Synthroid Side Effects

Over the course of two years, I gained more than 50 pounds, despite the fact I was eating healthy. I had no energy and tired easily. My hair was breaking off and my nails were brittle. I was freezing cold all the time. I attributed all of these symptoms to menopause and getting older.

Finally, on a visit to the doctor, I complained about my weight gain and being tired and cold. She took some blood, and in a few days, I learned that I had an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism). I was prescribed Synthroid in a 50 mcg. tablet to be taken once a day an hour before breakfast. I was told that people taking Synthroid needed blood test once or twice a year to make sure the dosing was correct and that it was a medication I would need to take the rest of my life. Since my diagnosis 10 years ago my dosage has increased and I'm now taking 125 mcg. Synthroid made my body function normal again and all of my symptoms have disappeared.

Synthroid doesn't come without risks in the form of side effects, though. Side effects that can be bothersome but not life threatening can include: weight loss, tremor, headache, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, excessive sweating, increased appetite, fever, changes in menstrual cycle, sensitivity to heat and temporary hair loss. Most of the time these side effects go away on their own, but if they are severe or don't go away it's best to talk to your doctor. Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention are: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or swelling of the face and tongue.

It's important that you tell your doctor all of the other medications you are taking before taking Synthroid especially: amphetamines; Coumadin; antidepressants or anti-anxiety agents; arthritis medicine; aspirin; beta-blockers such as Lopressor or Toprol, Inderal, Blocadren or Timoptic; cancer chemotherapy agents; diabetes medications (insulin and tablets); Lanoxin; estrogens; iron; methadone; oral contraceptives; Dilantin; steroids; TheoDur; and vitamins.

If you take Tums, Questran, Colestid, Kayexalate, Phazyme, Gas X, Carafate or iron, take it at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take Synthroid. These medications can reduce absorption of Synthroid into your system.

As with all medications tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Synthroid, call your doctor. If you have surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Synthroid.

Synthroid has been taken safely by consumers since 1955. It is is a synthetic form of thyroxine (thyroid hormone) that is usually well tolerated by most people.

Sources:
Wikipedia.org
MedlinePlus.gov