I'm on synthroid since 1988 since I take a full replacement dose of it after a thyroidectomy. It takes 2-3 weeks for the onset since your body has to break it down from t4 to t3 to use. You won't feel anything from it in all likelihood. I take 150 mcg a day. I've taken pure t3 too, which can give you heart palpitations.

Synthroid is not a bad medication. I have to take it for life. If you are on too much, you will probably feel more awake, hungry, possibly edgy, hot, and have hair loss or rapid growth. You'll just stop taking it if so. It would be gradual, like over six months, in most cases.

Don't take the generic. It doesn't work as well. I have to take a completely different dose on the generic.

With my long struggle, I found myself on thyroid support groups and I'd say MOST that I trusted believed in Stop The Thyroid Madness book and the author's blog...there was a forum, realthyroidhelp.com (I think) and so many used desiccated thyroid ... this group had to fold due to lack of funds to keep it running, but it was a good one and I've missed it.

I don't know if Nervous has done anything yet, and I have known friends who were on Syn for some time and thought they were doing ok, and then got on desiccated and felt much better....So there are other options out there....I've also heard that some don't convert T3 and T4 ... another friend of mine who is now 87, did acupuncture for many many years and the doc worked on her thyroid, she takes no thyroid meds.. Good chance she could use some now, but she doesn't bother, she has so many other issues.

I'd say MOST integrative and naturopath MD's use desiccated. More natural substance.

For those who don't convert T4 to T3 very well, myself included, there is also synthetic T3 available. I take Cytomel brand in addition to Synthroid. The ratio of T3 to T4 is higher in desiccated than some people tolerate. The synthetic T3 allows a little more play with the ratio.

I have been taking it for many many years withj no problems