What are the side effects of long-term use of Synthroid?

Long-term side effects of Synthroid can include osteoporosis and heart problems. Short-term side effects include a racing heartbeat, feeling hot all the time, headaches, feeling shaky or nervous, trouble sleeping, among others.

Is it possible to come off Synthroid?

Discontinuing any prescribed medication on your own is never a good idea- unless you are having significant side effects, and will be speaking to your physician shortly. In the case of Synthroid, discontinuing the medication results in a worsening of hypothyroid symptoms such as those that you listed.

Do you need less thyroid medication as you age?

Most hypothyroid patients are diagnosed in early or middle adulthood but, as people age, their thyroxine requirements fall. Although regular monitoring of patients on levothyroxine is recommended, doses often remain unchanged into old age.

Do you have to stay on thyroid medication forever?

An underactive thyroid is a lifelong condition, so you’ll usually need to take levothyroxine for the rest of your life. If you’re prescribed levothyroxine because you have an underactive thyroid, you’re entitled to a medical exemption certificate. This means you do not have to pay for your prescriptions.

Why is Synthroid bad?

Overtreatment may cause detrimental cardiac effects (such as an increase in heart rate, precipitation of angina, or arrhythmias). The elderly and people with pre-existing cardiac disease are most at risk. Synthroid may worsen blood glucose control in people with diabetes.

Can Synthroid cause liver damage?

Levothyroxine is widely available, and it is extremely well tolerated by most patients. The dose is titrated according to clinical response and thyroid function assay. An exceedingly rare side effect of this drug is induced liver injury. This has rarely been reported in the literature [1,2,3].

What will happen if I stop taking my thyroid medication?

When your doctor asks you to stop your thyroid medication, your hormone level will decrease significantly, and this may lead to signs and symptoms of acute hypothyroidism. Weakness, lethargy, cold intolerance, paleness, dry skin, coarse hair, and constipation can occur with acute hypothyroidism.

Does underactive thyroid get worse with age?

The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism increases with aging and ranges from 3 to 16 \% in individuals aged 60 years and older [1].

Is hypothyroidism a disability?

There are a variety of thyroid gland disorders than can negatively impact your life, two of which are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid gland disorder, you may qualify for social security disability benefits if your condition is severe enough.

What can you take instead of Synthroid?

Alternatives for hypothyroidism or TSH suppression

• levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Unithroid, Tirosint)
• liothyronine (Cytomel)
• desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid)