Overview
Levothyroxine known as L – thyroxine is a manufactured form of the thyroid hormone thyroxin. It is used to treat thyroid hormone deficiency, including a severe form known as myxedema coma. It may also be used to treat and prevent certain types of thyroid tumors.
It is not indicated for weight loss. Levothyroxine is taken by mouth or given by intravenous injections. The maximum effect from a specific dose can take up to six weeks to occur.
1. Side Effects of Levothyroxine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
- Chest pain
- Discomfort
- Tighten
- Decreased urine output
- Difficult or labored breathing
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Dilated neck vein
- Extreme fatigue
- Fainting
- Fast, slow, irregular, pounding or racing heartbeat or pulse
- Fever
- Heat intolerance
- Hives or welts, skin itching, rash or redness
- Irregular breathing
- Irritation
- Menstrual changes
- Nausea
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw back, or neck
- Sweating
- Swelling of the eyes, face lips throat, or tongue
- Tremors
Rare Side Effects of Levothyroxine:
- Blurred or double vision
- Dizziness
- Eye pain
- Lack or slowing of Normal growth in children
- Limp or walk favoring one leg
- Pain in the hip or knees
- Seizures
- Severe headaches
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur.
2. Symptoms of an Overdose of Levothyroxine
- Change in consciousness
- Cold, clammy skin
- Confusion
- Disoriented
- Fast or weak pulse
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden headache
- Sudden loss of coordination
- Sudden slurring of speech
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the Medicine. Also, your healthcare professionals may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these effects. Check with your healthcare professionals if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them.
Less Common Symptoms of Levothyroxine:
- Change in appetite
- Crying
- Diarrhea
- False or unusual sense of well being
- Fear or nervousness
- Feeling not well or unhappy
- Feeling things are not real
- A feeling of suspicious and distrust
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Increased appetite
- Mental depression
- Muscle weakness
- Quick to react or overreact emotionally
- Rapid changing moods
- Redness Of The face, neck, arms, and occasionally upper chest
- Restlessness
- Stomach cramps
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Trouble sitting still
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Vomiting
- Weight gain or loss
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.
3. Treatment of Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine is a medicine used to treat an underactive thyroid gland. These thyroid glands make thyroid hormones that help to control energy levels and growth. Levothyroxine is taken to replace the missing thyroid hormone thyroxin. Levothyroxine is only available on prescription.
