Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroid hormone produced to mimic the body’s naturally produced hormone, is a necessary medication for those with hypothyroidism. However, there are a few common drugs and supplements that can interfere with the medication’s effectiveness.
Iron and calcium supplements, antacids, and cholesterol-lowering medications containing bile acid sequestrants like Cholestyramine and Colestipol can prevent the body from absorbing levothyroxine. Additionally, medications to treat arthritis, diabetes, or depression, including Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, including Ibuprofen and Aspirin, may interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine and should not be taken within four hours of taking the medication.
Herbal remedies, like St. John’s Wort and Soy, as well as multivitamins, calcium, and iron supplements, can also interact with levothyroxine, and medical professionals should be consulted to make sure a medication plan is safe and effective for each patient.
Therefore, it is important for those taking levothyroxine to discuss all medications with their doctor and pharmacist to avoid unnecessary interactions.
What supplements should not be taken with levothyroxine?
It is important to note that any supplement or medication that contains iron, aluminum, or calcium should not be taken with Levothyroxine. Taking these supplements or medications together can reduce the effectiveness of Levothyroxine.
Supplements containing magnesium, soybean flour, walnuts, or dietary fiber should also not be taken with Levothyroxine as they can also interfere with its absorption. Additionally, any supplements containing iron or calcium should not be taken within four hours before or after taking Levothyroxine.
Other than these supplements, patients should avoid taking certain drugs with Levothyroxine. This includes anticoagulants, certain calcium channel blockers, and certain barbiturate medications, as these can reduce the body’s ability to absorb Levothyroxine.
It is important to check with a doctor before taking any medication or supplement with Levothyroxine.
What should you not take with thyroid medication?
It is important to avoid taking certain supplements or other medications that can interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of your thyroid medication. Generally, you should not take supplements that contain iron, calcium, sodium selenite, soy, and cottonseed meal.
You should also avoid calcium carbonate and calcium citrate, as these can decrease the absorption of thyroid medication. Additionally, it is best to avoid antacids and proton-pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec and Nexium, as these can interfere with the absorption of your thyroid medication.
If you are taking any other prescription medications, it is important to speak to your doctor before taking your thyroid medication to make sure they will not interfere with each other. You should also avoid drinking alcohol when taking thyroid medication and remember to take it at the same time every day to ensure that the medication is properly absorbed.
What makes levothyroxine less effective?
Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine that is prescribed to those with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). While it works well for most people, there are a few factors that can make it less effective.
First, some people have difficulties with converting the levothyroxine into the active thyroid hormone in the body. This conversion is done by an enzyme called deiodinase, and in some cases, individuals either do not have enough or cannot correctly use this enzyme, thus making levothyroxine less effective for them.
Second, some people need higher than recommended doses to maintain their thyroid function, so if not changed, the levothyroxine may not be effective for them.
Furthermore, certain medications such as iron supplements, calcium and aluminum antacids, anticonvulsants, and some antipsychotics can produce interactions with levothyroxine, and thus reduce its efficacy.
Finally, some foods and drinks like grapefruit, broccoli and soy can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine, thereby making it less effective.
Can I take vitamin D with levothyroxine?
Yes, you can take vitamin D with levothyroxine. However, it is important to keep in mind that some medications can interact with each other and should be taken at least 4 hours apart. Additionally, depending on the dosing guidelines of the vitamin D supplement, it might be best to run the dosages past your healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine if it’s safe to take them at the same time.
Additionally, you should always tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, supplements, or vitamins in order to ensure that there are no interactions between them.
Can you take levothyroxine with other vitamins?
Yes, it is generally safe to take levothyroxine with other vitamins. It is advisable to inform your doctor if you are taking any vitamins or supplements prior to taking levothyroxine, as they might interact with the medication and affect its effectiveness.
When taking any over-the-counter vitamin or supplement, it is important to check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure there are no interactions or risks associated with the other medications you are taking.
It is also important to follow the instructions on the packet of your levothyroxine medication, and to monitor any changes in your weight, and speak to your doctor if there are any changes in your body or health.
Additionally, it is important to be aware that some vitamins can decrease the effectiveness of levothyroxine, so be sure to discuss any supplements you are taking with your doctor.
What vitamins does levothyroxine deplete?
Levothyroxine, a T4 hormone replacement medication, affects the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals. Depending on the dosage, levothyroxine can decrease the absorption of some vitamins and minerals, leading to a deficiency.
Some of the vitamins that can be depleted by levothyroxine include vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium.
Vitamin B12 is important for producing red blood cells, as well as making DNA and carrying out essential nerve functions. When taking levothyroxine, supplementing with vitamin B12 is recommended to ensure that the body can maintain an adequate level.
Vitamin D is essential for strong bones and teeth and participates in hormone production and helps regulate cell growth. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to bone loss, low energy levels, and weakened immunity.
Supplementing with vitamin D when taking levothyroxine is advised in order to avoid deficiency. Lastly, calcium is also important for managing heart health and for overseeing nerve, muscle, and bone development.
Taking calcium supplement with levothyroxine can help prevent calcium deficiency. It is also recommended to take levothyroxine separately from vitamins, minerals, and other supplements, as it may affect absorption.
How soon after taking levothyroxine can I take vitamins?
It is recommended to wait at least four hours after taking levothyroxine before taking any other medications, supplements, or vitamins. This time frame allows for the thyroid hormone to be properly absorbed, without interference from other drugs or supplements.
