Navigating Iron Supplement Side Effects: A Personal Experience
F26 weighing 145 lbs Currently taking Vyvanse 40mg daily, and on a regimen of iron bisglycinate at 40mg elemental iron every two days. My ferritin levels were measured at 16 with a saturation percentage of 21%, following three months of taking iron bisglycinate at a dosage of 20mg every other day. To avoid skewed results, I paused supplementation for a week before my blood test. Previously, my ferritin stood at 22 with a saturation of just 6 after three months on ferrous sulfate at 325mg. During that test, I experienced extreme discomfort, feeling close to collapse. Before reintroducing ferrous sulfate, my ferritin dropped to 14 with saturation at 17, prompting me to take action due to a resurgence of iron deficiency symptoms, including significant fatigue, exercise intolerance, and worsening ADHD symptoms. My hemoglobin has consistently remained around 13.5 throughout this journey. Levels of vitamin B12, folate, copper, and zinc are within normal limits, and all other blood counts are satisfactory. In 2023, I initially battled asymptomatic anemia, with my first blood test possibly revealing a long-standing issue. Three months of ferrous sulfate improved my hemoglobin readings, yet after nearly a year of treatment, my ferritin plateaued at 11, prompting me to discontinue. I resumed iron supplements around March, driven by a newfound understanding of optimal ferritin levels, which should be at least 30. I was beginning to experience symptoms again—gradually worsening fatigue and shortness of breath, leading to severe brain fog. It reached a point where climbing stairs became a daunting task, and I found myself sleeping up to 14 hours each day. After switching from ferrous sulfate to a 20mg dosage of bisglycinate, most symptoms subsided within a fortnight, but I still felt an urgent need to boost my iron levels. During a follow-up visit with a hematologist, it was recommended that I increase my dosage of bisglycinate due to the low initial amount I was taking, with a plan to reassess in three months. It’s been ten days since I began taking 40mg every other day. Shortly after upping my dosage, I have been hit with overwhelming emotional responses—finding myself unable to cope with even the slightest stress. I now burst into tears over trivial matters that previously wouldn’t have bothered me. Typically, I am quite stoic; I don’t usually cry during sad films or even during intensely frustrating moments in video games. I tend to thrive under pressure, and my life is largely fulfilling aside from these iron-related challenges. Currently, I experience crying spells 3 to 5 times daily due to minor irritations like a finished dishwasher interrupting my lunch, a small typo in a chemistry assignment, or spotting a dead insect outside. Logically, these occurrences hold little weight on a stress scale, yet in the moment, I find tears streaming down my face while I remain utterly calm as I write. Should I halt the supplementation right away? Would it be wise to contact my hematologist to discuss the side effects and explore the possibility of an infusion instead? The situation is unsettling, and I’ve begun to dread taking my doses altogether.
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 5:32:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a challenging situation with your iron supplementation, particularly with the emotional side effects that have arisen since increasing your dosage of iron bisglycinate. Let’s break this down into key points and actionable steps.
Main Points:
- Your dosage of iron bisglycinate was increased recently due to low ferritin levels, which improved some physical symptoms but has triggered emotional instability.
- Experiencing emotional sensitivity and crying spells might be a side effect of the iron supplementation or relate to other underlying factors.
- Consulting your hematologist about these recent changes is a crucial next step.
Explanation:
Iron is essential for various bodily functions, including red blood cell production, and it helps maintain energy levels. However, increasing iron intake can sometimes lead to unexpected side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort or, in your case, emotional disturbances. Emotional fluctuations can be influenced by multiple factors, including your current medications (like Vyvanse), dietary changes, or even stress levels from managing chronic health concerns.
Next Steps:
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Contact Your Hematologist: It's important to discuss the emotional side effects you're experiencing. They will be able to assess whether these feelings could be linked to your iron supplementation or other factors. They might also consider adjusting your treatment plan or exploring iron infusion therapy, which can be more effective and may have different side effect profiles than oral supplements.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, both emotional and physical. Note when the crying spells occur, what triggers them, and any other recent changes in your life. This information can help your hematologist make informed decisions.
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Take a Break If Needed: If your emotional distress feels overwhelming, consider temporarily halting the iron bisglycinate until you've spoken with your healthcare provider. This will give you time to assess your baseline emotional state without the influence of the supplement.
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Support System: Reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals for support during this time. Emotional changes, while unsettling, can be difficult to navigate alone.
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Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Ensure you're consuming a balanced diet rich in other nutrients and staying hydrated, as overall wellness can impact how you feel both physically and emotionally.
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Practice Stress-Relief Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise like walking or yoga, to help manage emotional fluctuations.
Your feelings are valid, and it's excellent that you're actively seeking to understand your body better. Prioritizing communication with your healthcare provider and self-care can help you navigate this challenging period. If you have further questions or need more specific assistance, feel free to ask.
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