What are the side effects of too much synthroid. Understanding Synthroid Side Effects: Comprehensive Guide to Potential Risks

04.07.202311.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common and serious side effects of Synthroid. How does Synthroid affect weight, heart health, and bone density. When should you consult a doctor about Synthroid side effects. What are the long-term implications of Synthroid use.

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What is Synthroid and How Does It Work?

Synthroid, known generically as levothyroxine, is a synthetic thyroid hormone medication approved by the FDA for treating hypothyroidism and certain types of thyroid cancer. It functions by replacing or supplementing the body’s natural thyroid hormones, which are crucial for maintaining proper metabolism.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones naturally. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Synthroid helps alleviate these symptoms by providing the body with the hormones it needs to function properly.

In the case of thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer, Synthroid helps lower levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which may inhibit the growth of cancerous thyroid cells.

Common Side Effects of Synthroid: What to Expect

While Synthroid is generally well-tolerated, it can cause a range of mild side effects. These typically occur as the body adjusts to the medication and often resolve on their own over time. Common side effects include:

Weight loss
Hair loss
Headache
Digestive issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
Heat intolerance
Fever
Excessive sweating
Muscle weakness or spasms
Shortness of breath
Anxiety or irritability
Irregular periods
Sleep difficulties

Is hair loss from Synthroid permanent? Hair loss associated with Synthroid use is typically temporary. As your body adjusts to the medication and your thyroid hormone levels stabilize, hair growth often returns to normal. However, if hair loss persists or becomes severe, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider.

Serious Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Attention

While less common, Synthroid can potentially cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:

Decreased Bone Mineral Density

Long-term use of Synthroid, especially at higher doses, may lead to decreased bone mineral density. This can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women.

How can you protect your bone health while taking Synthroid? Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing activities, and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake can help maintain bone density. Your doctor may also recommend bone density scans to monitor your bone health over time.

Heart Problems

Synthroid can affect heart rhythm and function, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those taking excessive doses. Symptoms of heart problems may include:

Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Swelling in the legs or ankles

Allergic Reactions

Although rare, allergic reactions to Synthroid can occur. Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

Skin rash or hives
Itching
Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
Difficulty breathing

If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Long-Term Effects of Synthroid: What You Need to Know

While Synthroid is generally safe for long-term use, it’s important to be aware of potential long-term effects. These can include:

Bone Density Changes

As mentioned earlier, long-term use of Synthroid may affect bone mineral density. This risk is particularly significant for postmenopausal women.

Thyroid Function

Long-term use of Synthroid can potentially suppress the body’s natural thyroid function. Regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels is crucial to ensure the medication dose remains appropriate over time.

Cardiovascular Effects

While Synthroid can improve cardiovascular health in individuals with hypothyroidism, long-term use at excessive doses may increase the risk of heart problems.

How often should thyroid function be monitored in long-term Synthroid users? Typically, doctors recommend thyroid function tests every 6-12 months for stable patients. However, more frequent testing may be necessary if dose adjustments are made or if symptoms change.

Synthroid and Weight: Separating Fact from Fiction

One of the most common concerns among Synthroid users is its effect on weight. Let’s address some key points:

Weight Loss

Weight loss is a potential side effect of Synthroid, particularly when starting treatment for hypothyroidism. This occurs because the medication helps restore normal metabolism.

Weight Gain

Contrary to common belief, Synthroid itself does not cause weight gain. In fact, weight gain is more commonly associated with untreated hypothyroidism.

Why might some people experience weight gain while on Synthroid? If weight gain occurs while taking Synthroid, it may indicate that the dosage is not sufficient to fully treat the hypothyroidism. In such cases, a dosage adjustment may be necessary.

Synthroid Overdose: Recognizing the Signs

Taking too much Synthroid can lead to a condition similar to hyperthyroidism, where thyroid hormone levels are excessively high. Signs of Synthroid overdose include:

Extreme heat intolerance
Profuse sweating
Nervousness or anxiety
Insomnia
Muscle spasms or weakness
Rapid heartbeat
Tremors
Diarrhea

What should you do if you suspect a Synthroid overdose? If you believe you’ve taken too much Synthroid, seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to treat the overdose on your own.

Managing Synthroid Side Effects: Tips and Strategies

While some side effects of Synthroid may be unavoidable, there are strategies to manage them effectively:

Timing of Medication

Take Synthroid at the same time each day, typically in the morning on an empty stomach. Wait at least an hour before eating or taking other medications.

Dosage Adjustments

Work closely with your healthcare provider to find the right dosage. Regular blood tests can help ensure your thyroid hormone levels remain within the optimal range.

Lifestyle Modifications

Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep to help manage side effects and support overall thyroid health.

Complementary Treatments

Some individuals find relief from side effects through complementary treatments like acupuncture or stress reduction techniques. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new treatments.