When possible, take the levothyroxine first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating or taking other medications or supplements. To be safe, discuss a proper spacing of levothyroxine and other medications with your doctor.
Why would levothyroxine be decreased?
Levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone, is decreased when a patient is suffering from hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your body does not produce adequate levels of this hormone.
Levothyroxine works by replacing the lacking hormone to restore hormone balance and metabolism. In some cases, the condition can be caused by other medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, iodine deficiency, post-partum thyroiditis, or previous medical treatments, such as radioactive iodine therapy.
A reduced dose of levothyroxine might be recommended if a patient’s thyroid hormone levels are normal but symptoms of an underactive thyroid continue. This can occur during pregnancy when higher doses of thyroid hormone are needed to keep the metabolism functioning properly, but the doses that were initially prescribed need to be decreased after the pregnancy.
In some cases, levothyroxine might be decreased when a patient is either taking a drug with levothyroxine, or is taking too much levothyroxine. The drug might inhibit the body’s ability to absorb or use the hormone, while taking too much levothyroxine can cause a condition known as thyrotoxicosis, or overactive thyroid.
When this occurs, the dosage must be decreased in order to restore the thyroid hormone levels to normal.
What happens when thyroid medication is reduced?
When a patient’s thyroid medication is reduced, their body is no longer receiving the same amount of hormones as when taking full doses. This can cause a range of symptoms. These may include feeling tired, gaining weight, having dry skin and hair, feeling constipated and cold, and losing interest in sex.
Reducing thyroid medication can also cause levels of hormones in the blood to become too low and result in hypothyroidism. People with hypothyroidism can experience hair loss, paleness, brittle nails, constipation, tiredness, and weakness.
Some cases might also lead to depression, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.
If thyroid levels are too low, people may also experience difficulty regulating their heartbeat, high levels of bad cholesterol, and can be more susceptible to infection, since their immune system may not be as strong.
Finally, reducing thyroid medication can cause goiter – a swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck, which can start to affect blood flow and the passage of food to the throat.
It is important for patients to talk with their doctor before reducing the dose of their thyroid medication and receive the proper monitoring to avoid any potential health issues.
Do you decrease levothyroxine to increase TSH?
No, decreasing the dosage of levothyroxine would not result in an increase of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). In cases where levothyroxine is prescribed as a medication for hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid, it works to replace the missing thyroid hormone, typically resulting in a decrease in TSH.
As mentioned on the Mayo Clinic website, TSH levels are monitored to ensure that people taking levothyroxine are taking the correct dosage. If TSH levels become abnormal, usually too low, a doctor may adjust the dosage of levothyroxine in order to restore them to within the normal range.
Decreasing the dosage of levothyroxine would not increase TSH levels since the primary function of the medication is to replace the naturally occurring hormone produced by the thyroid which would normally lead to a decrease in TSH.
How can I tell if my thyroid medication is too low?
If you’re taking thyroid medication, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and regularly check your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level to make sure your medication is working as it should be. Signs and symptoms that may indicate your thyroid medication is too low can include: fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depression, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, fast or irregular heartbeat, joint or muscle pain, or menstrual irregularities.
Other signs of hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone due to an underactive thyroid, can include an enlarged thyroid (goiter), unintended weight gain or puffy face, slowed speech and slowed movements, and delicate fingernails or nails that ridged.
If you have any of these concerns, talk to your doctor about having your TSH level checked and adjusting your dosage accordingly.
How do I know if I need more levothyroxine?
In general, it is best to consult your doctor if you suspect that you may need more Levothyroxine. Your doctor will take into account your age, medical history, and current health in order to decide on the best course of action.
They may suggest having blood tests or other tests done to assess your hormone levels and ensure that the correct dosage is being taken. Your doctor will be able to give you the relevant information to help you determine whether or not you need to increase your dosage.
Symptoms that may be a sign you need to increase your dosage of Levothyroxine include unexpected weight gain, fatigue, constipation, decreased libido, and depression. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to check in with your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking levothyroxine?
It is important to avoid the following activities and medications while taking levothyroxine:
1. Avoid taking dietary supplements that contain iron, calcium, magnesium, or aluminum. Iron, calcium, magnesium, and aluminum can bind to levothyroxine, preventing its absorption in your body.
2. Avoid taking caffeine, antacids, sodium bicarbonate, sucralfate, anticholinergic medications (such as for irritable bowel syndrome), or other medications like insulin, seizure medicines, or blood thinner within four hours of taking levothyroxine.
These medications can decrease its effectiveness.
3. Avoid eating or drinking soy milk or foods with soybean fiber while taking levothyroxine. Soy can decrease its absorption.
4. Avoid exposing yourself to extreme heat or cold. Levothyroxine can cause symptoms to worsen when temperatures change.
Finally, abstain from drinking alcohol as it can reduce your appetite, cause you to become dehydrated, and affect your medication absorption.
Why does my thyroid medication keep decreasing?
The reason your thyroid medication keeps decreasing may be because your thyroid hormone levels are changing. This could be because your body is producing more thyroid hormones on its own, or because the levels of other hormones that interact with your thyroid hormones are changing.
It could also be because the medication is losing its effectiveness over time, usually from changes in diet and lifestyle. Your doctor may need to adjust your thyroid medication dosage accordingly to ensure your hormones stay balanced.
It is important to have regular thyroid hormone tests to make sure your levels remain consistent. Additionally, some conditions or medications can interfere with your hormone levels, so it is important to inform your doctor of any medication or health changes.