Getting Enough Vitamin D?

I was told by my endocrinologist that my vitamin D level was very low. He gave me a prescription for a tablet to take monthly that consists of 50000 units of Vitamin D. I did not fill the prescription because I am afraid of a toxic reaction. He does not seem to understand my concern. I have not been able to find information about this large a dose. Can you help me?

I HAVE HAD QUITE A FEW FALLS IN RECENT YEARS AND I JUST STARTED TAKING 400 IU OF D3 TWICE A DAY, BUT I RECENTLY STARTED ON A LOW DOSE OF PREDNISONE SO SHOULD I INCREASE IT??
THANKS

I too was diagnosed at age 64 with a severe Vit. D deficiency. At the time I was drinking a quart of skim milk daily. I take a low dose of Synthroid, Cytomel and a .05 mg of estrogen in a patch. My endocrinologist originally prescribed 800 units of D which didn't even cause a blip. I now take 2000 units daiy and am still on the low end of the normal range. I should add that I do not use sun screen anymore and I spend a great deal of time outdoors. What a catch 22.

I too have a Vitamin D deficiency. Here is my experience with therapy so far. I have been taking 50,000 units a week for 5 months now with no side effects except the desired ones like, less bone pain and a much better sense of wellness. I have one more month to go and then another blood test to see if my levels have come up to where I can be put on a maintenance dose of 1000 mg daily. From what I understand, this will be for the rest of my life. I am 45 now. I get little sun and do not like milk, so I'm sure this is true. I can say from personal experience, that this treatment has already made a huge difference in my quality of life. Give it a try.

My sister has very low Vit. D levels and takes about 1000 units. I have asked my doctor to test me and she does not see the need. Why would she be reluctant? I am 65.
Thank You

Comment to MKC: Get a new doctor!!! Unfortunately, too many doctors are tied to the FDA contention that only drugs can cure. If this is true, why are so many people on lifetime prescriptions? This is supposed to be a cure?? If you have access to the internet, get all the info you can regarding vitamin D. The toxicity is a myth except in ridiculously high doses. For example, 1/2 hour of full body exposure is equal to about 10,000 iu of supplemental D.
RB

My physician recently found that my vitamin D level is low. He gave me 50,000 units of Vit.D once a week for 6 weeks. Could it be taken with other vitamin supplements? Thank you.

I work in an office of Endocrinology. Prescription strength Vitamin D 50,000 Units is prescribed for Vitamin D defficency on a regular basis in our office (including MY own mother whom I love and adore!!!).

There is simply NOTHING WRONG with taking Vitamin D in this dosage so long as you continue to have your levels checked every 3-4 months by your Doctor. Do you think I would let my own mother be harmed people???? This check for Vitamin D defficincy is simply done by routine Lab testing (blood work) by your doctor.

Those that suffer from Vitamin D defficency simply CANNOT... I REPEAT... "CANNOT" ... I repeat AGAIN... "CANNOT" get enough Vitamin D by way of OVER-THE COUNTER Vitamin D ... OR by drinking MILK (dairy, etc...) or by baking yourself in the SUN as you will in PRESCRIPTION STRENGTH VITAMIN D 50,000 UNITS!!!!

Those that DO NOT UNDERSTAND what Vitamin D defficency is MUST EDUCATE yourself. If you continue on the course you are and NOT take it for lack of the education of what it is and what is does... You will start to feel VERY DEPRESSED, EXTREME EXHAUSTION, MUSCLE ACHES AND PAINS, MOODINESS, DIZZINESS, JOINT PAIN, HEADACHE, LACK OF SLEEP, ETC... ETC.... THE LIST WILL GO ON AND IN TIME, WILL MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE DYING!! Simply said.... If you are defficient, it was discovered in your Lab work by your doctor... Not getting your prescription filled, is NOT going to help you get back to normal or as you were before. In time you will be BEGGING AND DEMANDING for a Doctor to HELP YOU with your HORRIBLE symptoms of Vitamin D defficency!!!!

I have seen patients have knee pain... have a knee replaced and probably DID NOT NEED IT. Their Vitamin D level was probably ROCK BOTTOM. Most doctors don't even know to check for this defficency but a Specialist does. --- Please educate yourself and contact your Endocrynologist. I listen to your same comments with our patients on a daily basis and we have some who WILL NEVER feel the same as they once did BEFORE there Vitamin D defficency. Simply because.... they REFUSE to take a little pill to give their body what it CANNOT absorb from the sun, dairy products, or over-the-counter Vitamins. --- IT IS NOT THE SAME THING!!!!!! In time you will suffer from OSTEOPOROSIS among other ailments... MEN including WOMEN can get this disease.

Thank you Marie for posting that information. I have just picked up my prescription today and have been searching the internet for info on the 50,000 dose because I am a bit cautious myself.

I will be taking it thanks to your information. My level was 10 and I feel like *&$#. In the last year I have decided that I was dying and it was never going to get better. I ACHE all over and I am stiffer than a 90 year old although I am 58.

So I'm looking forward to feeling better - this is one of many things I am doing to improve my health.

My doctor does it for most patients now because where we live this is very very common. So thanks again Marie - here's to hoping for better health. Take your Vitamin D folks!

I was just told my vit D level is below 12. I have been through menopause for 7 years. My doctor perscribed me 50,000 vit D once a week. I am lactose intolerant and guard myself from sun. I was unsure of this dose. I will be starting it thanks to this article. Could this disguise any other problems? All blood work was excellent.

Thank you. I was just prescribed the 50,000 once a week until my level comes up and then 2000 a day to maintain. Last year it was my B12 and I have gotten shots once a month since and they worked!!! I am looking forward to less aches and pains and better bone health!! I will be filling the prescription and using it!!

After feeling horrible for a long time I finally found a hormone specialist. This is not a quick fix solution as you have to do a blood test every 3 to 4 months, but every time I go, we tweak the treatment. I feel so much better. My bones and joints have really been aching, so the specialist asked for a vitamin D test. It came back low. I took a dose of 50000 U's of vitamin D yesterday for the first time and last night was the best nights sleep I've had in many months. I was afraid to take that much dosage of vitamin D, but I read a lot on the internet and decided that I really needed to feel better. I was able to get out of bed without as much pain this morning. This dosage for me right now is once a month. I had been taking 2000 U's a day but it wasn't doing anything. Vitamin D is amazing. Who knew???? If you feel horrible and it has been prescribed, at least give it a try. I hope you are pleasantly surprised as I am.