Can lifestyle changes completely eliminate Synthroid side effects? While lifestyle modifications can help manage side effects, they may not eliminate them entirely. The effectiveness of these strategies can vary from person to person.

Special Considerations: Synthroid Use in Specific Populations

Certain groups may require special considerations when taking Synthroid:

Pregnant Women

Proper thyroid hormone levels are crucial during pregnancy. Pregnant women may require dosage adjustments and more frequent monitoring.

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of Synthroid and may require lower doses. They’re also at higher risk for decreased bone mineral density.

Individuals with Heart Conditions

People with pre-existing heart conditions need careful monitoring when taking Synthroid, as the medication can affect heart function.

Patients with Other Medical Conditions

Synthroid can interact with various medical conditions and medications. Full disclosure of medical history and current medications to your healthcare provider is crucial.

How does Synthroid dosage differ for children compared to adults? Children typically require higher doses of Synthroid relative to their body weight compared to adults. Dosage is usually adjusted based on both weight and thyroid function tests.

Understanding the potential side effects of Synthroid is crucial for anyone taking this medication. While most side effects are mild and temporary, being aware of the possible risks allows for prompt recognition and management of any issues that may arise. Regular communication with your healthcare provider, adherence to prescribed dosages, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can all contribute to minimizing side effects and optimizing the benefits of Synthroid therapy. Remember, thyroid health is an ongoing journey, and with proper care and attention, most individuals can successfully manage their condition and lead healthy, active lives.

Long term, in older adults, and more

Synthroid (levothyroxine) is a prescription brand-name medication. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat:

hypothyroidism in people of all ages
thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer in adults

Hypothyroidism causes your body to not make enough thyroid hormones. Your body needs thyroid hormones for your metabolism to work correctly. Metabolism affects everything from your digestion and temperature to your body’s ability to repair itself after injury.

With thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer, a thyroid hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) can cause cancerous thyroid cells to grow. Synthroid helps lower levels of TSH, which may help stop the cancer from growing.

Here are some fast facts on Synthroid:

Active ingredient: levothyroxine, which is available as a generic
Drug class: synthetic thyroid hormone
Drug form: oral tablet

As with other drugs, Synthroid can cause side effects. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of the medication. For a general overview of Synthroid, including details about its uses, see this article.

Mild side effects can occur with Synthroid use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Synthroid’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Synthroid include:

weight loss*
hair loss*
rash*
headache
digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
intolerance to heat
fever
sweating excessively
muscle weakness or spasms
shortness of breath
anxiety or feeling irritable
irregular periods
difficulty sleeping

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Synthroid and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Synthroid may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Synthroid’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Synthroid, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms can include:

Decreased bone mineral density. Symptoms can include:
- decreased height
- bones that break easily
Heart problems. *
Allergic reaction.*†

* For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Synthroid. But this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials.

Long-term side effects

Most side effects of Synthroid are not serious and usually go away on their own. However, some side effects can be long term. These include decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Females* who have gone through menopause may be at a higher risk for decreased BMD.†

If you have questions about long-term side effects from Synthroid, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
† For more information about the risk of BMD, see the “Synthroid precautions” section below.

Side effects of taking too much Synthroid

Side effects of taking too much Synthroid are similar to the side effects of hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid hormones). This is because Synthroid is a synthetic version of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone that your body makes naturally.

Side effects of taking too much Synthroid, which are also symptoms of hyperthyroidism, can include:

intolerance to heat
sweating excessively
nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
trouble sleeping
muscle spasms or weakness

Remember to take Synthroid exactly as your doctor prescribes. You should not take more than the dose recommended by your doctor. This can help you avoid side effects from taking too much Synthroid.

Synthroid may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Can Synthroid cause weight gain?

Weight gain isn’t a known side effect of Synthroid. Weight gain wasn’t reported by people taking the drug in clinical trials.

Weight gain is a known symptom of hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormones), which Synthroid is used to treat. If you have low levels of thyroid hormones in your body, your metabolism may be slowed down. This may lead to weight gain.

If you notice weight gain while taking Synthroid, talk with your doctor. They may want to order blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels. Your doctor may adjust your Synthroid dose based on these tests.

What are Synthroid’s side effects in older adults?

Synthroid’s side effects in older adults are generally the same as those seen in other adults. However, older adults may have a higher risk of heart-related side effects with Synthroid. These may include heart palpitations or an increased heart rate. So your doctor may start you on a low dose and monitor you more closely than usual.

For more information, you can see the mild and serious side effects sections above. If you have additional questions about using Synthroid in older adults, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are the side effects of Synthroid and its generic version different?

No, side effects of Synthroid and its generic version, levothyroxine, aren’t expected to be different. This is because Synthroid contains the active drug levothyroxine.

