im just wondering what is it for & why he takes it ...hes been taking it since he was a baby hes 11 now and im guessing hell have to take them for the rest of his life...what is it for what caused him to always be on this medicine and what are some side effects in the long run or maybe even now hes so crazy one minute runs around dosent listen to what ur telling him the next day he so sensitive and so quiet and acts normal ...your opinions are appreciated!
2007-05-31 09:04:08 · 5 answers · asked by Mia 1 in Health ➔ Men's Health
Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat people who have hypothyroidism. This means that their body doesn't make enough thyroid hormone on its own. Thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland and is important for many of the body's functions, such as metabolism.
There are different reasons why people develop hypothyroidism. In non-developed countries, not getting enough iodine in the diet is a major cause, but this is rarely an issue here in the US, mainly because salt is manufactured to contain iodine. Hypothyroidism can also be caused from the body not producing enough of the hormones that tell the thyroid to release thyroid hormone into the blood. Some medications, such as lithium, can also cause this condition. Thyroid cancer can also cause hypothyroidism.
Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone. It is given to increase the level of thyroid hormone in the body. It generally has to be taken for ones entire life.
One of the more common side effects of levothyroxine is weight loss (but it should never be used just for this purpose). It can also cause upset stomach, headache, and problems sleeping.
2007-05-31 09:20:26 · answer #1 · answered by Rachel C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also take this medicine for a thyroid disorder, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an inherited auto-immune disorder. I do not think his thyroid is responsible for his occasional hyperactivity as long as he is taking the proper dose at the same time every day.
Most people, as you guessed, take this medicine (brand name Synthroid) for the rest of their lives, but I have never known of anyone who had to take it starting so young. There is probably a birth anomaly involved, which could mean that he will outgrow the problem which makes it necessary to take this medicine. He should be tested at least once a year, probably more often, to make sure that his dosage level is right.
Ask your parents for more information about your brother's medical history. Tell them you are not nosy, just concerned.
2007-05-31 16:25:09 · answer #2 · answered by Maple 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is thyroid replacement. Your brother has hypothyroidism. Yes he will need to take it the rest of his life. As for his behavioral issues, I can't say if they are directly related to his condition or medication.
It sounds like he has possibly a congenital form of hypothyroidism, since he has taken it his whole life. You should ask your parents about his condition. Hypothyroidism in very young children can cause physical and mental growth retardation. Without knowing the specifics of your brothers case, no one can say if is problems are related.
2007-05-31 16:27:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I take Levothyroxine. Its for your thyroid or lack of one. I have Graves Disease. Your thyroid effects your heart, hormones, causes alot of problems if it is out of wack, from loosing or gaining weight to heart problems, depression, fatigue or hyper. If I was you I'd look it up and learn about it to better understand your brother.
2007-05-31 16:11:16 · answer #4 · answered by Bonnie P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
poison
2014-05-26 16:37:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