I was recently tested for Vitamin D,25 hydroxy due to my complaints of feeling tired, weakness & dizziness. I am 52 1/2 y/o post menopausal (last menstrual pd was 01/07). Lab came back deficient in Vit D of 30.8 (nl value 32.0-100.0) I started taking Vit D3 1000 IU with my Ca++ 2x/d. Is this a safe dose? I am lactose intolerant. How much Ca++ ,vit D & magnesium should I take daily? Please help.
Thanks

I've been struggling for years with chronic fatigue and feeling sick but not being able to put my finger on it. My kidneys have been chronically getting worse, I have had 2 urological surgeries to repair damage done from passing stones, I have had a parathyroidectomy and I am only 29 years old! Recently my PTH was really high and my calcium was really low. I was sent for presurgical mapping to find the parathyroid tumor but there wasn't one. I met with an endocrinologist who did a vitamin D level and I found out today that I am severely deficient.

I was prescribed 50,000 IU daily for a month and then recheck. I haven't slept a full night in about 2 months or more. I take tylenol PM to get to sleep but I always wake up with bone pain and muscle cramps. I have small children who need mommy to be able to be a mommy and not a couch ornament, so I am going to do whatever I can to feel better.

I would highly recommend that anyone who is battling a chronic illness request to have a vitamin D level done. Most Dr's won't have it done on routine and if they can't find what is wrong through common testing I have found that I have been back burnered too many times. As time has gone on I have gotten worse and worse. I walk like I am well into my geriatric years and I have the energy level of one as well! This can happen to anyone of any race at any age. I am proof. I am a 29 year old casper white girl with a farmers tan from being out in the sun every day with my kids. Don't let Dr's tell you it can't happen to you cause you aren't the textbook age or race (vitamin D is more common in dark skinned people or old people who don't get out in the sun) we aren't all textbook, we are individuals!

I was very fortunate that my Primary Care Physician has a special interest in vitamin D deficiencies. I emailed her to ask if I possibly needed workup for fibromyalgia, as I had the issues of problems sleeping, exhaustion and bone and muscle pain (as well as awakening stiff as a board each morning). First thing she ordered was blood work, with particular attention to my Vitamin D level.

Turned out that she hit it right on the head, as my level was 15 ng/ml. I am on the 50,000 IU dose for 12 weeks and we are hoping that afterwards, I can go on a 2000 IU maintenance dose.

I have to say that after two weeks, I am noticing significantly less muscle stiffness and joint pain (in particular, my ankles, knees and wrists). I encourage anyone who is hesitant about the 50,000 IU dosage to give it a try..your blood will be checked to ensure that this is a safe dosage for you and will be adjusted if need be.

Me: 48 year old female.

I am very interested in knowing as much as possible right now about VitD and VitD3.
So far, I have been taking 7,000 units per day of VitD3 for the past three weeks.
I feel better generally, have much less joint pain, do not sleep as much during the day, my hair and nails are stronger/brighter, and enough more to induce me to continue.

This is OTC stuff - haven't been back to my Primary Doctor because she argues with my requests. Testing last year said I had Osteoporosis! Why? I do everything right and have all of my life (I was raised by knowledgeable people.) Could VitD deficiency cause this!?

I just discovered I have a compressed fracture in my spine due to osteoporosis. I have been prescribed Caltrane Calcium pills that have 400 D in it as well taken daily as one pill a week of 50,000. Vitamin D. I was on a Fosamax pill once a week that gave me a great deal of pain. Would this pill be too much for me and what possible side effects are there. I am small framed. Thanks.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: MANY DOCTORS ARE PRESCRIBING THE SINGLE WEEKLY DOSE OF 50,000 IU VITAMIN D. YOURS WILL NEED TO MONITOR YOUR VITAMIN D BLOOD LEVEL TO MAKE SURE IT DOESN'T GO TOO HIGH.

I've just been told that my Vit D level was extrmely low and was placed on 50000iu of vitman D. Reading what other people have told, has helped me greatly. I'm 58 years old, complained of muscle pain, feeling tired all the time, unable to drink milk. Bad headaches and lack of sleep. Been on vitamin D for two weeks now and I see some improvement. Thank you and I do intend to continue taken mine.

I will start taking 50,000U of vitamin d tomorrow. I was really enlightened by the many comments on your site. Because of the large dosage, I initially considered talking to my doctor again before beginning this therapy.

Its always reassuring to feel that ones situation may get better. Thanks for this site.

I was just diagnosed today with Vitamin D deficiency and was given a prescription for 50000 units. I am a little scared regarding the side effects and the things that people have been saying. I have been experiencing stabbing shooting pains on the right side of my head and face. Only on the right side. They think I might have trigeminal neuralgia. My husband said," JUST THINK OF IT AS A VITAMIN AND THINK POSITIVE,. It's still hard to get your mind to take it. After the positive comments, I think I will. Kind of need reassurance. Thanks.

I have changed doctors and he ordered lab tests which included a vitamin D level. I was shocked today when he told me my level was only 12.He started me on 50000 units weekly for 12 weeks. I was hesitant to take such a high dose but I am anxious to see if I start to feel any better. I have never had my levels checked before.

I have been taking 50,000 iu of vitamin d once weekly for 4 weeks now. About 2 weeks ago I started having pressure headaches daily. One of the side effects listed on the information sheet was headaches. Is this something I need to worry about or is it a non serious side effect? I don't know it it makes any difference but I do suffer from migraines.

I turned 50 this year and have been on Synthroid and Cytomel for about 2 years now after thyroid surgery. I was just told today that I am very low in Vitamin D and my doctor prescribed 50,000 IU/week for 3 months. She will do more blood work at that time and I'll likely return to 1200 IU daily. I had noticed that within the last few months I had migraine headaches (which I never had before), more muscle aches (especially my neck and knees). I had just about decided that it was just one of the "perks" of growing older...so after learning about vitamin D deficiencies and reading all the posts on this site - well, I'm looking forward to feeling better! I'll come back in a few weeks and let you know how it is going!

I was told I have a severe vitamin D deficiency a week ago by my doctor. They prescribed me 50000 ui's 2x a week for 4 weeks and then I go back. I didn't get to talk to the doctor and with my rx there was no information on this pill or anything I should or shouldn't be doing or not doing.

I have been experiencing serious head aches this week and I am wondering if it has anything to do with the medicine? I don't normally get headaches, but my joints are starting to feel better and I did feel a bit of energy returning yesterday. But once again today I'm in the dumps, the pill seems to make it hard for me to sleep when I take it too.

Anyone else with this? I can't find a website or anything with prescription information on it like most normal prescriptions that I've had. On the bottle all that is says is "Vitamin D 50000 UI CAPS" I feel dumb because I can't find anything on it. I'm 22 and don't know why I would have this deficiency.

I play in the sun all of the time and take a 1200 mg of calcium with vit D a day. I would love to feel better but today is a full week since I started and I haven't noticed much of a difference other than these annoying headaches that NEVER go away.
If every day was like yesterday it would be worth it.
Please, anyone with information regarding side effects of the prescription would be wonderful to me.

