Levothroid

The generic name for Levothroid is Levothyroxine. Levothyroxine acts as a replacement for a hormone the thyroid gland produces. This hormone controls the energy and metabolism of the body. When the thyroid gland is not producing enough of this hormone, then Levothroid enters the picture. This medical condition is known as hypothyroidism.

Aside from hypothyroidism, Levothroid is also used as to prevent and treat the medical condition termed as goiter. In goiter, the thyroid gland becomes enlarged because of a serious imbalance of the hormones, surgery, cancer, or radiation treatment.

There are a number of Levothroid side effects that you should be wary about when taking the drug. But when you have any form of allergic reaction to Levothroid, stop taking it and contact your physician right away. These allergic reactions include difficulty in breathing, and swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue. The more serious Levothroid side effects include headaches, fever, hot flashes, appetite changes, as well as changes in the menstrual cycles of females. If you experience any of these Levothroid side effects, make sure to inform your physician immediately. When you take in a wrong dosage of Levothroid, side effects may also occur. But this can be amended simply by correcting the dosage. Once the proper dosage is administered, the side effects should most likely subside. If these side effects persist though, then inform your physician right away.

Also, there are certain drugs that should not be taken with Levothroid. These drugs include lithium and certain antidepressants. There are other drugs that should not be taken with Levothroid. So, it would be better to just inform your physician whatever drugs you’re taking at the moment. And if you are about to start taking another medication with Levothroid, inform your physician as well.

When you start taking Levothroid, make sure to follow your physician’s instructions. Don’t make sudden changes in the brands of Levothyroxine. This is because the different brands may not work the same way. Because even if they are of the same generic, they have varying binders and fillers. Thus, a person who is allergic to Unithroid may not have an allergic reaction to Levothroid or Synthyroid. It would be better not to make the decision of replacing Synthroid with Levothroid on your own. This decision has to come from your physician. There is also the matter of choosing which Levothyroxine drug is the best to use. The many Levothyroxine drugs would undoubtedly claim that they are the best in the market. But it should still be up to your physician to decide which of the available Levothyroxine drugs you should take.

As much as possible, do not miss a dose when you’re taking Levothroid. If, by chance, you do miss out a dosage, take it as soon as you remember it. But if it’s almost time for your next dosage, then don’t take the missed one anymore. Just go back to your regular schedule. Levothroid should never be taken in double dosages because this could give very harmful effects. Human as we are, we sometimes miscalculate the dosages of the medicines we take. With Levothroid, keep in mind the following symptoms of a possible overdose: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, yellow skin or eyes, restlessness, mood swings, and psychosis. If you’re exhibiting such symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your physician. In fact, this is something you should immediately do.

Taking Levothroid is indeed a serious matter. And there just might be times when you would not be able to absorb your physician’s instructions when taking it. If you do have questions regarding your medication, contact your physician right away. Because it’s always better to put your worries to rest.