Synthroid is a thyroid hormone replacement drug, designed for people with underactive or "sluggish" thyroids. Because your thyroid gland controls metabolism, one of the signs of hypothyroidism is weight gain. Although it can be frustrating to wait, once you find the correct dose of synthroid, your metabolism will correct itself and you should return to your healthy body weight. Taking diet pills or supplements can stop your body from absorbing synthroid properly, and depress your metabolism. Talk to your doctor about potential drug interactions with synthroid and other medications, vitamins or supplements.
Synthroid
Levothyroxine is the generic name for a range of thyroid replacement hormones, such as synthroid. Synthroid replaces the T4 hormone, levothyroxine, that your thyroid gland would naturally produce. If you have hypothyroidism, you're lacking two hormones, T3 and T4, but you only need to replace T4 because your body can convert T4 into T3, even if you have an underactive thyroid. It can take three months or longer to find your proper dose of synthroid, as it takes time to build up in your body. Too much synthroid can cause the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including rapid heartbeat, insomnia and hair loss.
Absorption
Synthroid must be taken on an empty stomach at the same time every day. It's usually recommended to take it upon waking, about an hour before breakfast. Many foods, minerals and drugs can interact with synthroid and make it less effective. Anything that interferes with digestion, either slowing it down or speeding it up, can stop your body from absorbing the hormone properly. Synthroid can also affect other drugs, especially diabetes medications, making them less effective. Your doctor may even increase your insulin or other diabetes medication when you begin to take synthroid.
Diet Drugs
Orlistat, the active ingredient in Zenical and Alli, is not recommended for use with synthroid. Orlistat works by blocking the digestion of fat, allowing it pass through your intestines -- where synthroid should be absorbed, but orlistat interferes with gastrointestinal absorption. Glucophage is a diabetic weight-loss drug that is rendered ineffective by synthroid. Because glucophage, also known as metformin, helps keep blood sugar levels stable, taking these two drugs together can lead to high blood sugar levels and make diabetes worse.
Fiber Supplements
A high-fiber diet can speed digestion and not allow your body the proper time to fully absorb the replacement thyroid hormone. Fiber is a common weight-loss aid because it helps increase feelings of satiety, allowing you to eat less and wait longer between meals without hunger. Ultimately this leads to a caloric reduction and weight loss. Eating real foods high in fiber shouldn't affect your medication, but adding high-fiber supplements might. Although it's possible to lose weight while taking synthroid, you may have better results not by using diet products, but rather by following a healthy balanced diet and exercising regularly. Monitoring your thyroid hormone levels regularly will ensure you have the proper amount of T4 hormone available and keep your metabolism functioning.
Member Comments