Any ideas what causes Vitamin D deficiency? I've been sick for so long and no one in my family is or ever has had any problems like I do. It just seems so odd that no one else has bone problems, joint problems, tiredness, pain, etc. but me and then they find this and I can't find where I get it from.
Okay I'm done rambling :) Thanks for your help, reading your comments has helped me immensely. Thank you!

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO RUN A TEST TO RULE OUT CELIAC DISEASE. IT IS ONE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF DEFICIENCY.

I've just been informed of this vitamin D deficiency and the link to migraine headaches.
My daughter is 14 years old and has had chronic headaches for over a year now. Some days are really bad, and has recently been diagnosed with migraine.
We have ruled out eyes, hormonal changes, stress, and she recently started lisinopril 5 mg daily and topamax 25 mg twice daily. Her blood pressure was running in the 140/90 range, hence, the medication. She is 5 ft and 2 in and 109 lbs. She is active in school, exercising in PE class. That is about the extent of exercise. Her cholesterol levels were low for the good chol and slightly high end of normal for the bad chol. We have changed our diets.
However, last year, my husband and I thought to lower our wt and chol we would change the milk, too. We have been drinking the 1% for quite awhile.
My daughter loves to drink milk.

In the past week, after the neurology doctor and all that, we have been keeping a dietary journal.
Today I heard about the lack of Vitamin D and headaches. She also has pale skin, circles under the eyes, bone pain( I attributed to "growing pains")all over, difficulty sleeping, lethargy on some days, but the most troubling is the headaches.
We have an appt with an alternative medicine doctor but not until December.
Chiropractor helped a little, not much, and I am at my wit's end.

I don't know what else to do. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Would the calcium level in a blood chemistry test(she had in June)tell us the same as the Vitamin D level?
Please respond soon.
Thank you, Lori and Holly

I had blood work done, got a call from the nurse saying all is good, just that my Vitamin D was quite low. Said it was at 19 and should be at 100, and that I needed to pick up the prescription. That was it. I'm 54 have ostopino, menopause. Glad I am not the only one who's afraid to take such a large dose prescribed. Feeling better for all the related info ! Guess I'll start first thing in the morning... Thanks all !!

After almost seven years of joint and muscle pain, sleep issues, debilitating issues with major fatigue my Vitamin D level was checked. It's low and I was given the 50K dose to take for 3 months and then have blood work redone. I was almost afraid of the huge dose until I read the postings here.
Thanks!

I have been have been feeling terrible. almost like there is no life in me. Symptoms: dizzy when standing still (like in shower), napping a lot, no energy, confusion, short-term memory problems, irritability, and bone aches that lead to stiffening body upon awakening. I have had some headaches and lots of hair loss. I find hair everywhere. I just turned 50 and attributed it to either getting older or early onset of some geriatric condition such as dementia or alzheimers or something like that because my head was fuzzy all the time...and I can't have any interruptions or I forget what I was doing or saying.

I was just diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency and was the given the course of 50k i.u. of Vitamin D. Also, I was ordered to have a parathyroid test, too. Those results should be in in a week. I am at a point where I have to try something. Because living in a tired fog is not living at all. So I am hoping to update this comment to say the 50k I.U. of Vitamin D is making a change in my lifeless life.

I was the one that posted before about the headaches and sleeplessness on the pill. Well thanks to the people's pharmacy response I talked to my doctor about the celiacs disease and they did a preliminary test and think that I have it. I go in on Monday to get a complete diagnosis. Thank you so much for the advice. I may have never gotten a diagnosis!

I am 31years of age, i have been diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. I also have to take 50000iu of vitamin d, i am terrified, i am afraid of taking any kind of meds. I want to take the pill because i need too, but i can not get myself to do. I suffer from other medical conditions and don't take med for those because i am afraid. i have fibromyalgia, gerd, ulcers, i also suffer with anxiety and now this. It has been enough encouragement on this website so i am gonna try harder to take the vitamin D meds.

Hi, my doctor also sent me for vitamin D levels and mine are really low....i have terrible phobia of taking a ne pill,..my bottle says 1.25 mg once a week for 12 weeks, since i didn't get speak to my doctor I'm upset, i have an appoint in early January, so i was thinking maybe i can take pills in take one front of him, does anyone else think this way? I am looking obsessively on internet about this dose. I think it means 50,000 ....I'm exhausted with worry, i want do right thing not be scared take it, whats easy for one person isn't always easy for others. Each day i try open bottle, hearing from someone that doesn't have this fear saying "just take it," makes me feel worse. I need help with this truly ..thank you any feedback i would appreciate it.

I have fibromyalgia (diag. is 1991) am 44 and last year had VitD tested, was very low so Rx was 50K once a wk and 2000 OTC every day (for three months). Just had it tested again as I am in so much pain and it was barely on the charts so back again to 50K once a week. The doc said I will hurt a lot more if I don't take it and my body doesn't produce it so I will have to take at least 2000 a day of D3 for the rest of my life. I sure hope the pain gets less. Thought I was going to get crippled from fibro and am about to lose my job too. I sure hope it helps. Kind of forget if it helped last year.

My prescription for Vitam D is 1.25 mg. How does this compare with the I.U. dosage?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: ACCORDING TO THE WIKIPEDIA ENTRY ON VITAMIN D, one IU equals 25 ng.There are 1 million nanograms (ng) in a milligram, so 1.25 mg is 50,000 IU. That's a standard weekly dose for overcoming vitamin D deficiency.

I thought i was the only one with pill phobia, it nice to know i am not alone. I can relate to you on taking the meds, i also feel that i can take it in front of my doctor, but not at home. I pick up my meds everyday an tell myself i can do this, then i start thinking crazy so i put the meds back up. I never got up enough courage to take the meds for my deficiency. I just don't know what to do anymore.

After having a bone scan last year with lower scores than 2 years previously even though I was taking calcium and fosamax, my doctor ordered a vitamin d level. It was 17. After 2 months on 50,000 units, it "climbed" to 24. Finally at a low of 11.6 this fall, I was put on 50,000 units 2 times a week for @ 8 weeks. The results came back yesterday and I am at 49!! I have been instructed to take OTC 1000 D3 daily for 2 months to see if i can maintain the normal levels. I am hopeful, but this seems to be something that needs constant monitoring. I am frustrated that I spent years on Fosamax without knowing about the missing ingredient, thus not benefiting from that therapy at all.

this site was very helpful for me I was prescribed 50,000iu on 1-26-2009 by my doctor. I suffer with so many problems stated in these article I have read. I hope it will be beneficial for me.

i have been experiencing headaches, generalized fatigue, muscle weakness, confusion and even some vision problems during the past month. after ruling out a number of different possible issues, my dr. had my vitamin D level checked and it was revealed that my level was 16. she prescribed the 50,000iu megadose over the course of 4 weeks with subsequent testing to take place from then on. i have to say, i felt better the day after taking the first dose, but now it is 5 days later, i am starting to feel like i am relapsing to some degree. i am hopeful that the second dose i take early next week will once again provide me with some relief. this has been a really scary time.

