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Can Levothyroxine cause fluctuation in blood pressure?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 56-year-old female. I am 30 lbs overweight. I had a total thyroidectomy two years ago, and I take Levothyroxine 150 mg daily. Other than that, I am healthy and active, and I jog three miles three times a week. For the past two weeks, I have been off. I have had severe headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. I went to urgent care twice this week and ER two nights ago. ER gave me something for migraines, EKG and CT came back fine, and blood pressure was 155/90 mm/Hg. After IV and medication, I returned home better. Recently, my headache and all symptoms returned strong.

My blood pressure (I bought a machine) was 160/98 mm/Hg for a few hours, so I finally went back to urgent care. Their blood pressure was still 167/95 mm/Hg, so the MD prescribed blood pressure meds Lisinopril. I took that at 10 pm, and by midnight, my pressure was finally down to 137/ 80 mm/Hg. It has remained at 137/80 mm/Hg, and of course, I still have a slight headache because my normal bp has always been 120/80 mm/Hg. I am scared to take my Levothyroxine this morning because it makes my heart beat faster and makes me anxious. So, I am scared my BP will jump up again. Should I skip it for today or possibly take only half of my Levothyroxine? I still have no clue what caused my BP to jump so high for a full week now but do not want to end up in the ER later today. Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I read your query and understand your concern. Blood pressure is a dynamic entity that keeps on changing from time to time and from activity to activity. It rises when we are stressed or were unable to sleep adequately last night. In such conditions, routine antihypertensive medicines need to be adjusted for a few days till acute insult resolves. Levothyroxine will not worsen blood pressure. You should continue the same dose if your thyroid status is fine on that dose. Yes, you should also continue taking 10 mg of Lisinopril and keep your blood pressure in check. Check daily blood pressure and make a chart for three to four weeks to see average blood pressure. If the average blood pressure is 130/80 mm/Hg or less, then no need to increase the dose. Do regular exercise, have a thyroid profile done, and adjust Levothyroxine accordingly.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At October 30, 2023
Reviewed AtNovember 9, 2024

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