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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Palpitation While On Levothyroxine?

Hello, I ve been taking Levothyroxine (25 MCG) for about a month now and 1 thing I ve noticed is a considerable rise in heart palpatations. I just had a physical and the results were fine including and EKG. I see that heart palpatations are a potential side affect of this drug. Is it that common with this prescription?
Mon, 22 Aug 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Heart palpitation is a common side effect of levothyroxine. It is due increase in heartbeat. You have not mentioned your TSH level. If you are suffering from hypothyroidism then you have to take levothyroxine for life-long. Twenty five microgram of levothyroxine is a very small dose. It will take at least 6 – 8 weeks to show its effect. Heart palpitation will go away with time.
Advice
1.     Continue 25 mcg levothyroxine as suggested. Never stop it without your doctor’s suggestion
2.     Try to avoid strenuous activity
3.     Avoid smoking, coffee and caffeinated beverages
4.     Investigation – serum TSH after 8 weeks of starting levothyroxine
Thanks
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What Causes Palpitation While On Levothyroxine?

Heart palpitation is a common side effect of levothyroxine. It is due increase in heartbeat. You have not mentioned your TSH level. If you are suffering from hypothyroidism then you have to take levothyroxine for life-long. Twenty five microgram of levothyroxine is a very small dose. It will take at least 6 – 8 weeks to show its effect. Heart palpitation will go away with time. Advice 1. Continue 25 mcg levothyroxine as suggested. Never stop it without your doctor’s suggestion 2. Try to avoid strenuous activity 3. Avoid smoking, coffee and caffeinated beverages 4. Investigation – serum TSH after 8 weeks of starting levothyroxine Thanks