I am 45 yrs old, went for a physical, blood tests and bone density test. Was given prescription for Vitamin D, 50,000 units, I too held on to the prescription, did lots of research, told to take one pill a week for two months then one pill a month, finally decided to take my the pill on a Saturday just in case there were any side affects like sleepiness etc. So far feels like if I took a regular vitamin, the more I read the less afraid I am and I know it's a good thing for my health. Reading the positive postings on this site has reassured even more. Thank you.

I am 43yrs old and was diagnosed with a IGA deficiency, celiac disease and have been underweight all my life. I was prescribed 50000 UI of Vit D and Nortrypiline (pain/anit-depressant). My hair is falling out and I can't gain weight. Do the side effects include hair/weight loss? Will be following up with the GI clinic for further allergy testing. Please advise..clf

I am a 32 year old african american female. Last July I started having palpitations, and I had been having dizzy spells for about a year. Of course the dr. checked my heart- no major problems. My thyroid level was almost non-existent (I had radioactive treatment 6 years ago). The endocrinologist started changing my dose because I was getting to much levothyroxine.

I was still sick about 3 months later and they switched me to synthroid. By November I had dizziness, headaches, terrible back pain, rt ankle swelling/pain,pressure in rt eye/face, extreeeeme fatigue, loss of interest in anything, short of breath at times, mood swings, memory loss, and anxiety!!! I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE SPECIALISTS- Cardio, Gastro,ENT, Neuro, OB/GYN,Endo and a Rheumatologist. After all these docs trying to put me on meds for everything from anxiety to high blood pressure, the endocrinologist finally tested my vitamin D level.

My TSH is now high (3), and my vitamin D level is 5!! I have hypothyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, GERD, and recurrent sinus infections because of a failing immune system. YOU have to be your own advocate. I thought I WAS DYING FOR MONTHS AND HAD ACCEPTED THE FACT. Pray, research, and demand thorough treatment. The only reason I discovered these problems was because I decided they would not find out what my illness was on autopsy.

Your doctor, unfortunately, is not ALWAYS looking at you as an individual, but as a textbook case. My endocrinologist (2nd in 4 months) just prescribed 50,000 I.U. 3 times a week for 12 weeks and then it decreases to 2 times a week for 9 weeks. We will take it from there. I will be starting it tomorrow. Although it is a heavy dose, not taking it scares me more than what will happen if I do take it.

I have been living in HELL for the past 8 months and I am looking forward to heaven on earth again!!! Have a little faith. I'm sure it will work out for myself and anyone else who believes..God bless

I am female aged 73. Always worked in the yard until a year ago, moved into an apt. This last October I didn't want to go out of the house I felt so bad. Saw the t.v. show The Doctors, mentioned Vitamin D deficiency. I went to the doctor and had him test me for that and Vitamin B 12. I was low on both. Have been on the large dose for a week now. Feeling good. I too, was afraid of the large dose. So far so good. I also take 1,000 of B12 day.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH VITAMIN D AND HOPEFULLY OFFERING SOME SUPPORT --- I am med phobic, and I've noticed that many people asking questions here are med phobic as well - that's how I found this site a few weeks ago, searching for info on high does of Vitamin D. My level is at 17 and my doctor prescribed Vitamin D 50,000 UI once a week/12 weeks. I filled the rx and let it sit on my desk for TWO weeks. I finally just did it and took my first dose last Saturday a.m., knowing my husband was going to be around all day "just in case".

Well, here's the results: I took the first dose, then Saturday came around again, I took the second dose, and I have had NO SIDE EFFECTS WHATSOEVER!!! All that anxiety and stress for nothing. But because I go through this anxiety with EVERY drug I'm prescribed and end up not taking half of them, ever, I just wanted to share my experience with the Vitamin D prescription. Because I know how you feel about getting a pill, any pill, into that mouth and actually swallowing it.

I had labwork done (Vit D, 25 Hydroxy); limits are 32.0 - 100.0 and mine came back at 31.1. I wonder if this is the cause of my headaches, depression, poor memory. Is 31.1 considered low? I am taking 1K units of Vit D every day since the last level came back at 31.1 over 8 mos ago, and NO CHANGE in the labwork!? It's exactly the same 8 months later!

4 years ago, I had horrible joint pain and was so tired I could not even walk up the stairs in my house. I could not function without sugar, carbs and caffeine. My vitamin D levels were tested and came back very low. My doctor put me on 50,000 IU's daily. It took 6+ months but I finally started feeling better. 4 years later, I am doing better than ever. I take over the counter vitamin D now and keep my levels up with 2000 IU's daily. The best thing that happened to me was getting diagnosed with low vitamin D. Good luck to you all!

I have just been Rx 50k IU of vitamin D to take once a day for 6 weeks and then take 2k IU of vitamin D everyday after that. Everything I have been reading says that they only take this high amt. for 1-3x per week. I am supposed to take 50k everyday. My doctor told me that my vitamin D was dangerously low? I am very concerned about side effects. Has anyone ever taken this large amt?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: USUALLY THE DOSE IS 50,000 IU ONCE A WEEK. PLEASE CONFIRM THE DOSE WITH YOUR DOCTOR TO MAKE SURE THERE IS NO MISTAKE.

I am in my 10th day of taking 50,000 IU a day of Vit D.. so far no side effects except one. I take my capsule at bed time, because about 30 minutes later I have a drunk feeling, so I just sleep it off during the night. I sleep a couple hours longer now, I hope that stays with me. The pain in my legs are lessening each day, I have a little more energy during the early afternoons. My Vitamin D level is 11.5 right now.. My cardiologist said I will have to stay on this high dose for 2 months..Then have more blood work to see where I'm at. I am reading that many only take their high doses once or twice a week. I take mine daily..

I've been struggling since the end of January with Panic attacks, anxiety, diarrhea, no concentration, headaches, and I just feel terrible. I'm 34 and I've rarely been sick in my life.

After suffering for two weeks I ended up passing out and ended up in the ER. I asked the Dr. to check my TSH (thyroid) and found out that I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Started on the synthroid - still felt terrible. Felt like I was hyperthyroid versus hypothyroid - but still tired. I always say that I'm tired. I had some numbness to my fingers and my legs felt wobbly but I really don't have pain like everyone else. This mostly effected me mentally... I could never understand anxiety or depression up until now and thought that folks just had to make up their mind and get over it - wow, I was wrong. Esp being a nurse. I've learned a huge lesson.

My Vitamin D level is @ a 10 and I'm now on 50,000 IU once a wk for 12 weeks. When will I notice the difference and did any of you have mental issues with low vitamin D?