For more information on how Synthroid and levothyroxine compare, see this article.

Is joint pain a side effect of Synthroid?

No, joint pain isn’t a reported side effect of Synthroid, according to clinical trials. But joint pain has been reported as a symptom of an allergic reaction to Synthroid. (For more about allergic reactions, see “Side effect specifics” below.)

If you’re concerned about joint pain, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Synthroid cause dry mouth?

It isn’t likely. People taking Synthroid didn’t report dry mouth as a side effect in clinical trials.

But dry mouth can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, which Synthroid is used to treat. With treatment, dry mouth will likely go away.

If you have additional questions about dry mouth, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If I stop using Synthroid, could I have side effects of withdrawal?

No, stopping the use of Synthroid shouldn’t cause withdrawal side effects. But it could cause symptoms of the condition the drug is treating to return. For example, if you use Synthroid to treat hypothyroidism and stop taking the medication, symptoms of hypothyroidism may return.

If you have questions about stopping treatment with Synthroid, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on how to stop taking the drug safely.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Synthroid may cause.

Hair loss

It’s possible to experience hair loss while taking Synthroid. This was a side effect reported by people taking the drug in clinical trials. But hair loss rarely occurs with Synthroid.

Partial hair loss can occur during the first few months of taking Synthroid. This happens only in rare cases, and it usually improves on its own with time.

It’s also important to note that having thyroid hormone levels that are too high or too low can affect your hair growth.

What you can do

Talk with your doctor if you experience hair loss while taking Synthroid. They may be able to recommend ways to manage this side effect. Your doctor may also order blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels to see if they’re too high or too low. They may adjust your Synthroid dose based on these tests.

Rash

It’s possible to develop a skin rash while taking Synthroid. But it isn’t known how often this has happened in people taking the drug in clinical trials.

What you can do

If you develop a rash while taking Synthroid, talk with your doctor. Although this side effect isn’t serious in most people, it could be a symptom of an allergic reaction. Your doctor will typically want to see you if you develop a rash while taking Synthroid. They can help determine the cause.

Heart problems

The use of Synthroid may cause heart problems, such as arrhythmia and heart palpitations. Arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate or rhythm. Heart palpitations refers to the feeling of skipped or extra heartbeats. These side effects aren’t common with Synthroid.

Symptoms of heart problems from taking Synthroid can include:

dizziness
high blood pressure
increased heart rate
shortness of breath

Rarely, a heart attack can also be a side effect of taking Synthroid. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain and shortness of breath.

Some people may be at higher risk for heart problems as a side effect of Synthroid. This includes older adults and people who already have cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease. To learn more, see the “Precautions for Synthroid” section below.

What you can do

Talk with your doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. If you develop symptoms of heart problems, your doctor will likely reduce your Synthroid dose. Or, they may have you stop taking the medication for a week before lowering your dose. After the dose adjustment, your doctor may also want to monitor you more closely than usual. The goal is to make sure you don’t continue to experience heart problems.

Weight loss

Thyroid hormones, including Synthroid, should not be used to treat obesity or weight loss. In fact, Synthroid has a boxed warning regarding this. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Taking doses of thyroid hormones that are higher than recommended can lead to life-threatening side effects, such as coma, and in rare cases, death.

In addition to the boxed warning, weight loss has been reported as a side effect of Synthroid. It isn’t known how often this occurred in clinical trials.

Weight loss isn’t unexpected, based on how Synthroid works. The drug is a synthetic version of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone your body makes naturally. Thyroxine plays a role in your metabolism, which affects digestion. (“Metabolism” refers to all the chemical reactions that happen in your body.)

What you can do

If you experience weight loss while taking Synthroid, talk with your doctor. They may want to order blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels. Your doctor may adjust your Synthroid dose based on these tests.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Synthroid can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

rash
itching
joint pain
flushing
swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, eyelids, feet, or hands
swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

Synthroid is a synthetic version of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone your body makes naturally. There aren’t known cases of people having a reaction to levothyroxine (the active drug in Synthroid). Instead, it’s thought that inactive ingredients, such as color additives, cause allergic reactions to the drug. If you have questions about the ingredients in Synthroid tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Synthroid. But if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Synthroid has a boxed warning about how the drug should not be used to treat obesity or weight loss. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see “Weight loss” in the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Other precautions

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Synthroid. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Heart conditions. Taking Synthroid may cause heart-related side effects, such as heart palpitations or an increased heart rate. If you already have a heart condition, such as atrial fibrillation, you may be at a higher risk for these side effects. And taking Synthroid could make your heart condition worse. If you have a heart condition, your doctor may start you on a low dose and monitor you more closely than usual.

