Special precautions: Thyroid hormone should not be used to treat obesity in patients with normal thyroid function. Levothyroxine is ineffective for weight reduction in normal thyroid patients and may cause serious or life-threatening toxicity, especially when taken with amphetamines. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks associated with this medication.
Drug Name: Synthroid
Brand Names: Euthyrox, Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid
Generic Name: levothyroxine (lee voh thy ROK seen)
Uses: Synthroid is used for thyroid treatment. The end goal of taking this medicine is to establish and maintain the right level of thyroid hormone in the body. It works by supplying the body with a synthetic hormone to replace the thyroid hormone that is not effectively produced by the body.
How to use: There are 12 different doses of Synthroid. Your doctor can match the exact dose that you body needs. It may take several months though to adjust your dose of medication. So, it may take a while for the medicine to work for you. Once the proper dosage has been established, the doctor will test your TSH level every six to 12 months as the amount of thyroid hormone in your body may change over time. Most patients are directed by their doctors to take Synthroid 30 to 60 minutes before taking breakfast. The medicine will work well in an empty stomach. A full glass of water should be taken though with each dose. You should also take Synthroid at the same time each day.
Side Effects: Some of the side effects experiences in taking Synthoid are tremor, nervousness, irritability, headache, insomnia, diarrhea, changes in appetite, weight loss, leg cramps, menstrual irregularities, fever, sweating and heat sensitivity. Serious side effects that may lead to the stop of the medication and the need for emergency medical attention can also be experienced. This includes an allergic reaction that may lead to difficulty breathing, closing your throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face. Vomiting, chest pain, irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath may also occur.
Precautions: Before starting your treatment with Synthroid, you must first inform your doctor if you have a heart disease such as coronary artery disease, hypertension or angina. These medical conditions may be affected by thyroid therapy. Changes in blood sugar may also occur if you have diabetes. It is also important to notify your doctor beforehand.
Drug Interaction: Medications such as iron and calcium supplements and antacids can reduce the effectiveness of Synthroid. These should be taken four hours before taking Synthroid.
Overdose: Medical treatment is needed upon Synthroid overdose. Symptoms include chest pain, nervousness, trouble sleeping, rapid heartbeat, nausea, wheezing, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Notes: You should not stop taking Synthroid without consulting with your doctor first. Changing of brands or shifting to a generic drug should also be consulted first to your doctor.
Missed Dose: Take a missed dose as soon as you remember. It is important though to take Synthoid at the same time each day so as not to disturb your body’s thyroid balance. If it is almost time for the next dose, don’t double up your dose. Just skip the missed dose.
Important Note: You should check your medication at the pharmacy. Both the bottle and the pills should be examined to make sure that you are taking the exact dose that your doctor recommended.
Storage: Synthroid should be stored at room temperature and kept away from moisture and heat.
External Sources for Synthroid:
Synthroid patient information from Abbott Laboratories
Thyroid information, specifically that related to Synthroid medication
Medicinenet drug information for Synthroid (Levothyroxine)