Thanks
Rox

I have had severe pain and depression with anxiety for years. Was told it was fibromyalgia. I suffer migraines almost daily. Stiffness daily. Finally got into a Rheumatologist because was diagnosed with RA last Dec. Had a blood test done for Vit D def. Got a call from my docs off with very low vitamin D (level of 12). I just started on the 50,000 iu treatment. I hope it works... I want the pain gone and my life back.

Just got tested.
My vitamin D was at 5.
My OCD, anxiety and depression have been at an all time high.

Have not been able to sleep.
And hell yes my knees have been hurting.
Took my first pill (50,000 iu) last night.

Dear God in heaven- I slept well for the first time in close to a year.

Simply amazing

My mother was recently (today) prescribed the 50K weekly dosage of Vit D. My concern is that every website you see says that when taking Vit D that it is crucial that you also have adequate levels (either on you own or with supplements) of calcium and magnesium or the Vit D can be toxic. Does the RX dose also contain calcium and magnesium? And..is that why the pamphlet states not to supplement with any other vitamins? The reason I ask this is because she has been taking the calcium chew (once a day) that contains 500 mg of calcium and 400 IU of Vit D, plus vitamin K. Should this chew be stopped?

I have been having low vit d issues for at least 2 years (that I know of!). I kind of crash every fall and feel bad and then reach an all time low in February of anxiety, gerd, weakness, fatigue, etc. This year I thought I was ready. I tested at 18 in October. Bought a UVB light an began using it daily.

Initially I began to feel better then really crashed in February. I was retested and now I'm at 12. No more dealing with the regular MD. I took myself off to the endo and I'm on 50,000 weekly until I test at a good level. She thinks I will need to take if at some dose for life and at script strength.

Problem is that I feel really good for 2 days after the dose then slip back to awful as the week goes on. I'm hoping summer will fix me up but ...??? Anyway, I get headaches with OTC d3 but the only side effect with the prescription d2 is energy and sleep, blessed sleep! I have malabsorption from a nasty cdiff infection that I had years ago.

DOCTOR GAVE ME PRESCRIPTION FOR 35MG ACTONEL;;;;;;;;FOR ONCE A WEEK HE ALSO GAVE A PRESCRIPTION FOR
50,000 UNITS OF VITAMIN D
I THINK THIS IS TOO MUCH TO START ON.........ANY HELP OUT THERE??????????????????

My vitamin d level is 7, my doctor put me in 50,000iu of vitamin d three times a week and told me to also take 2,000iu of vitamin d daily for the next 3 months. He also told me to take a womens multivitamin daily. I already take 250 of magnesium to prevent my migraines. Do you think that the combo of all these vitamins could be toxic?

I am so glad to find info on this. My Vit D level is 7 and my doc has also put me on 50,000mg per week. I am a 43 yr old female who has been feeling fatigued, blurred vision, headaches, aches and pains, poor sleep (even though I am sooo tired), a bit dizzy at times & less patience with my kids. I also noticed weight gain and no sex drive. I had to push my gynecologist to run a vit D test.

My brother was diagnosed with MS and I read there might be a link to Vit D. So, I wanted to know how mine was. Surprise! It was so low. I am so looking forward to feeling better. I do not have MS symptoms, I just lucked out by wondering where my level was. I wish more people would write in and tell us about how you feel after bringing your Vit D level back up. What symptoms went away? Do you feel younger (I feel 40 years older than I am!) Thx!!

Most get prescribed Vit. D once a week. My Dr. is prescribing it twice a week? Could he be wrong on the dosage?

I'm a 37 yr old female. I've always been a healthy & active person. I started having extreme lower back pain on & off my last 2 months of my 2nd pregnancy. After the baby was born the pain stopped. Then 3 months later when I was breastfeeding the lower back pain started again by the 6th month I started to have teeth sensitivity & knee pain. I seen a orthopedic doctor he did a back xray & said my back looked good & he didn't know why I was having the teeth & knee pain.

I was frustrated & in pain off & on for the next few months. The pain just got more often & in other bones. I figured it would stop after i stopped breastfeeding. I quit breastfeeding at 13 months but the pain did not get better. I seen my primary doctor about a month later & told him of my symptoms bone pain, fatigue & anxiety. He wanted to give me a antidepressant like i was imagining my bone pain. I saw a rheumatologist doctor who did a bone scan & everything looked fine but my vitamin d was low.

I also seen a endo doc on my own & he said my vitamin D is @ 27. I did get a bone density test he said my bones were still good. Now that I been taking higher doses of vitamin D & tanning 3 times a week for the last 6 wks I've had a lot more bone pain than I was with a lot more fatigue & acid reflux but the endo said it may take 3 or 4 months until I'm feeling better & my vitamin d levels are at least @ 40. Higher levels of 50 to 100 are for optimal health.

Thank you for this site...I was just diagnosed as having a Vitamin D count of 13.5 and apparently it explains why my Jones Fracture of fifth metatarsal has not healed in 8 wks...not even begun to heal. So now I am being put on 50,000 units of Vitamin D and I certainly hope this helps as I also have Osteopenia (ct. of 20) and it seems I need this. I am also on Dilantin and Tegretol which the doc says also lowers my Vit. D levels. Thanks for this info..very helpful
sinserely kdb

I have read all of the stories here and can only say wow. I came to the doctor with pain. I didn't know why I was hurting all over but I was. The doctor prescribed me with 50k of the vitamin d. I am supposed to take it once a week a long with a daily dose of 800. I was freaked out about it, and still am freaked. I too have a pill phobia. I think it's really interesting that all of us who are vitamin D deficient have a pill phobia, I wonder if there is a connection.

Anyway after reading the stories I have decided that I will most likely live. So Monday morning I will take my first big dose. I was a good girl and did at least begin the 800 dose. I felt a little tired, but I woke an hour ago with no headache. I have been having them for quite some time, but this morning no headache. I will write back to let you know if I survive.

My vitamin D levels were at 8. For a few years I've had almost complete numbness in my lower body, muscle weakness in my legs. Pains in my legs, arms, and other muscles. I even had a surgery on my back, thinking it was a damaged disc (which I did have) but now think it was my Vit D level that was giving me these problems all along. I've been on a high dose of D for a month now. One pill a week, and I am seeing a big improvement already. I just don't know why my level was so low.

I just had my vitamin D level tested and it was extremely low at 4.1. My PCP started me on vitamin D 50000ui once a week for 3 months. I have been taking it for 2 months. I take it every Wednesday. Since I have started taking the vitamin D I feel like I have the flu with achy joints, tired all the time and my bones hurt, whereas, prior to taking the pills I felt none of this. This gets better as the Monday or Tuesday come around and then I have to take another one on Wednesday. I am going to continue as prescribed but everyone I have talked to usually feel better, why do I feel worse? Any suggestions?

