Medication restores proper hormone levels when the thyroid gland doesn’t secrete the necessary amount of hormones. Synthroid is prescribed for thyroid patients who suffer from hypothyroidism — an underactive thyroid that produces low levels of hormones.

The thyroid, positioned near the windpipe at the front of the neck, secretes hormones to help regulate metabolism. It delivers hormones to cells and organs throughout the body. When the gland doesn’t release enough hormones, symptoms may include fatigue, depression, sluggishness, menstrual irregularities, and constipation.

Levothyroxine, the active ingredient in Synthroid, replaces the hormones not naturally released from the thyroid. The medication is also used to treat an enlarged thyroid, which can lead to a goiter, a lump that appears in the neck near the thyroid. An enlarged thyroid results from hormonal imbalances.

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Side effects can occur from the use of Synthroid and may be the result of your body getting used to the medication. Check with your doctor if they occur and measures can be taken to reduce or prevent them.

Common side effects from Synthroid include stomach cramps, changes in appetite, anxiety, feelings of warmth, headache, depression, muscle weakness, nervousness, changing moods, restlessness, vomiting, weight gain, or weight loss, according to Drugs.com.

Contact your doctor immediately if more severe side effects occur such as chest pain, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, fainting, fever, increased blood pressure, increased pulse, nausea, shortness of breath, tremors, or swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Blurred vision, dizziness, severe headaches, eye pain, and seizures may also occur.

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Emergency help is necessary if levothyroxine causes confusion, disorientation, loss of consciousness, slurring of speech, fast or weak pulse, or sudden loss of coordination.

Other medications can interact with Synthroid. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. They may lessen the effect of the thyroid medication or your doctor might advise you to take other drugs before or after taking Synthroid.

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