the doctor recently told me I have a low thyroid and has prescribed synthoid?

Question

has anyone gone thru this I am a little frighted of the thought of taking this med.....but more of the condition

Answer 1

1) Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. You will probably need to take this medication for the rest of your life to replace the thyroid hormone that your body is not producing. Even if you feel well, you need to take this medicine every day.
2) Do not change brands of levothyroxine or change to a generic drug without first talking to your doctor.
3) Levothyroxine is a naturally occurring hormone produced by your thyroid. It is important for normal energy and metabolism.
4) For a variety of reasons, your body may not produce enough of this hormone on its own. In these cases, Synthroid is taken to replace your body's natural thyroid hormone. Synthroid is also used to prevent and treat goiter (growth or enlargement of the thyroid gland). Causes of goiter include hormonal imbalances, radiation, surgery, and cancer.
5) Synthroid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide
6) Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in your body, almost anyone can take this drug. In general, Synthroid should not be taken if you have other hormonal problems that are not being adequately treated.
7) Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have a heart disease such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or angina. These conditions may be affected by thyroid therapy, and closer monitoring may be necessary at the start of therapy.
8) Changes in blood sugar may occur if you have diabetes, and special monitoring may be necessary.
9) Synthroid is in the FDA pregnancy category A. This means that Synthroid is safe for use during pregnancy. It is also safe to take thyroid hormones if you are breast-feeding a baby. This drug does pass into breast milk, but it will not harm a nursing infant.
10) Take a missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
11) If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Synthroid and seek emergency medical attention:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· vomiting; or
· chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Synthroid and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience
· tremor, nervousness, or irritability;
· headache;
· insomnia;
· diarrhea, changes in appetite, or weight loss;
· leg cramps;
· menstrual irregularities; or
· fever, sweating, or heat sensitivity.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
12) Other drugs may bind to Synthroid and reduce the amount that is available in your body, making it less effective. Separate Synthroid doses from the following medicines:
· antacids that contain aluminum;
· the prescription ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate);
· the cholesterol-lowering drugs cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol (Colestid); and
· ferrous sulfate (a type of iron supplement).
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Synthroid or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Answer 2

Herb preparations are a shot in the dark if you don't know the cause of the low T3. And could mess up any future testing. Get a copy of the lab results (they must give it to you by law) Take the results and get a second opinion from a different doctor (an endocrinologist, a specialist is thyroid disorders, if possible. Get either some treatment OR a very good explanation on why you shouldn't be treated. The fact that your doctor took no action when he found the low T3 value low and didn't give you a reason why he is not treating you means he is either a bad communicator or doesn't know enough about thyroid gland dysfunctions to treat you.

Answer 3

Don't worry. This is a very low dosage of medication. It is to regulate the levels of your thyroid. Thyroids are responsible for the way your body workds, such as your metobolism. By taking the medication, your levels will go up and in general, the fatigue you have will dissappear, you will feel better and your metabolism will go back to normal. Under your doctor's care, he will monitor the way the medication works and it could be that you may be off it or at worse, you can take it for the rest of your life.

For women, taking the drug during or before pregnancy is safe. It will not harm the baby.

Answer 4

synthroid is basically a drug that replaces or supplements your thyroid hormone (which is naturally found in the body but since your levels are low, it may not meet your requirements). It's just like taking iron supplements when someone is anemic or even eating when someone is low on sugar (although this may be an over-simplification). Adverse effect of this drug? you'll definitely feel them -- tremors, heat intolerance, rapid heart beat, maybe even cramps. Synthroid levels are indirectly monitored in the blood by TSH levels which will be done every couple of months. If you undergo stressful situations (vigorous physical activity, acute illness, etc) these may also affect your synthroid levels and may need to be rechecked. And if you ever feel you want to play around with the dosage, never do it without the guidance of your MD. Not as simple as eating pie i'm afraid.

Answer 5

Hi Please do not be frightened I have been on the same meds for 10 yrs 150mgs. Your thyroid controls alot of things about your body. Read, read read everything you can to understand what is going on. I just had the right side of mine removed 9 days ago. Make sure you are going to doctor that specializes in the thyroid It is a better way to control your problem and good luck Get the book "Living well with hypothyroidism" by Mary J. Shomon This helped me alot and I to this day read and search all the time. Good Luck

Answer 6

I've been diagnosed with the same thing and have been on synthroid for 5 years now. I have had no side effects at all.
I have to get my blood tested once a year and so far they haven't had to adjust my dosage. I've been told I will have to be on it for the rest of my life. I take it first thing in the morning with lots of water which helps to break it down to go through your system easier and faster. Also, you can't eat for at least an hour after you take it. Food will interrupt its absorption rate. Also, don't take vitamins at the same time. I take my vitamins at lunch time.
I was told by my doctor that the vitamins can sometimes also interact with the synthroid. If you have any other questions, I would be glad to help you with them. Don't be scared. Just be relieved that you got to the doctor and found a way to get help for yourself. I've been told that many people have this condition and suffer needlessly with it because they won't see a doctor.
You take care of yourself.

Answer 7

was it high thyroid or low thyroid? sythroid is usually prescribed for hyperthyroidism. take it which ever, thyroid problems can be life threatening. take what is prescribed. read information on it instead of asking silly questions here. your health and your life are important.

Answer 8

I've been taking synthroid for over 20 years and have not had any side affects. Like any other med, if you experience side affects contact your doctor immediately.