Available by prescription, levothyroxine can treat an underactive thyroid and other thyroid problems. This eMedTV resource describes how levothyroxine works, explains what you should know before taking the drug, and lists possible side effects.
Possible side effects of levothyroxine can include fever, insomnia, and an increased appetite. This eMedTV segment explains that levothyroxine side effects can be quite dangerous and may be an indication that your dosage is too high.
Levothyroxine is primarily used for treating hypothyroidism and other thyroid problems. This article from the eMedTV site describes levothyroxine uses in more detail, including information on possible off-label uses and its use in children and infants.
The recommended levothyroxine dosage will depend on several factors, such as age. This selection from the eMedTV Web site explains how the levothyroxine dosage must be individualized for each person and offers some tips on taking the drug.
Medicines that can negatively interact with levothyroxine include antacids, digoxin, and antidepressants. This eMedTV Web page includes a more complete list of medicines that can cause levothyroxine drug interactions and describes the possible effects.
As this eMedTV article discusses, levothyroxine is a "narrow therapeutic index" medication, which means that even tiny changes in doses can cause significant problems. This page provides other important precautions and warnings with levothyroxine.
Hair loss is a possible side effect of levothyroxine. This portion of the eMedTV library explains that if you are taking levothyroxine and hair loss becomes a problem, it may mean that your levothyroxine dosage is too high or too low.
As this eMedTV page explains, insomnia is a possible side effect of levothyroxine. However, if you are taking levothyroxine and insomnia occurs, it may be a signal that your dosage is too high. This page also describes what your doctor may recommend.
A levothyroxine overdose can cause dangerous side effects, such as seizures or strokes. This eMedTV page explains how easy it is to overdose on levothyroxine and stresses the importance of seeking prompt medical care if you do overdose on the drug.
The FDA has determined that it is safe to take levothyroxine during pregnancy. This eMedTV resource contains more information on levothyroxine and pregnancy, explaining why it may be dangerous not to treat a thyroid problem during pregnancy.
Levothyroxine passes through breast milk, but shouldn't cause any problems when used appropriately. This eMedTV page further discusses levothyroxine and breastfeeding, explaining why women with thyroid problems may need the drug in order to breastfeed.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, the FDA has recently determined which generic levothyroxine products are equivalent to the brand-name medications. This page also discusses the past problems with generic levothyroxine products.
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