Synthroid is a synthetic thyroid medication. Taken for many reasons but only prescribed by someone in the medical profession. As with any medication there is a risk of side effects with synthroid. Side effects of synthroid can range from mild to severe. Most people do not have any side effect from using this drug. The dosage may have to be adjusted accordingly, which your doctor(s) will use blood tests to determine adjustments.
Some reasons that you might take synthroid medication; your thyroid is not making enough thyroid hormone, an enlarged thyroid or goiter, certain cancers of the thyroid or if the thyroid is non-functioning or removed.
Mild side effects of synthroid that may or may not happen; feeling anxious, diarrhea, feeling flushed, mood swings, muscle weakness, temporary hair loss, not being able to sleep, feeling overly tired. When first taking synthroid you might experience any of the mild side effects but most are temporary as your body adjusts to the medication, simple blood tests will tell the doctor(s) if dosage needs to be lowered or raised.
If you should experience more severe side effects contact your doctor(s) immediately. Among severe effects would be; hives, swelling of mouth, difficult to breath, chest pain or a racing heartbeat. Seek medical attention immediately if these sever side effects happen.
Other side effects to make your doctor(s) aware of are; leg cramps, muscle tremors, weight gain or loss, changes in menstrual periods, intolerance of hot or cold weather, headaches, dry skin, heart palpitations, constipation, inability to concentrate or confusion. These side effects can happen at any time you are taking synthroid and you just want to make your medical professionals aware that you have experienced any of the above.
Always make sure you follow the dosage instructions for this medication. Take first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. You would also want to know about any interactions with other daily prescriptions so be sure to tell your doctor(s) any other medications you are taking every day, even vitamins or supplements. This is important because thyroid medication can alter how your body absorbs other medications, vitamins and supplements.
Some side effects as I have stated are temporary while your body adjusts to the dosage of medication you are prescribed. Having a journal of what you notice in side effects will help doctor(s) treat you accordingly along with blood work. This is also handy if you need to keep notes on anything that doctor(s) tell you about this medication or any other.
I have been taking this medication for 10 years and in the beginning I did experience hair loss and dry skin. The hair loss was only temporary as my body needed to adjust to the dosage. My thyroid was removed surgically after the birth of my youngest child. During my pregnancy I experienced heart palipatations and let my obstetrician know. They ran some tests but my thyroid appeared to be fine. After my child was born I was loosing weight at a steady pace but again the doctors felt this was normal for a woman after child birth with another young child at home. It was not until six months later that it was discovered my thyroid needed to be removed immediately.
Right after it was removed the doctor started me on synthroid. The first few days I had trouble sleeping which he told me might happen since my body had more than enough of the thyroid hormone at that point. He also told me that once the body adjusted to the correct level that was being taken orally it would begin to adjust and I would get more sleep.
I have found that I have a difficult time with the winter weather as I get cold easily. I prefer the warmer weather since I am able to tolerate heat a bit easier than the cold. Not having a thyroid is not all that difficult but I do have to be more in-tune with my body and what is happening to it. My periods are heavier now than before the removal of my thyroid.
Because every one is different and their body works differently, what happens to me might not necessarily what will happen to you if you take synthroid. What you need to do is make yourself aware of the different side effects, both mild and severe. If you find that you have any of the severe side effects contact your doctor immediately. The mild side effects are something you want to discuss with your doctor(s) at your next appointment unless you feel that you should make him/her aware of them immediately.
Once you have been prescribed synthroid you need to take it regularly, preferably at the same time each morning on an empty stomach. Should you miss a dose, talk to your doctor(s) about how they would like you to handle this situation. Do not stop taking this medication altogether unless you are told to by your doctor(s). Usually once you are on this medicine you are on it for the rest of your life.
