What are the side effects from taking thyroxine?

Question

What are the side effects from taking thyroxine?

Answer 1

Thyroxine at the dose required for replacement usually causes no significant side effects. Diarrhea, fast pulse (tachycardia), arrythmias, weight loss are symptoms of excessive amounts of thyroxine. Like any other drug you can get nausea, vomiting, and rash.

Answer 2

Side effects to medicines are very specific and depend on the individual, however all the usual stuff can apply such as headaches, diarrhea, nausea, there is also the possibility of allergic reaction (skin rashes etc etc), all of which are linked to the dosage

As Thyroxine affects the thyroid you can prehaps expect some chest pains and palpitations until the dosage is tailored to your needs, resulting from an increase in metabolism.

Answer 3

Levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone, is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Without this hormone, the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin, and increased sensitivity to cold. When taken correctly, levothyroxine reverses these symptoms. Levothyroxine is also used to treat congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism) and goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).

Levothyroxine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

    * weight loss

    * tremor

    * headache

    * upset stomach

    * vomiting

    * diarrhea

    * stomach cramps

    * nervousness

    * irritability

    * insomnia

    * excessive sweating

    * increased appetite

    * fever

    * changes in menstrual cycle

    * sensitivity to heat

    * temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of therapy

If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

    * chest pain (angina)

    * rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse