Can levothyroxine CAUSE massive weight gain?

Question

I thought it was supposed to decrease appetite and make the metabolism increased. I am on 0.25 mg per day. I do feel 1,000% better on it mentally (no more depression or feeling suicidal), but my appetite is out of control and I have gained three pants sizes in just three weeks (only Arbonne weight loss chews stem my appetite for five or six hours, but after they wear off I'm back to eating again).

Answer 1

This medicine is a hormone replacement usually given to patients with thyroid problems, specifically, hypothyroidism. It is also given to people who have goiter ( or an enlarged thyroid gland ).

It is recommended that levothyroxine be taken half an hour to an hour before meals to maximize its absorption. It is also recommended that the patient take the tablet with one glass of water to ease swallowing as well as to help the tablet dissolve for absorption.

There are also foods and other substances that can interfere with absorption of thyroxine replacement. Avoid taking calcium and iron supplements within 4 hours of the medication and avoid taking soy products within 3 hours of the medication as these can reduce absorption of the medication.

Synthetic levothyroxine may have adverse side effects like: palpitations, nervousness, headache, difficulty sleeping, insomnia, swelling of the legs and ankles, weight loss and/or increased appetite. Some may be allergic to the medicine. If the patient develops a severe reaction to this drug like difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or swelling of the face and tongue it is imperative that the patient immediately seek medical intervention.

Side effects exist BUT ONE DOESNOT GAIN WEIGHT.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Levothyroxine Weight Gain

Answer 4

Does Levothyroxine Cause Weight Loss

Answer 5

I am now certain that levothyroxine was the cause of my 10# weight gain, because without warning, I began putting on weight with no change in diet. I cut back on my eating, increased my exercise, but the weight gain continued. I joined Weight Watchers and in 2 weeks saw no difference in my weight at all. I had heart palpitations and sleeplessness, too. I stopped the levothyroxine, and in 5 days lost 3#, and two days later, another pound came off.

I have a masters degree in nursing and am on the faculty of a college of nursing--none of us can figure out why this would be happening, but there is absolutely no doubt that it is.

Answer 6

Within the last 3-4 months I have gained well over 40 lbs. and just recently was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I am starting on levothyroxine as soon as the VA gets the script to me. The large list of side effects....from taking this medication....you see above....I am already suffering from except weight loss. I was informed that it would take up to 2-3 months of taking the medication until my current symptoms start to decline. 11/19/2015 date of post and I will update my progress on a monthly basis.

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can levothyroxine CAUSE massive weight gain?
I thought it was supposed to decrease appetite and make the metabolism increased. I am on 0.25 mg per day. I do feel 1,000% better on it mentally (no more depression or feeling suicidal), but my app...

Answer 8

weight gain can be accur as a side effect of levothyroxine
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.
there is some side effects of this drug:
Abdominal or stomach cramps
change in appetite
crying
diarrhea
false or unusual sense of well-being
fear
feeling not well or unhappy
feeling of discomfort
feeling of warmth
feeling things are not real
feelings of suspicion and distrust
hair loss
headache
increased appetite
mental depression
muscle weakness
nervousness
quick to react or overreact emotionally
rapidly changing moods
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
restlessness
trouble getting pregnant
trouble sitting still
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
weight gain
weight loss

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Answer 9

An excessive dose can cause increased appetite. I would go to the doctor and have your TSH level check and then maybe your dose could be lowered. This could then elevate your weight gain, but still give you the benefits of the medication.

Answer 10

Add extra 10 or 15 mins to your cardio routine