Adrenal gland problems. Treatment with Synthroid can lower levels of your adrenal hormones, such as cortisol. People with adrenal gland problems, such as adrenal insufficiency, may be at a higher risk for this side effect. You should not start taking Synthroid unless your adrenal hormone levels are in a normal range. Be sure your doctor is aware of any adrenal gland problems you have before you start taking Synthroid.

Diabetes. Synthroid may cause your blood sugar level to rise if you have diabetes and take certain medications for it. This is because Synthroid may cause some diabetes medications to work less well than usual. Your doctor may monitor your blood sugar more closely than usual if you have diabetes and begin taking Synthroid.

Allergic reaction. You should not take Synthroid if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Synthroid or any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor about which other treatments are better choices for you.

Problems with blood clotting. Certain medications called blood thinners might work better than usual if used together with Synthroid. But this can also lead to serious side effects, such as excessive bleeding. Your doctor may monitor you more closely than usual if you take Synthroid with a blood thinner. They may also lower the dose of your blood thinner. Before you start taking Synthroid, it’s important you make your doctor aware of any blood clotting problems you may have.

Being an older adult. Taking Synthroid may cause heart-related side effects, such as heart palpitations or an increased heart rate. If you’re an older adult, you may be at a higher risk for these side effects. So your doctor may start you on a low dose and monitor you more closely than usual.

Having gone through menopause. Synthroid may cause decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Females* who have gone through menopause may be at a higher risk for this side effect. Before you start taking Synthroid, tell your doctor if you’ve gone through menopause. They may monitor your BMD throughout your treatment.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Alcohol use with Synthroid

There aren’t any known interactions between consuming alcohol and taking Synthroid.

But drinking alcohol may affect your thyroid hormone levels.

Your doctor may change your Synthroid dose based on your hormone levels. So it’s important for them to know whether you consume alcohol and how much you drink. This helps them choose a Synthroid dose that works best for you.

If you drink alcohol, be sure your doctor is aware of this before you start taking Synthroid.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Synthroid

Here’s some information on pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Synthroid.

Pregnancy. It’s generally safe to use Synthroid while pregnant. Taking Synthroid doesn’t appear to increase the risks of congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects) or pregnancy loss. But if you become pregnant during your treatment, your doctor may need to increase your dose of Synthroid. This is because pregnancy can sometimes increase the need for thyroid hormones.

Keep in mind that untreated hypothyroidism can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It isn’t known whether it’s safe to take Synthroid while breastfeeding. The drug is thought to pass into human breast milk. But it isn’t known what effects, if any, this could have on a breastfed child. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatments for your condition while breastfeeding.

Side effects from Synthroid can occur but aren’t common. Most mild side effects of the drug tend to go away with time and don’t require medical attention.

Taking Synthroid exactly as prescribed by your doctor helps lower your risk of side effects. Most of the drug’s side effects are caused by having high levels of thyroid hormones in your body.

If you’d like to learn more about Synthroid, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

More information on Synthroid. For details on other aspects of Synthroid, refer to this article.
Dosage. For information on the dosage of Synthroid, read this article.
Interactions. To learn about Synthroid’s interactions, refer to this article.
A look at your condition. To learn more about hypothyroidism, see our list of hypothyroid articles. For more about thyroid cancer, talk with your doctor. For information on cancer in general, visit our cancer hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Long term, in older adults, and more

Synthroid (levothyroxine) is a prescription brand-name medication. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat:

hypothyroidism in people of all ages
thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer in adults

Here are some fast facts on Synthroid:

Active ingredient: levothyroxine, which is available as a generic
Drug class: synthetic thyroid hormone
Drug form: oral tablet

Mild side effects can occur with Synthroid use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Synthroid’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Synthroid include:

weight loss*
hair loss*
rash*
headache
digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
intolerance to heat
fever
sweating excessively
muscle weakness or spasms
shortness of breath
anxiety or feeling irritable
irregular periods
difficulty sleeping

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Synthroid may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Synthroid’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms can include:

Decreased bone mineral density. Symptoms can include:
- decreased height
- bones that break easily
Heart problems.*
Allergic reaction.*†

Long-term side effects

If you have questions about long-term side effects from Synthroid, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects of taking too much Synthroid

Side effects of taking too much Synthroid, which are also symptoms of hyperthyroidism, can include:

intolerance to heat
sweating excessively
nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
trouble sleeping
muscle spasms or weakness

Remember to take Synthroid exactly as your doctor prescribes. You should not take more than the dose recommended by your doctor. This can help you avoid side effects from taking too much Synthroid.

Synthroid may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Can Synthroid cause weight gain?

Weight gain isn’t a known side effect of Synthroid. Weight gain wasn’t reported by people taking the drug in clinical trials.

What are Synthroid’s side effects in older adults?

For more information, you can see the mild and serious side effects sections above. If you have additional questions about using Synthroid in older adults, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are the side effects of Synthroid and its generic version different?