Good Morning. I realize you posted your comment in April of 2008. Are you still working for an Endocrinologist and do you still see good results from people taking 50,000 IU of Vitamin D? I was diagnosed just this week with a Vitamin D level of 16. She (my Endocrinologist) said that I was very low.

Thanks for your comments listed in April 2008. I'm still a little concerned about any side effects from such a high dose. I have been searching the web and it seems the benefits far out way any side effects.

Thank you!

Hi S, Sherri, Bonnie, Jodie,LM, jik,

Since being diagnosed with a Vitamin D deficiency, are your symptoms better? I have just been diagnosed with that (level at 16), and was prescribed 50,000 IU once a week for three months, then the Endo will check my levels again.

Thanks,
P

Hi H,

Since you were diagnosed with a Vitamin D deficiency, are your symptoms better? Did you or have you had any side effects? I have just been diagnosed with that (level at 16), and was prescribed 50,000 IU once a week for three months, then the Endo will check my levels again.

Have been inquiring with other people before I start the medication. Thanks for any comments/info you have to offer.

Thanks,
PLA

Just got tested.
My vitamin D was at 5.
My OCD, anxiety and depression have been at an all time high.

Have not been able to sleep.
And hell yes my knees have been hurting.
Took my first pill (50,000 iu) last night.

Dear God in heaven- I slept well for the first time in close to a year.

Simply amazing

I am a 37 year old woman who has been active my entire life. I have always taken a multivitamin and eaten lots of cheese and yogurt. In February I started experiencing foot pain and swelling, so bad that I could barely walk on my feet in the morning. Two months later I made an appointment with a foot doctor who told me I had an injury from working out and needed orthotics. A month later my hands started feeling stiff and swelling as well. The feet did not improve with the orthotics. I was positive I had rheumotoid arthritis, but kept putting off going to the DR.

Finally after another 2 months I made an appointment and was given a blood test. A week later she informed me that my thyroid levels were dangerously low and my Vitamin D levels were as well (68). She told me I needed to take Synthroid immediately as well as 10000 IU of Vitamin D. Being someone who does not like to take any prescription, I drilled her with questions and then went home to research before filling my prescription.

A month later I am beginning to feel somewhat better but am still experiencing joint stiffness. I am hoping this will improve as I want to feel like myself again. I have a 3 year old son and could barely button his shirt in the morning. Very frustrating as I always have lead a healthy lifestyle.

How has the Vit D therapy been going?

After talking with my Endo, decided to not start at such a high dose (50,000 IU's). Have started over the counter Vitamin D, increasing every few days. I feel better, not 100%, but better. Will go back for lab work in a couple of months to see where levels are at.

Wishing you the best/ I have been on 50K units for 2 months, now off, will have levels ckd in 2 weeks or less. More joint pain since stopping, I suspect Vit D levels still low.

I am a very youthful 55 year old female that has been experiencing severe joint pain for some years. Orthodpedic doc finally discovered my vitamin d level extremely low - level 10. Was prescribed 50,000 units weekly 5 weeks ago, and finally got the nerve to begin taking dose 2 weeks ago. No noticeable improvement yet, but I am extremely fatigued and am therefore sleeping through the night for the first time in years. Am anxious to see how this progresses.

I would run as fast & far as I could from your doctor!
Take charge of your own health care!
NO GOOD DOCTOR SHOULD DENY YOUR REQUEST FOR TESTING!
Many people have found that they have been mis diagnosed with other disease's and in the end found that it is being low in Vitamin D!
Get tested! You will not regret it!
Doctors should NEVER deny your request!
If they do then they are not respecting you and not working FOR YOU!
You have the power to direct your own health care if you take it!

I hope you still read this.... I have the same symptoms as you and thought I was really dying. After reading everyone's posts I'm hoping my vitamin D therapy of 50,000iu once per week will start helping. I've only taken two doses but pray my life can get back to normal.

I too have bone and muscle aches. I really thought I was going crazy with the other symptoms such as nausea, weakness, depression and just like you my thyroid was out of whack. Good luck to you and me!

I am a 24 year old native American male. After reading all these comments I am wondering why I am not in severe pain, and feeling worse than I do, especially after reading all these comments about people taking a third of what I am for worse symptoms than what I have. I went to see my doctor about elevated liver enzymes and he ordered blood work and discovered I was vit. D def. He prescribed me 50k 3 times a week. I just took my first dose after reading all these comments. Periodically I would get a little sore muscle I thought it was low potassium because it wasn't severe. Thanks.

I just complained to my new Dr about my pain stiffness and weakness all over and had always blamed it on my weight, lack of exercise and even maybe a bad heart cause my arms and legs would get so tired and hurt I thought my heart wasn't pumping properly.

She told me about vitamin D deficiency and tested and sure enough mine was low and now starting on treatment. Now that I think back most of my symptoms started around the same time many years ago and have gotten so bad that I am in the bed most of the time I cant even sit up I am so tired and hurting.

My symptoms are swollen legs and feet, numbness in toes, arms and hands fall asleep thought this was due to carpel tunnel, digestive problems, low back pain, hip and leg joint pain and feels like my legs are coming out of socket makes it hard to walk, extreme stiffness, hands hurt so bad I can't hold a plate of food and washing my hair hurts and tires me.

My hair falls out all over the place, chronic sinus and bronchitis problems, chronic depression and anxiety, dizzy clumsy and unsteady, asthma. Ive been searching for an answer and I hope this is it so I can feel better and start living again. I feel better talking about it, thanks for this site.

Hello just wondered how your vit d was going. I am actually on the same thing just started but noticed the date on here but would love to know if you are feeling better. I am 35. Now I got like creepy feeling in my legs. Thank you very much.

My vitamin d level has always been ok. My life style has not changed. Why would my level bottom out?

I am so happy that I found this site! I am 34 years old and for the past couple of years I have not felt my best.

Tired to the point that I called it my "sleeping disease" to my doctor. I had a sleep study done and it found I had alpha delta sleep. No one has really been able to speak to that. Then all of a sudden my hair started falling out.

At first I thought it might be related to the fact that I had stopped my birth-control. I went to my doctor and again we ran a thyroid panel and this time a vit d level. My doctor left me a message that all my lab work was fine except my vit d level. She said my level was low 10.8 and said that I needed to take 1000 of vit d. I have yet been able to speak to my doctor ( I've tried for over a week). I started looking on line to research the normal levels and was surprised to find out that my level was sooo low. Does anybody know why these levels get so low? My calcium is normal. I also have IBS symptoms and have had a bx done for celiac in the past which was neg.

I'm concerned because people with higher levels than me are being treated with 50,000 iu and I was only told to take 1000iu's. I'm happy that this could be my reason for feeling so bad but that I'm not going to get enough replacement. Should I see a specialist? If so who?

She should test you and if she won't, go to another doctor. Your Vit D levels need to be 40-60ng/ml. If they are, you will not get a cold or flu. Your risk factor for certain cancers and heart disease drop as much as 75%. Pain levels and BP is reduced quickly. Hope that helps.

