Does Celiac Cause Change In Med Dosages?

[Dedrasmom]

Hope my title wasn't confusing. I am interested to know if anyone who takes medication such as thyroid replacement hormone or seizure meds find that they need to adjust their med dosages after going gluten free. My husbands thyroid doc seems to think that he may start absorbing his meds better after he is healed from being glutened so long. And therefore , might need to lower his dosage. He is actually still working on getting his thyroid levels where they need to be and now she wants to hold off on any increases in meds because of the celiac diagnosis.

Concerned about his seizure meds too. (although we hope that maybe celiac is the reason for the seizures so may someday he will get to stop them altogether.... that would be awesome)

Any input would be appreciated. Belinda in NC

[larry mac]

dm,

That is a really good question. I'd like to know the answer also. For instance, if you have severe villi atrophy, should you increase the dosage of some medications?

best regards, lm

[2kids4me]

I can definitely say YES.

My daughter was on a fairly high dose of synthroid for over a year, after fluctuating blood levels(she has been hypothyroid since age 4) then was diagnosed celiac (at age 11).... about 3 months later (after gluten free diet), she was acting hyperthyroid - and sure enough she needed her dose lowered.. the GI doc and the endocrinologist both said 1) the villi healed and were absorbing meds better 2) Because her gut was no longer constantly inflammed - her requirement for thryoid hormone dropped.

When you are sick (and have normal thyroid) it automatically produces more hormone to deal with body stress. Whne oyur thryoid doesnt work - then you need your meds raised to keep the levels in the normal range.

Kathryn was diagnosed in 2004 and has been on the same dose for 3 years after constant fluctuation for 2 years prior to celiac diagnosis.

Sandy

[darlindeb25]

Sandy is absolutely correct. I was on birth control pills and ended up pregnant with my daughter. I do believe in fate too, I believe I was suppose to have this daughter, everything happens for a reason. Yet, also, I was not absorbing the birth control pill--of course my doctor then was a real joker and he says to me, "99% safe and YOU have to be the 1!"

I know celiac disease was the reason, yet it would be another 19 years before I found out about it. I was taking 40mg of Paxil when I went gluten-free and in 3 months, I weaned myself off of it. So, yes, going gluten-free does make a big difference!

[mommida]

After taking synthroid for about ten years with little change in the dosage, one year gluten free I had to cut down on the amount. So a very definate YES it makes a difference.

L.

[mamabear]

Another group of meds to watch are blood pressure meds. When you are healing/healed after gluten-free diet, and if you are also hypertensive, check your pressures regularly as it may require less medication. Be sure and notify your doc if this happens, as some of these meds have to be decreased in a regimented way.