No, side effects of Synthroid and its generic version, levothyroxine, aren’t expected to be different. This is because Synthroid contains the active drug levothyroxine.

For more information on how Synthroid and levothyroxine compare, see this article.

Is joint pain a side effect of Synthroid?

If you’re concerned about joint pain, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Synthroid cause dry mouth?

It isn’t likely. People taking Synthroid didn’t report dry mouth as a side effect in clinical trials.

But dry mouth can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, which Synthroid is used to treat. With treatment, dry mouth will likely go away.

If you have additional questions about dry mouth, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If I stop using Synthroid, could I have side effects of withdrawal?

If you have questions about stopping treatment with Synthroid, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on how to stop taking the drug safely.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Synthroid may cause.

Hair loss

It’s possible to experience hair loss while taking Synthroid. This was a side effect reported by people taking the drug in clinical trials. But hair loss rarely occurs with Synthroid.

Partial hair loss can occur during the first few months of taking Synthroid. This happens only in rare cases, and it usually improves on its own with time.

It’s also important to note that having thyroid hormone levels that are too high or too low can affect your hair growth.

What you can do

Rash

It’s possible to develop a skin rash while taking Synthroid. But it isn’t known how often this has happened in people taking the drug in clinical trials.

What you can do

Heart problems

Symptoms of heart problems from taking Synthroid can include:

dizziness
high blood pressure
increased heart rate
shortness of breath

Rarely, a heart attack can also be a side effect of taking Synthroid. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain and shortness of breath.

What you can do

Weight loss

Taking doses of thyroid hormones that are higher than recommended can lead to life-threatening side effects, such as coma, and in rare cases, death.

In addition to the boxed warning, weight loss has been reported as a side effect of Synthroid. It isn’t known how often this occurred in clinical trials.

What you can do

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Synthroid can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

rash
itching
joint pain
flushing
swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, eyelids, feet, or hands
swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

Other precautions

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Alcohol use with Synthroid

There aren’t any known interactions between consuming alcohol and taking Synthroid.

But drinking alcohol may affect your thyroid hormone levels.

If you drink alcohol, be sure your doctor is aware of this before you start taking Synthroid.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Synthroid

Here’s some information on pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Synthroid.

Keep in mind that untreated hypothyroidism can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Side effects from Synthroid can occur but aren’t common. Most mild side effects of the drug tend to go away with time and don’t require medical attention.

Taking Synthroid exactly as prescribed by your doctor helps lower your risk of side effects. Most of the drug’s side effects are caused by having high levels of thyroid hormones in your body.

If you’d like to learn more about Synthroid, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

More information on Synthroid. For details on other aspects of Synthroid, refer to this article.
Dosage. For information on the dosage of Synthroid, read this article.
Interactions. To learn about Synthroid’s interactions, refer to this article.
A look at your condition. To learn more about hypothyroidism, see our list of hypothyroid articles. For more about thyroid cancer, talk with your doctor. For information on cancer in general, visit our cancer hub.

Synthroid: common levothyroxine, but not the same as

Disclaimer

If you have any medical questions or concerns, contact your doctor. Articles in the Health Guide are based on peer-reviewed research and information from medical societies and government agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Is synthroid better than generic levothyroxine? The first person to ask is your primary care physician. Knowing you and any medical conditions you have, they may have good reason to recommend one over the other. Ask them to explain! Cost can also be a factor.

For the most part, studies show no clear advantage of one type—branded or generic—over others. But people’s experience tells a different story: some say they feel much better after switching from one formulation to another.

tiny bumps on the head of the penis

Vitals

Synthroid and total levothyroxine are used to treat hypothyroidism, a disease caused by low thyroid hormone levels.
Synthroid and levothyroxine are both synthetic versions of T4 or thyroxine, the main thyroid hormone produced by your thyroid gland.
One is not necessarily better than the other; however, if you decide to switch from brand-name to generic levothyroxine, tell your healthcare provider.
Side effects of both brand name and generic thyroid medications are similar and include increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, and hair loss.

Levothyroxine uses

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone to keep your body functions in balance.

If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism caused by an autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto’s disease or thyroiditis, surgery, radiation therapy, or simply a thyroid disorder, you will need thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Most people are prescribed levothyroxine, a synthetic (synthetic) form of thyroxine (T4), the main hormone naturally produced by the thyroid gland. Thyroxine plays an important role in regulating metabolism, temperature, digestion and many other processes in your body – that’s why it’s so important to replace it (NIDDK, 2016). Thyroid hormones are also used to treat some forms of thyroid cancer.

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Synthroid uses

Synthroid is a brand name for levothyroxine sodium; other branded versions of levothyroxine include Levothroid, Unithroid, Tirosint, and Levoxyl. It contains the same active ingredients and is used for the same purposes, namely to treat hypothyroidism or low thyroid hormone levels.

Levothyroxine versus Synthroid: which is better?

Many people wonder if levothyroxine (or levothyroxine sodium) and synthroid are the same – and if not, what could be better. For most drugs, it doesn’t matter if you’re taking the generic or branded version or switching between the two.

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The FDA ensures that both drugs have the same active ingredients, work the same way, and have the same side effects. In addition, cost must be considered – generic drugs are usually cheaper.

However, this may not be the case with branded and generic thyroid replacement drugs such as levothyroxine and Synthroid. Endocrine and thyroid organizations The American Thyroid Association, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the Endocrinological Society fear that generic and brand-name levothyroxine may behave differently for each person (Benvenga, 2019).

This has not been confirmed, but three organizations have issued a statement saying they are concerned about the FDA’s method for determining bioequivalence (similarity between drugs).

Although the active ingredient (levothyroxine sodium) may be the same, other inactive ingredients commonly added to dosage forms differ between generic and brand-name drugs. The inactive ingredients are needed to help keep the medicine, metabolize the medicine, etc.

Some of these inactive ingredients can affect how quickly you absorb the medicine and possibly how you respond to the hormone. Even small differences could mean that you have a significant difference in the levels of thyroid hormones delivered throughout your body from brand to brand or brand to generic – this will ultimately affect how you feel (Benvenga, 2019).

In general, if you buy a hormone from the same brand or a generic drug from the same manufacturer, the batches are relatively inactive because they are made by the same manufacturer. However, be aware that generic forms of levothyroxine can be made by different manufacturers – check with your pharmacy which generic manufacturer they use and stick to it.

In the United States, depending on your insurance plan, your pharmacist may need to change your brand-name thyroid medication to a generic one unless directed by your doctor.

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In general, neither brand nor generic is necessarily better than the other. However, once you find which one works best for you, stay the same brand or manufacturer. If you are changing brands, switching to a generic drug, or switching from one generic drug to another, you may need thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood tests are checked after six weeks to make sure your new hormone therapy is working. Then contact your provider. You may need to adjust your dose if your TSH levels are below optimal (Benvenga, 2019).

Synthroid and Levothyroxine Side Effects

Because the active chemicals in both brand name and generic levothyroxine are the same, they have the same side effect profile. Most of the side effects of both drugs are due to too much synthetic hormone, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone).

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a black box warning regarding thyroid replacement hormones: Do not use thyroid hormones such as levothyroxine or synthroid for weight loss or the treatment of obesity. Large doses can lead to serious and life-threatening consequences (DailyMed, 2019).

Common side effects include (DailyMed, 2019):

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Nervousness/restlessness
Fatigue
Muscle tremor

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Hair loss
Increased appetite
Weight loss
Incapacity tolerate high temperatures (heat intolerance)
Fever
Decreased bone mineral density
Hyperactivity
Irregular menstrual cycles
Fertility problems

If your thyroid replacement dose is too high, you may experience more serious side effects, including (DailyMed, 2019):

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Fast heartbeat (tachycardia or palpitations)
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
High blood pressure
Heart failure
Chest pain (angina)
Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
Cardiac arrest (heart stops beating)

Dosage of synthroid and levothyroxine forms of substitution of thyroid hormones is the same.

The overall goal is to effectively replace the thyroid hormone in your body in order to bring your levels back to normal.

Most people take their medicines in tablet or capsule form. Generic and branded tablets are available in a variety of forms. doses including 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75 mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg, 175 mcg, 200 mcg, and 300 mcg (UpToDate, n.d). You should take thyroid hormones on an empty stomach at least 30-60 minutes before meals. Certain antacids (such as those with calcium carbonate or PPI proton pump inhibitors) can interfere with hormone absorption, so avoid taking levothyroxine or synthroid with these drugs (DailyMed, 2019). Seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist regarding other possible drug interactions.

After you start taking synthroid or levothyroxine, your healthcare provider will likely check your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood tests to see if you are getting enough hormone replacement therapy. A high TSH level means you are not getting enough thyroxine, and vice versa. If your dose changes or you change the manufacturer, you will need to repeat the TSH test.

Cost and coverage for Synthroid and generic levothyroxine

Most insurance plans cover thyroid hormone replacement. However, you should check your coverage plan carefully and talk to your pharmacist before starting a particular dosage form to be sure. A 30-day supply ranges from $4 to over $50, depending on strength and whether it’s branded or generic (GoodRx.com).

Conclusion

Bottom line: The American Thyroid Association recommends that when you find a formula that works for you, stick with the same brand or generic drug. If you need to change anything, you should let your healthcare provider know as you may need to have your thyroid tested again to make sure the medicine is working for you.