I am 52, have developed milk allergies over the past year and my blood test revealed my Vit D level was at 19. I took my first dose of 50,000 IU prescribed by my doc, within 16 hours of taking this I had broken capillaries in both eyes and my borderline blood pressure which has been 120/90 for a year or two jumped to 150/108 to 168/110 and it has been fluctuating on the high end for the last 3 days. The only thing different is that I took this 50,000 of Vit D. Has anyone else had these problems?

I would just like to start out by saying how happy I am that I came across this site. I seriously felt like I have been going crazy over the last 3 years. I also seriously thought I was dying! It really scared me! I am only 34 years old and could not understand what was happening to me. I started out with palpitations and chest pain and felt like I was going to pass out. I had one anxiety/panic attack after another. I also felt like if I sat down at any point I would fall asleep. I have actually fallen asleep while sitting at my desk at work.

Falling asleep like that is not good at work let alone when you have kids. My head for about a year and a half just didn't feel right. I can deal with constant pain...but walking around constantly feeling like I was going to pass out was not something I could handle. I went through a battery of tests with several specialist and 3 ER visits and they all kept telling me nothing was wrong. But I knew there was something seriously wrong!

I was so frustrated and scared! Through some of the testing I did find out that I had Hashimoto Disease. My endocrinologist put me on synthroid. I still felt the same. I felt hopeless! Everyone was telling me I was fine but I knew I wasn't. So my family doctor put put me on Prozac by my request because I seriously could not deal with the anxiety of going through my everyday life of kids, home and work while still feeling like I was dying and that something was terrible wrong.

FINALLY.... my endocrinologist... I am assuming because of my chronic complaints, tested my vitamin D level. At first I thought she was crazy! Thinking I feel soooooo bad how can it be something so simple. I cannot put into words how thankful I am that she had the sense to check this for me. My first test came back as a 6 (normal is around 40-50) She immediately called me and prescribed the 50,000 IU once a week for 3 weeks and then had me retested.

At first, when I started taking it I had a horrible headache where I felt like my head was going to explode. I kept taking it in hopes that it would help. Now... I am still tested regularly and just recently was increased to take 4000 IU a day pretty much for the rest of my life. I was afraid to take pills but I can honestly say IT IS SO WORTH it. I feel like myself again!

My symptoms have pretty much completely went away. I am my old self again. And honestly I would NEVER have thought it would have been something so simple!! I felt the need to write something on this sight in hopes of helping someone...anyone! I felt soooooo alone in my ordeal and felt like I was the only one that felt this way. Having doctor after doctor look at you like you are mental and saying they couldn't find anything wrong was agonizing! I truly hope someone will read this and it can help them. You are not alone... if you feel like I described above... Take my word for it... GET YOUR VITAMIN D TESTED!!

They even have home tests now if your doctor feels you don't need it. Take your health into your own hands. Keep talking about it until you find someone that will listen!! Low vitamin D can become very serious and has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. I am completely shocked that with such serious outcomes that more doctors are not checking this regularly! I hope this helps even one person! Best wishes!!

She checks my D levels regularly. Last time it had come up to 27. Went last week for more lab work and go to the Endo next Wednesday to get the results. I'm on 1,000 IU's a day (softgel). She may increase it if it hasn't come up more than that. Was initially diagnosed at level of 16. Feeling much better.

I told my Endocrinologist how sensitive I am to medications and was very hesitant about taking the 50,000 of Vitamin D. I started taking the 400 IU's a day. When I went back for my lab work, levels had gone up to 27. She put me on over the counter D of 1,000 IU's (softgel). I go next week to find out if levels have come up anymore. My blood pressure elevates from time to time. But, I also have Hyperthyroidism, which I'm also being treated for.

Just last night I watched a very informative interview on youtube entitled "Gabriele Stähler on Vitamin D3, with Bill Ryan: A Project Camelot Interview." Taken from youtube: "Bill Ryan from Project Camelot interviews Gabriele Stähler about Vitamin D3. This video contains the basics you need to know about how Vitamin D3 works in the body, how much to take when you want to supplement it for better health, and why it's important to know about as it is a natural antibiotic made in our bodies to protect us against viruses, bacteria and the most common illnesses (plagues?) of our time like cancer, diabetes, heart disease - etc."

My interest in Vitamin D deficiency began in January of this year. My hands became extremely sore to the point that I couldn't work at my computer; the knuckles became swollen and cracked as well. The physician's assistant at my GP's office sent me for xrays to rule out rheumatoid arthritis and ordered bloodwork to determine my Vitamin D level which came back at 8. I was immediately prescribed 50,000 IU once a week for 12 weeks. Within 3 weeks my hands were almost back to normal, but even more astounding, this is the first year in more than 24 that I have not caught a cold or developed a case of pneumonia. I never did follow up to see what my D levels were at the end of the 12 weeks - an aversion to visiting doctors' offices :(. I have, however, recommended to friends with similar symptomology to have their D levels checked, and all who have done so were found to be "severely deficient." Long-term high dose Vitamin D has alleviated the symptoms of each one.

High dose Vitamin D supplementation has been a blessing to so many I know! I am currently researching the recommendations Ms.Stähler makes for 5,000 - 6,000IU Vitamin D daily for an individual in my age group. That's what lead me to this site!

Best of health to all!

Milk is a the wrong way to be getting your vitamin D (ie, D3) as you're begging issues of cholesterol, fats, animal protein, hormones, etc.) - I take supplemental 5,000 IU D3 daily (live in Florida), w/ the objective of getting D3 into my system for calcium metabolism/absorption (re osteoporosis) as well as my treatment for 'MS'. Animal protein, from any source whatsoever, should really not be more than 12-15% of your total calorie intake.

See "The China Study" (author: Colin Campbell, Cornell Univ.) for a solid-statistical-method, evidence-based support of this animal-protein precaution. Vit D3 is receiving much current attention as to what the actual "RDI" should be.

An MD who is also an "ND" (naturopath) would go along way toward getting you properly focused on the right things to address. A good endocrinologist would also be helpful, but I recommend you find one who is (relatively) younger, or at least schooled in the newer understandings. I am 63, and was recently amazed at the ignorance (in one case) encountered w/ a like-aged endo. He is way behind the curve, and was not aware of peer-professional-sourced info available on the web.

Am currently shopping for new endo, and curiously, had a poor experience w/ just such a young Dr as I am suggesting. I guess it is like everything: It will take PERSEVERANCE and (some) LUCK!

Yes - You are soo right! Now that critical values can be measured (usually at reasonable cost), there is NO excuse for you not being allowed to know exactly what your various metabolic values are. From there, a competent professional can assess, recommend, (and prescribe as appropriate) based upon the patient's presentation/ circumstances.

You need (through your doc) to find out the origin of your pain. Is it neuropathic? Is is orthopedic? Testing can be done to test your "inflammatory levels", and from there, the pain's mechanisms-of-action MIGHT (I emphasize "might") be able to be ascertained. I have what is called a "Cox 2" pain issue, and this has to date (6 mos duration), been successfully dealt with w/ a doctor-determined-dosage of "Turmeric Curcumin". The big pharma produced pain med called "Celebrex" (likewise a "Cox 2" inhibitor like 'turmeric curcumin') was not possible for me due to my cardiac issues. To date The "turmeric-c" (in the dosage determined) has dramatically reduced/managed my "skeletal-pain" issues. Recommend you get to a competent rheumatologist (or other) to start your investigation, and an eventual diagnosis. The entire pain-resolution process can be long, tedious, and exasperating, a real "pain" (ha, ha). BUT IN THE END, PERHAPS: R-E-L-I-E-F.

Good Luck!

I too had many of your complaints, and was told I had to lose 75 lbs to get myself "right sized", and back into some semblance of good shape/health. along w/ my usual doctor Rx'd meds (NO DIET STUFF THOUGH!), I used "Omega Three" fish oil to get my baseline inflammation levels down, assist w/ my mood, help to curb my appetite cravings, assist w/ cardiac rhythm issues, and just generally get healthy "O-3" compounds inside my cell structures.

My diet was rigorous, and yet (being diabetic also) I JUST DID NOT experience the hunger pangs that I expected I would. THUS - I cannot emphasize enough the "balancing" (ie, "leveling out) effect the "Omega Three Essential Fatty Acids" (ie, fish oil) have done for my entire body's systems. It is nothing short of miraculous. Anecdotal you think?!? Well then: JUST "Omega Three Essential Fatty Acids" ("O-3 EFAs"), and prepare to "read away" on ALL the solid-researched studies "out there" that support all this. That is why I started on the fish oil (along with several other efforts), and it works!

Have a competent professional, preferably an "MD/ND" (ND = "Naturopath"), or a rheumatologist, or endocrinologist guide you on all of this. GOOD LUCK!

Yes- More and more, I read that 5000 IU is the recommended daily dose of VitD3. Of course, in good sunny weather you can get that much in just 20 mins walking in the sun. I have MS and thus moved to FLA just to get better weather for (1) walking and (2) "sunny" VitD3 intake. On cloudy days I just take a 5000 IU supplement. D3 is critical to proper calcium-absorption in the body (dealing w/ osteoporosis for one thing, if that is an issue for you).

Really glad I found this sight, for months I have been suffering severe pain in my lower back and hips, I started to think I was suffering from arthritis a bit early, I'm 38. I finally went to docs and I had x-rays and blood tests, he sent me for another blood test just to be sure, my level was below 10.

I had an injection on Dec 23 and will have another in 3 months. I have been sleeping better but bone pain is still bad, and reading about all the other symptoms explains so much, especially mood swings and depression. I have been in a much better mood the past week.

I exclusively breast fed my almost 3yr old and was never advised by anyone about vit d, once I stopped at 6 mos my daughter caught everything coming, actually stayed in hospital twice and this was probably down to a deficiency.

What I am worried about now is any long term effects, how long would it take for a persons level to get so low, will my bones heal?

Best wishes to everyone for 2010!

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IT DOES TAKE TIME FOR A DEFICIENCY TO DEVELOP AND IT MAY TAKE WEEKS OR MONTHS TO CORRECT IT. CORRECTING THE DEFICIENCY SHOULD RESTORE YOU TO HEALTH.

TAMMY!!

I read your description and I feel exactly how you did. Before I started taking the vitamin d I did not feel as bad as I feel now. I just felt as if something was off and I was tired. Now when I take it I notice that exact same cyclical symptoms. I take my pill on Sunday. I notice I feel progressively worse until about Friday and then I feel okay and have to take another pill. Like you I took my full prescription. Just TODAY (one day after taking my last 50000 IU) I started taking me 2000 IU daily.

I would love to know how you feel now? I really need to move past this debilitating pain and live my life. I'm 30.

I'd love to hear others' comments as well!

Thanks.

Started taking 50,000 vit d two weeks ago, once a week. vit D tests in the 20's somewhere.

The pills make me light headed, crampy and nauseous. Takes most of the day to go away. Do I continue to take? take a smaller over the counter dose or what?

(I occasionally get this reaction to meds - and also to calcium pills).

Hi Tammy and AK,

I wonder if you might have Vit D sensitivity? I've been reading about Vit D and did come across that some people are indeed more sensitive to it than others and will experience neg effects at dose levels that do not bother most people. Maybe those who are sensitive ought to start at a lower dose and work up to the 50,000? Don't know. Just a thought. Hope you are both feeling better.

My Endo started me on Vitamin D about 5 months ago. My level was at 16. It went up to 27 then down to 25. She wants me no lower than 30 and ideally between 40-60. Does anyone know how long it takes to regulate the Vitamin D levels? I have days where I feel just awful. Thanks for any comments!

Joan - I would not stop taking the vitamins. You cannot correct Vit D deficiency without these high doses. The over the counter ones will not correct it. If you are still having problems with the meds (some side effects go away) then call your doctor.

TLB!

Thanks so much for taking the time to write. It means a lot! That is an interesting theory. I'm glad to be done with the large doses and I've been taking 2000 IU daily. I notice less leg pain and more energy. I'm about 10 days since my last big dose and I do feel like those cyclical symptoms are gone. I'm not 100% yet - I think it'll take some time to get to feeling good. But at least I don't feel bad!

AK

Why won't over the counter work? 5000+ / day versus 50,000 in one dose per week. less in system at one time may not be so aggravating to stomach.

Also there are gels and pills? anyone know what the diff is? Also prescription I believe is D2 and over the counter is D3.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/01/the-miracle-of-vitamin-d-sound-science-or-hype/?nl=health&emc=healthupdateema1

Good article in todays NY Times about Vit D.

I have started taking 50,000 units 2x a week this is my second week. My problem seems to be when it's about time for the second dose I can hardly navigate, I am so tired. This usually comes after a terrible headache. I want to take the dose as prescribed but I cannot hardly function. Is this a mild side effect and should I just try to muster through it?

I was diagnosed with D Deficieny about 5 months ago. I was hesitant to take the 50,000 IU dose so started on an over the counter dose. My levels did come up (from 16 to 27). So the Endocrinologist had me take 1,000 IU's daily. When checked again, my level had dropped to 25. She increased me to 2,000. That was in November. I feel just awful. I'm scheduled to go and have my levels checked again at the end of the month.

Do you really believe the 50,000 IU's dose would make a difference? I know you've stated so previously, but am torn what to do. I called my Endo the other day and asked if I could go to 3,000 IU's and she said no. Not until my levels are rechecked???