Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the overactive thyroid gland produces excess amounts of the hormone thyroxine. Symptoms include rapid weight loss, anxiety, nervousness and irregular heartbeat. Treatment of hyperthyroidism involves medications that slow down the production of thyroid hormones to alleviate symptoms.
Anti-Thyroid Medications
Effective treatment of hyperthyroidism involves preventing the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Commonly prescribed medications used to achieve this are propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (tapazole). Both PTU and methimazole cease the production of thyroid hormones, but do not interfere with the actions of hormones already stored in the thyroid or circulating in the bloodstream.
Radioactive Iodine
According to The Mayo Clinic, radioactive iodine is absorbed into the thyroid gland and causes it to shrink; this slows thyroid activity and alleviates symptoms of an overactive gland. The process takes from 3 to 6 months. Thyroxine is prescribed to replace the thyroid hormone that is halted due to the treatment. Radioactive iodine is used alone or with anti-thyroid medications.
Beta Blockers
Unlike anti-thyroid medication and iodine, beta blockers do not affect the production of thyroid hormones and are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure, arrhythmia and chest pain. According to the Texas Heart Institute, they prevent adrenaline from working on the "beta" receptors within the body. This results in slowing down the nerve impulses in the heart, which slows the heart's rate and workload. Beta blockers treat common complaints associated with hyperthyroidism, such as a rapid heart rate or irregular heart beat. A study by J. Feely and N. Peden, published in the May, 1984 issue of Drugs, explains that beta blockers are prescribed to treat hyperthyroid symptoms in patients waiting for an accurate diagnosis or for thyroid levels to return to normal.
