How to take Levothyroxine (Synthroid) Correctly | Side Effects All Patients Need to Know

Synthroid or Levothyroxine in its generic form, is a a commonly used medication to treat Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid. Dr Hart-Pinto answers the most common questions on Levothyroxine (Synthroid) including:

• How and when should I take my Levothyroxine?
• How long will I need to take my medication?
• Are there any side effects?

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#Levothyroxine #Synthroid #Medications

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
00:52 What is Levothyroxine (Synthroid)?
01:32 Who Shouldn’t Take Levothyroxine?
02:04 Medication
Interactions
03:04 Dosage
03:44 How Quickly does Levothyroxine work?
03:55 How to take Levothyroxine
04:19 Foods to Avoid
04:45 Can I drink Alcohol with Levothyroxine?
04:50 Missed my dose
05:09 Overdose
05:28 Duration of
Treatment
05:43 Side Effects
06:37 Legal Disclaimer
07:03 End Screen

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Further Reading - Resources for Patients

NHS

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Last updated 14th Nov 2021

Next review date is 14th Nov 2024

Author: Dr Andrew Hart Pinto

Internally peer-reviewed: Dr Najeebah Jaunbocus 13th Nov 2021.

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Patient Information videos produced by GMC registered/Certified Doctors.

Videos cover definitions, aetiology, symptoms, clinical features, management, prognosis and complications of a wide variety of medical topics.

Authors:
1. Dr. A. Hart-Pinto MBChB (Hons) BSc (Hons) MRCS
2. Dr. Najeebah Jaunbocus MBChB MRCGP

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Legal Disclaimer

JHP Medical UK contains content generated by our doctors. Content provided via YouTube is for general information purposes ONLY. Information videos are not produced to provide individualised medical advice. Medical education videos on JHP Medical UK are not a substitute for professional professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NEVER ignore professional medical advice because of something you have heard here. ALWAYS consult your doctor regarding any concerns about your condition or treatment.

Reasonable effort shall be made to update the information on the JHP Medical UK YouTube channel. However, we make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content is accurate, complete or up-to-date.

[JHPMedicalUK]

Hi, thanks for watching. JHP Medical has NO AFFILIATION with drug manufacturers (AKA BIG PHARMA), and we NEVER will. Our only AIM is to educate patients about their medications. We do NOT recommend or endorse any medication discussed, nor can we provide individual medical advice. Instead, the information provided here is intended to assist patients in making clear, informed decisions with their doctors.

[melissajamison]

I've been taking it for 7 years now and not one doctor has explained ANYTHING to me. I am a proactive individual so I did my own home. Thank you doctor for putting out this video. And shame on all medical personnel who don't know this info cuz I suspect that is the case... Their own lack of knowledge and laziness and apathy 😢 M. 💕

[zhanc]

1999 had a Hemi Thyroidectomy due to a very large tumour I found in my neck.. It was a Follicular Adenoma 6cm x 11cm growing down my throat. I was discharged from hospital and told to see my GP in 6 weeks. By the time I did, I was a mess and actually cried when he asked how I coped with the surgery. My reply was great doc, however I am so horrifically tired!! Exhausted 😩… he just smiled and said how am I taking my Thyroxine!…… and was annoyed I was sent home from hospital without being told I would need it…. Still take it and apart from a very soft voice now I am doing great on the meds…

[jeannereich]

I've been taking this med for over 50 years!!! I am tested quarterly as my results go up and down constantly. I have never been stable. My life has been ruined at times due to this. No doctor has ever given it the attention it deserves. It's been a nightmare. I am so sick of dealing with it.

[edreeves]

Latest research says to take it before bed for better results !

[kathleenlawton]

Very informative. Thank You. I've been taking it wrong for years. I was taking it at 5:30 am and my other 11 morning pills at 6:am. I was misinformed by my Dr when I started taking this years ago. I'm so glad you made this video. Thanks again! ❤
~ Kathleen Lawton~

[trudyramgren]

When one has weight loss it usually means hyperthyroidism. I have Graves disease and i was pretty sick when diagnosed. I lost alot of weight. I think people should see an endocrinologist whether they are high or low.

[MrsKunis]

I am making my Hashimoto's go into remission by March and I will be getting off Levothyroxine.

[Scully]

I was told to take it first thing in the morning, and wait an hour before consuming anything else other than water. I put one pill next to my bed and cover it with a glass, that way I know if I took it or not.

[matthewdean]

I just started taking levothyroxine literally today and this video is super helpful I really appreciate you guys making this!!

[lesleyscott]

I have found that it helps to take slightly more levothyroxine after a busy day or when I feel really tired. I am on 118mg so I occasionally take 125mg. I need a level of 22 in my blood test to function normally. Remember everyone is different and will have an individual response to medication.

[eleanorbertuch]

Excellent presentation. Very informative. Thank you

[ManFan]

This was really interesting to watch as someone who has congenital hypothyroidism (I was born without a thyroid at all). It’s interesting to see all the things to consider when taking levothyroxine since it’s all I’ve ever known and never have to think about.

[ethereal]

Levothyroxine (aka Synthroid) rarely works by itself. It replaces ONLY T4. Your body also needs T3, which the body is supposed to be able to convert Levothyroxine into T4 *in a thyroid gland that's functioning right*. But if it was working, we wouldn't need medication in the first place.
So there's a lot of people who don't get relief from symptoms with Levothyroxine alone. Ask your doctor for Armour Thyroid. It's a naturally derived source of thyroid gland that also replaces T3, eliminating a lot of symptoms that Levothyroxine alone does not, including weight loss in many individuals. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

[bonblue]

Thanks so much for the information. I always take Levothyroxine first thing in the morning, but I take it with 5 mg of Lisinopril, so I will stop doing this and take my Lisinopril with my other vitamins and supplements after breakfast.

[jacquelinetaylor]

Thank you so very much for this most informative video on Levothyroxine. I am on this medication and am delighted in this video! Thank you and warmest regards always! 😊

[onestarabove]

I was able to control my thyroid levels with Crowe’s Lugol’s iodine, four drops a day(not dropperfulls), selenium capsules, one per day, and multivitamins.
When I took Levothyroxine, it felt like I had a minor heart attack. My heart squeezed like a muscle cramp. I stopped taking it.

[margaretmccullough]

Well, I am totally blown away. I’ve been taking this medication for several years. The reason my doctor gave for prescribing it was for post nasal, drip, nothing about thyroid or anything like that. I checked the bottle to make sure that it was the same thing and I take two pills a day For my postnasal drip. Guess what my post nasal drip is no better!

[amariner]

175mcg for 2 years and counting.
Thanks for the video, a good reminder to take the medicine correctly.
Walnuts: what effect? Totally surprised by that one.
Fiber supplements? Good, bad, indifferent? .
I had a thyroidectomy, and I LOVE sushi!
Link?

[mkay]

My heartrate is 90 when in bed at night, my heart is falling out, weightgain, heartburn so bad i don’t even wanna eat anything 6 months in …….my last heartrate was 160/90. before i just was little tired . I don’t wanna take it anymore