Liotrix, also sold as Thyrolar, is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland). Manifestations of hypothyroidism include constipation, hair loss, weight gain, leg swelling and decreased concentration, according to MedlinePlus. Liotrix can also treat hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) and goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland). Liotrix is available as a tablet and is typically taken once a day.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Liotrix can cause changes in your mental state, including anxiety and depression. Signs of depression include feelings of sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness. As a result of these feelings, you may physically isolate yourself. Severe depression may lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. Call your physician if you start to display any of these symptoms. Liotrix can also cause fatigue, hand tremors, muscle or joint pain or nausea. Other routine manifestations include temporary hair loss, (especially in children), headache and fatigue.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com indicates that Liotrix's serious effects include chest pain, increased blood pressure, shortness of breath, bradycardia (slow heartbeat) and wheezing. When blood pressure, which is the force of blood against your blood vessel walls, is is elevated, your heart has to beat faster to overcome the resistance. Thus, hypertension (high blood pressure) increases your risk for having a heart attack. Bradycardia results in less blood circulation to the rest of your body because your heart beats too slowly. A potentially fatal condition medically known as shock can result when your heart doesn't pump adequate quantities of blood to the rest of your body. Multiorgan failure may ensue. This can result in death. Liotrix's other serious side effects include muscle stiffness or cramping, asthenia (physical weakness), sluggishness and joint swelling. Call your doctor if Liotrix causes any of these manifestations.
Other Concerns
Avoid Liotrix if you are allergic to it or any other hypothyroid medications. An allergic response to Liotrix can cause such potentially fatal side effects as trouble breathing and throat or facial edema. This medication should not be used to treat obesity, says MedlinePlus. Doing so can lead to potentially life-threatening toxicity. Avoid combining Liotrix with such medications as dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine or benzphetamine. Liotrix and these medications taken together can lead to the aforementioned side effects.
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