I just thought I'd let you know that when I started iodine, I had a sore throat for a few days, a consistent headache for many days (2-3 weeks but I took breaks on weekends) and after maybe a week, I started having a metallic taste in my mouth. So it sounds like your reaction was much stronger, but those particular 2 symptoms which you included in your list I attribute directly to iodine.
I've also read for some people that it is easier to go high dosage than low dosage! I don't know - I jumped right in with 12 drops daily, but you have to do what's good for you as I'm different (or maybe try when you don't have to be at work). People have their own personal stories about high vs. low dosage that you can read.