Synthroid ^*

Treatment with Synthroid (levothyroxine) can lower levels of adrenal hormones, especially cortisol. Individuals with adrenal gland problems, such as adrenal insufficiency, may be at a higher risk for this side effect. They would not usually be prescribed Synthroid unless their adrenal hormone levels are in a normal range.

It’s widely reported that people who take Synthroid usually start to feel better within a few months. It’s also usually the case that they have more energy, and many people lose weight on Synthroid because it brings their basic metabolic rate back to normal. Benefits can include relief of depression and a positive outlook with greater interest in things.

With Synthroid treatment, the metabolic rate may be increased, resulting in losing weight. It's generally advised that even though Synthroid may cause weight loss, it should not be used specifically in order to produce weight loss. The Synthroid patient leaflet has a warning advising against using it for weight loss.

Synthroid (generic name: levothyroxine) may affect mood. It is meant to affect the levels of thyroid hormones, acting as chemical messengers in brain functions that control emotion and mood. While taking levothyroxine, patients who are feeling more nervous, irritable or anxious should talk to their healthcare provider

Increased appetite was a side effect reported in Synthroid studies, so it is possible to experience weight gain while taking Synthroid. Naturally, an increase in appetite can lead to weight gain. However, weight gain could also be a symptom of the hypothyroidism that Synthroid is meant to be treating.

Thyroid medications like levothyroxine are used to treat low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism). If a doctor has prescribed Synthroid for a patient having borderline hypothyroidism, it may be able to have the medication reduced steadily over time. In other cases for people with more active hypothyroidism, there may be a need for long-term thyroid medication. In both cases, the advice of a healthcare professional should be sought.