For a condition such as hypothyroidism, which usually requires lifelong therapy, consistent and accurate treatment with the same brand of hormone over time increases your chances of effective treatment (American Thyroid Association, n. d.).

Once you have selected your brand or generic formulation, you can ask your healthcare provider to write DAW, which means dispensing as described or no generic substitution in your subscription to prevent drug changes.

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Recommendations

American Thyroid Association. Q&A: Thyroxine preparations (n/a) Retrieved October 12, 2020 from https://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/what-are-thyroid-problems/q-and-a-thyroxine-preparations /
Benvenga S., Carle A. (2019). Levothyroxine formulations: pharmacological and clinical implications of generic substitution. Adv Ther, 36 (Appendix 2): 59-71. doi: 10.1007/s12325-019-01079-1, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6822816/
Ciovato, L., Magri, F., and Carle, A. ( 2019). Hypothyroidism in context: where we have been and where we are going. Advances in Therapy, 36(S2), 47–58. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-019-01080-8 ;
DailyMed from US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health (NIH): Levothyroxine Sodium Tablet (2019). Retrieved October 12, 2020 from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fce4372d-8bba-4995-b809-fb4e256ee798
DailyMed from US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health (NIH) ): Synthroid (2020). Retrieved 12 October 2020 from https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1e11ad30-1041-4520-10b0-8f9d30d30fcc
GoodRx.com Levothyroxine (n.d.) Retrieved October 12, 2020 from https://www.goodrx.com/levothyroxine?dosage=50mcg&form=tablet&label_override=levothyroxine&quantity=30
National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disorders (NIDDK ) – hypothyroidism (2016). Retrieved October 12, 2020 from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hypothyroidism

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What are the most common side effects of hydrochlorothiazide?

Disclaimer

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Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic (or water tablet) used to treat high blood pressure or edema (edema) by helping your body get rid of excess water, sodium, and chlorides. The side effects of this prescription drug are dose dependent, studies show, meaning that the incidence of side effects is higher at higher doses (DailyMed, 2014).

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Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a diuretic (also known as a water tablet) used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention (edema).
The most common side effects of HCTZ are more frequent urination, headache, nausea, vision problems, weakness, constipation or diarrhea, and erectile dysfunction.
HCTZ can also cause electrolyte imbalances because it affects the balance of water, sodium and chlorides in your body; it could be serious.
HCTZ is used to lower blood pressure, but in some cases this drug can make blood pressure too low, causing a condition called hypotension.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction or electrolyte imbalance.

The most common side effects of hydrochlorothiazide include more frequent urination, constipation or diarrhea, headache, erectile dysfunction, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, and weakness. Side effects were more common in those taking doses of 25 mg or more in clinical trials. Individuals taking the lower dose (12.5 mg) experienced the same incidence of side effects as those receiving placebo (DailyMed, 2014).

Other possible side effects

Taking HCTZ can also cause gout, a painful type of arthritis characterized by sudden pain, redness, and swelling of the joints, because the drug can cause high levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia) (Jin, 2012) . In people with a history of gout, hydrochlorothiazide can trigger an attack (DailyMed, 2014).

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HCTZ lowers blood pressure by removing excess water from the body and reducing the amount of fluid in the blood. While this can be good, sometimes it can cause dangerously low blood pressure (a condition known as hypotension). Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, fatigue, shallow breathing, rapid heart rate, confusion, and fainting. Drinking alcohol, barbiturates, or drugs while taking hydrochlorothiazide may increase your chances of lowering your blood pressure (DailyMed, 2014).

Serious side effects

Hydrochlorothiazide affects electrolyte and fluid balance in the body, which can cause serious side effects. This medicine can cause low sodium levels (hyponatremia), low potassium levels (hypokalemia), and low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia). An electrolyte imbalance can cause dry mouth, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), muscle pain, nausea, thirst, fatigue, vomiting, and weakness. In some cases, these conditions can be dangerous and even life-threatening (DailyMed, 2014). Low potassium levels can also lead to high blood sugar levels, which can be especially problematic for diabetic patients (Sica, 2011).

If you experience any symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance such as dry mouth, weakness, restlessness, confusion or muscle pain, seek immediate medical attention. You should also seek medical attention if you notice blistering or peeling skin, fever, sore throat, chills, visual changes, or unusual bleeding or bruising (NIH, 2019).

Some people may have an allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide (FDA, 2011). People who are allergic to sulfa drugs should not take this medicine. An allergic reaction can cause hives, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, skin rash, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of these signs of an allergic reaction.

What is hydrochlorothiazide?

