Effects of Synthroid
Synthroid is a drug used to supplement deficient levels of thyroid hormone so that a patient's metabolism functions properly. Patients taking certain medications or with pre-existing conditions should consult a doctor before use, as Synthroid can cause a number of allergic reactions and side effects.
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Identification
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Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium) is the brand name for a synthetic version of the naturally occurring thyroid hormone thyroxine.
Doctors use Synthroid to treat low natural levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) caused by thyroid malfunction or atrophy, injury or damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, surgery, radiation or the effects of other drugs. Patients suffering from thyroid cancer, those who have had their thyroid surgically removed or patients with a goiter (swelling of the thyroid) have also taken Synthroid to treat thyroxine deficiency.
Patients of all ages, including children and infants, can take Synthroid.
Effect On Metabolism
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In the body, thyroxine increases and regulates metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and vitamins, affects protein synthesis, and works with growth hormone to regulate bone growth. Thyroid hormones exert effects on almost every cell of the body, and a deficiency of this hormone can result in abnormal metabolism and development.
Adults suffering from thyroxine deficiency can experience mildly detrimental metabolic effects that include poor muscle tone, fatigue, brittle nails and hair, depression, weight gain and dry skin. Long-term hypothyroidism can cause more severe metabolic defects that lead to low body temperature, menstrual irregularities, impaired memory and cognitive function, sluggishness, lowered heart rate, hair loss, anemia, decreased libido, irritability and the constant need for sleep.
Patients taking Synthroid usually experience an alleviation of these symptoms after several weeks of Synthroid treatment. In some cases, patients must take this drug for the remainder of their lives.
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Contraindications
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Synthroid use is not indicated for anyone who has recently suffered a heart attack, who has coronary artery disease, clotting problems, osteoporosis, or impaired pituitary or adrenal function.
Breast milk transmits Synthroid to nursing infants, but it is not considered harmful, and women can use it during pregnancy as well.
Synthroid's activity is affected by the activity of other medications, and patients should not take it if they are also taking anticoagulants, blood thinners, amphetamines, certain cholesterol medications, diet pills, or asthma medicine. Synthroid can affect blood sugar levels, so diabetics may need to alter their insulin dosage accordingly.
Overdose
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A patient's daily dosage of Synthroid is determined by a number of factors, including age, weight, previously measured thyroid hormone baseline (amount naturally found in blood), prior instance of disease, and the condition being treated. A healthy patient under 50 who weighs 150 lbs. might take between 100 to 125 micrograms daily.
Patients who take more than the recommended dosage can experience overdose symptoms that include heart failure, coma, fever, and low blood sugar, and massive overdose may result in fatality. Overdose side effects will begin to present anywhere from six hours to 11 days after taking improper amounts of Synthroid.
Allergic Reaction
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Patients taking Synthroid may experience allergic reactions to the drug which include itching, rash, hives, labored breathing, flushing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, hives and chest pain.
Side Effects
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Use of Synthroid can result in a number of side effects that range from headache, insomnia, edema (swelling of legs and ankles), irregular heartbeat, increased appetite, clumsiness, coldness, interrupted bowel function, lethargy, muscle pain, changes in appetite, menstrual dysfunction, mood changes, weakness, and weight loss or weight gain.
Long-term use of Synthroid can cause bone loss and possibly osteoporosis.
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