Seeking Guidance After Prescription Mix-up
I'm a 27-year-old female weighing 125 lbs, currently taking 50 mg of lisdexamfetamine to manage my ADHD. Recently, my doctor began prescribing Levothyroxine because my TSH levels were elevated, although my T3 and T4 levels remain normal. I have learned that elevated TSH can be an initial indication of hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, there was a significant lapse in communication from my doctor’s office. I was unaware of my hypothyroid diagnosis or the prescription until they instructed me to check the patient portal messages after my visit, which was rather frustrating. Upon finally accessing the portal, I discovered that I was prescribed 50 mcg of Levothyroxine. However, the pharmacy received a prescription for 150 mcg, which is actually three times the intended dosage. Confusingly, it wasn’t until last night that I realized this discrepancy, and even the pharmacist was surprised by the higher dosage I was given. So far, I have only taken one dose, which was yesterday morning—about 20 hours ago. Throughout most of the day, I felt fine, but by 5 PM, I developed a severe headache, though it is not the kind known as a thunderclap headache. My heart rate has not exceeded 120 bpm, which tends to be on the upper end of normal for me due to other medications, and unfortunately, I do not own a blood pressure monitor to check my BP right now. What should my next steps be? Should I reach out to the doctor's office, which clearly made a significant error? Is this a situation that warrants a trip to urgent care or the emergency room? I’m feeling a lack of confidence in the healthcare provider I visited and am hesitant to return. I understand their mistake, but my primary concern now is my well-being. Aside from the debilitating headache and increasing anxiety, I don't feel too unwell, yet I'm anxious about the implications of this mix-up.
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 9:50:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're in a challenging situation, and it's understandable to feel anxious given the prescription mix-up and the onset of a headache. Here’s a structured approach to help you navigate this:
Main Points:
- You received an incorrect dosage of Levothyroxine (150 mcg instead of 50 mcg).
- Monitor your symptoms carefully, including your headache and heart rate.
- Communication with your healthcare provider is essential.
Explanation:
Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism, and taking too much can lead to symptoms like headaches, heart palpitations, anxiety, and increased heart rate. Given that you have already taken one dose of the higher medication, it’s good to remain observant of how you're feeling. While it’s common to feel anxious in this type of situation, your well-being is priority.
Next Steps:
-
Immediate Monitoring:
- Keep track of your symptoms, particularly your headache and heart rate. If you notice any worsening symptoms like severe palpitations, chest pain, or shortness of breath, consider seeking immediate care.
- Use relaxation techniques to manage anxiety, like deep breathing exercises or gentle movement if you feel comfortable.
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Contact Your Doctor’s Office:
- Reach out to your doctor’s office as soon as possible to inform them about the prescription error. It’s important they know what happened, as this may affect your treatment plan going forward. You can express your concerns about the communication lapse and seek clarity on your actual dosage and next steps.
-
Reassess Your Symptoms:
- If your headache persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms not improving with self-care, consider seeking medical attention. You can choose between urgent care or the emergency room based on your comfort level and whether symptoms change significantly.
-
Address Medication Concerns:
- Ask your doctor for a follow-up appointment or ask for assistance in resolving any lingering uncertainties about your treatment, managing your ADHD medications alongside Levothyroxine, and addressing your frustrations with the process.
Remember, the focus should be on ensuring your safety and getting the right treatment moving forward. Make sure to advocate for yourself and seek support when needed.
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