HCTZ – thiazide diuretic. There are several different types of diuretics. Thiazide diuretics are usually prescribed primarily to lower blood pressure, except in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (Whelton, 2018). Thiazide diuretics, such as HCTZ, help the body get rid of sodium, chloride, and water by reducing water retention in the body. Hydrochlorothiazide acts on the kidneys to help lower blood pressure by removing excess fluid from the blood and excreting it in the urine.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved HCTZ for the treatment of high blood pressure as well as edema (edema) caused by congestive heart failure or kidney disease (FDA, 2011). But you may also see medications that combine HCTZ with medications. Combination therapies are available that contain HCTZ with beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or calcium channel blockers to further lower blood pressure when a diuretic alone is insufficient (Sica, 2011).

Hydrochlorothiazide is also used off label. This drug can be used to prevent kidney stones and to help people with diabetes insipidus, a rare disease characterized by an imbalance of salts and fluids in the body (NIH, 2019; UpToDate, n.d.). Diabetes insipidus (DI) is not the same as diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar). Patients with DI lose too much water in the urine and HCTZ can be used to treat this condition (Bishet, 2019).

HCTZ Brand Name and Dosage

HCTZ is sold as a generic drug and as the brand name Microzide, HydroDiuril and Oretic. Generic forms can also be called generic Microzide. These versions of the drug are available as tablets in dosages of 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg. All of them are usually taken once a day.

HCTZ is also used in formulations that combine this diuretic with another blood pressure medication. Studies have shown that thiazide diuretics such as HCTZ can be used in combination with beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers (Sica, 2011). This means that HCTZ is in many different brand-name prescription drugs, not all of which are available as generics (Cooper-DeHoff, 2013).

You may see HCTZ in combination with drugs such as amlodipine, losartan, valsartan and lisinopril.

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Lisinopril uses

Lisinopril belongs to a class of medicines called ACE inhibitors that are used to lower blood pressure. It is not a diuretic, but it can be used along with diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide to treat high blood pressure.

ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril stop the production of a natural hormone in the body called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to constrict. This helps lower blood pressure. These drugs also lower levels of aldosterone, a hormone that causes sodium and fluid retention in the body. Thus, ACE inhibitors act similarly to diuretics, reducing water and sodium retention (Papich, 2016).

Studies have shown that blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors can be safely combined with thiazide diuretics such as HCTZ. These combination drugs may help lower blood pressure in people for whom one of the drugs was not enough to treat high blood pressure (Sica, 2011).

Lisinopril drug interactions

Non-prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil and Motrin may reduce the effectiveness of lisinopril in lowering blood pressure. The combination of these two factors also increases the risk of kidney problems (FDA, 2014).

Lisinopril should also not be combined with other blood pressure medicines that affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS), including other ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and a drug called aliskiren. Taking any of these medicines at the same time as lisinopril may increase the risk of low blood pressure (hypotension), low potassium levels (hypokalemia), and kidney problems, including kidney failure (FDA, 2014).

Brand name and price of Lisinopril

Lisinopril is available as a generic drug and is also sold as drugs under the brand names Prinivil and Zestril. All of these options are available in dosages ranging from 2.5mg to 40mg. The average retail price of lisinopril is about US$15. for 30 tablets (GoodRX, n.d.).

Recommendations

Biche, D. (2019). Treatment of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. In J.P. Foreman (Ed.), UpToDate. Received 9September 2020 from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-nephrogenic-diabetes-insipidus
Cooper-Dehoff, R. M., & Elliott, W. J. (2013). Generic drugs for hypertension: are they really equivalent? Current Reports on Hypertension, 15(4), 340-345. DOI: 10.1007 / s11906-013-0353-4. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3715996/
DailyMed. (2014). Hydrochlorothiazide capsule. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a7510768-8a52-4230-6aa0-b0d92d82588f
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2011, May). HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE TABLETS, USP 12.5mg, 25mg and 50mg Label. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/040735s004,040770s003lbl.pdf
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2014, December). Zestril® (lisinopril) tablets Label. Extracted from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/019777s064lbl.pdf
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2018, June 01). Facts about generics. Retrieved August 9, 2020, from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts
GoodRX. (no data). Lisinopril prices, coupons and savings tips. Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://www.goodrx.com/lisinopril
Jin, M., Yang, F. , Yang, Y., Yin, Y., Lo, J. J., Wang, H., & Yang, X. F. (2012). Uric acid, hyperuricemia and vascular disease. Frontiers in the Biosciences (Landmark Edition), 17, 656–669. DOI: 10.2741/3950. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3247913/
National Institutes of Health (NIH) (2017). Thiazide diuretics in LiverTox: Clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury [Internet]. Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548680/
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2019, May 15). Hydrochlorothiazide: MedlinePlus Medication Information. Retrieved September 10, 2020, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682571.html
Papich, M. G., DVM, MS, DACVCP. (2016). Lisinopril. In Saunders’ Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (4th ed., pp. 454-455). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier. DOI: 10.1016 / B978-0-323-24485-5.00341-7. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.