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Will Synthroid Withdrawal Cause Side Effects?
Hi Doctor, I have been on 112mcg Synthroid for the last 15 years to suppress my goiters. My endocrinologist mentioned to wean it off at my recent visit in her office. It just so happened that my meds was out and the pharmacist was not able to get a hold of her to authorize more meds, I have not been taking them for 3 days. Should I be concerned? I am actually feeling okay and am keeping an eye on the goiters to make sure they are not getting bigger. Please let me know what you think. Should I take this opportunity to try weaning it off? Thanks.
Tue, 31 Dec 2019
Hi,
The 'weaning off' Synthroid should be done under the supervision of your treating doctor. Synthroid is being prescribed as a 'replacement therapy' for the treatment of hypothyroidism ('under active thyroid).
It takes about 6 weeks to reach therapeutic blood levels, and likewise, it takes about 6 weeks to see an effect of a change in dose.
Upon discontinuing levothyroxine patients may experience all the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism for which levothyroxine is used to treat like feeling tired, cold, dry skin, weight gain, slow heart, puffy face, fatigue, muscle weakness and constipation.
In addition, cholesterol levels may rise, and heart disease and heart failure may ensue.
So, in view of the above explanation you need to check with your endocrinologist about the recommended way for the 'weaning off' Synthroid.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
The 'weaning off' Synthroid should be done under the supervision of your treating doctor. Synthroid is being prescribed as a 'replacement therapy' for the treatment of hypothyroidism ('under active thyroid).
It takes about 6 weeks to reach therapeutic blood levels, and likewise, it takes about 6 weeks to see an effect of a change in dose.
Upon discontinuing levothyroxine patients may experience all the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism for which levothyroxine is used to treat like feeling tired, cold, dry skin, weight gain, slow heart, puffy face, fatigue, muscle weakness and constipation.
In addition, cholesterol levels may rise, and heart disease and heart failure may ensue.
So, in view of the above explanation you need to check with your endocrinologist about the recommended way for the 'weaning off' Synthroid.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
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