Synthroid is a brand name of levothyroxine, a medication used to treat thyroid conditions and replace the hormone that an underactive thyroid gland does not sufficiently produce. Synthroid is prescribed after a thyroidectomy, the partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland, and used to manage thyroid cancer, goiters and hypothyroidism. Synthroid should be taken at the same time each day and dosing should be followed carefully. Blood tests help determine the correct dose for each patient. Synthroid is generally taken for life.
Overstimulation
Rapid increase in dosage or excessive dosage can create an overstimualtion of the thyroid gland. Symptoms mimicking hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland, can occur. Common mood changes include anxiety, emotional instability, agitation, depression and nervousness. Physical signs of too much Synthroid include insomnia, heart palpitations, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, tremors, fatigue, headache, and changes in appetite or weight. Lowering the dose of Synthroid will decrease symptoms of overstimulation within a few weeks. The patient's doctor should be consulted right away if any of these symptoms occur.
Overdose
Synthroid should only be used to treat a low functioning thyroid. Misusing this medication can lead to possible life-threatening symptoms. Too much thyroid hormone in the blood puts a patient at risk of heart failure or heart attack, stroke, coma and death. Disorientation and confusion may occur. If an overdose is suspected, emergency medical attention should be sought.
Short-Term Effects
According to Mary Parks, M.D., Director of the FDA's Division of Metabolic and Endocrine Drug Products, the safety of Synthroid is well documented. When taking the prescribed dose correctly, Synthroid rarely causes side effects. Temporarily, patients may experience mild hair loss. As the body regulates to the medication and the correct dose is prescribed, hair loss often stops and new hair begins to grow. Allergic reactions to Synthroid, including a rash or hives, can happen. Speak with a doctor if any skin conditions occur. A doctor should closely monitor the blood work and symptoms of a patient during the first few months of taking Synthroid to ensure that the correct dose of synthetic hormone is prescribed. Too much Synthroid may increase these side effects.
Long-Term Effects
Long-term use of Synthroid may decrease bone density and increase the risk for osteoporosis. Taking a higher dose then necessary can increase this risk, especially in postmenopausal women. The University of Maryland recommends patients take the correct dose, have blood work done every six months and have a doctor adjust the dose as needed to lower the risk of osteoporosis.
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