Synthroid is a hormone replacement drug that is given to people whose thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone to regulate the body’s metabolic system. Synthroid is used to treat hypothyroidism, and it is also used to prevent a goiter in people with a slow thyroid gland.
The medication is usually well tolerated and general side effects of Synthroid usually result from therapeutic overdoses and will include the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. These symptoms will include weight loss, increased appetite, insomnia, anxiety, and menstrual irregularities.
The cardiovascular side effects of Synthroid can include palpitations, hypertension, tachycardia and angina. These symptoms may be worse in people who have underlying cardiovascular disorders.
The endocrine side effects of Synthroid have included changes in the symptoms of diabetes and changes in the symptoms of adrenal cortical insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease. These symptoms include muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure and irritability and depression.
There have been rare reported nervous system side effects from Synthroid. In a few cases, seizures were reported after the initiation of Synthroid therapy. Synthroid has also been reported to cause a few dermatologic side effects. Some people reported hair loss during the initial months of therapy. There is also conflicting evidence that Synthroid can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
You should not change brands or switch to a different generic brand of Synthroid without consulting your doctor. Different brands of this medication may not work the same.
Some people may develop what is called an anaphylactic reaction after the initiation of a new medication. If you develop hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat you must get emergency medical help.
If you start to notice headaches, sleep problems, fever, hot flashes, appetite changes or weight changes you should let your doctor know right away. These side effects are less serious than the anaphylactic side effects, but they warrant prompt medical attention.
It is also important that you are aware of how other medications can affect the effectiveness of Synthroid. You must make your doctor aware of any medication that you may be on. Lithium, anti-depressants and amiodarone may cause serious medical problems if taken with Synthroid.
If you are currently taking calcium supplements, iron supplements, cholesterol lowering drugs or antacids that contain aluminum they can make Synthroid less effective. You can continue taking these medications but do not take them within a four hour time period of taking your Synthroid.
If you ever have a question about Synthroid, and its side effects you can always ask your pharmacist. He will have a lot of helpful information for you about all of your medications. It is also important that you make your doctor aware of any herbal supplements you may be taking. Some herbal supplements have been known to interfere with certain prescription medications.
Resources:
National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service: Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison’s Disease
http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/addison/addison.aspx
Drugs.com: Synthroid
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/synthroid-side-effects.html
Synthroid: Possible Synthroid Side Effects
http://www.synthroid.com/WhatIsSynthroid/SideEffects.aspx
RxList: Synthroid
http://www.rxlist.com/synthroid-drug.htm
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