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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Depression While On Levothyroxine?

Hello. I would like to know if the medication called Levothyroxine (for hyperthyroidism) can make one feel a little unhappy? or just a little sad in general? I taken it and I ve noticed that my mood changes. I also noticed that when I stopped taking the medication I had stopped losing weight and actually gained weight. Is this normal? and is there anything else I should do (e.g stop taking the medication) or worry about when taking this.
Wed, 26 Jun 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Levothyroxine does not cause depression, rather reverse is true for it. Thyroid medications are sometimes even added to antidepressant treatment to improve mood — even when thyroid function is normal. Clinicians usually recommend liothyronine (T3 hormone) to augment antidepressant therapy, but in some cases, they recommend levothyroxine (T4).

One theory is that thyroid drugs act in concert with antidepressants in the brain.
Another idea is that thyroid pills boost chemical activity in the brain, improving mood and concentration.
A thyroid abnormality is a common cause of depression and weight changes. Continue your thyroid medication and as the hormone levels improve, your symptoms will wear off.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician

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What Causes Depression While On Levothyroxine?

Hi, Levothyroxine does not cause depression, rather reverse is true for it. Thyroid medications are sometimes even added to antidepressant treatment to improve mood — even when thyroid function is normal. Clinicians usually recommend liothyronine (T3 hormone) to augment antidepressant therapy, but in some cases, they recommend levothyroxine (T4). One theory is that thyroid drugs act in concert with antidepressants in the brain. Another idea is that thyroid pills boost chemical activity in the brain, improving mood and concentration. A thyroid abnormality is a common cause of depression and weight changes. Continue your thyroid medication and as the hormone levels improve, your symptoms will wear off. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician