Home Medication and medical testsOther medications What happens if I miss levothyroxine one day?

What happens if I miss levothyroxine one day?

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Levothyroxine is a medication used to replace the lack of thyroid hormone, necessary in some diseases such as hypothyroidism or thyroid cancer.

Since this drug is indicated by one or a professional, it is essential to take it daily on an empty stomach, but what happens if you do not take the medication on time?

At FastlyHeal, we created this article to help you resolve your concern about what happens if you don’t take levothyroxine one day.

What is levothyroxine for

Levothyroxine is an artificially produced drug that resembles thyroid hormone. The human body typically produces this hormone. In some diseases, its production falls, so it is necessary to incorporate it through the form of levothyroxine.

This medication is mainly indicated for hypothyroidism. This is when the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone. There are different causes of hypothyroidism:

  • Autoimmune disease.
  • Thyroid surgery.
  • As a consequence of hyperthyroidism treatment.
  • Medication (such as lithium)
  • Lack of iodine.

Levothyroxine may also be indicated during thyroid cancer treatment and radioactive iodine and surgery.

Some people claim to use it to lose weight. This is completely inadvisable.

If the thyroid hormone rises above average, it becomes a problem. All kinds of bodily imbalances begin, producing what is known as hyperthyroidism. Maintaining a state of hyperthyroidism can have serious consequences.

What to do if you forget the levothyroxine dose for a day?

It is essential to take levothyroxine every day, once a day. Levothyroxine capsules or tablets should be taken by mouth with a glass of water. They should not be chewed. They should be swallowed whole.

If the user cannot swallow the tablet, it can be crushed and mixed with water, but never with other types of liquids. This medication should be taken on an empty stomach: 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.

If you miss a dose of levothyroxine, you should take the tablet as soon as possible, but if it is very close to the time of the next dose, do not do it. You should not take two tablets together or almost together.

If you notice that levothyroxine has a good effect and improves your symptoms, you should not discontinue it. It would help if you continued taking the medication until the specialist suggested it.

You must go for a check-up with your doctor when they indicate it. You should also do this if you notice unusual symptoms or do not feel well.

What to do if you took two levothyroxine tablets very closely?

It depends on the reaction of your body. You may not have problems, but you could also have discomfort from a levothyroxine overdose.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, we recommend that you go for medical consultation :

  • Chest pain.
  • Uncontrollable shaking
  • Palpitations
  • Irregular or fast pulse.
  • Irritability or anxiety
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Sleeping problems.
  • Excessive perspiration
  • Itching or rash
  • Swollen hands or legs
  • Abdominal pain, nausea.
  • Confusion.
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness

Levothyroxine dosage

The dose of levothyroxine will be indicated by whoever indicates the treatment. It usually ranges from 50 to more than 150 mcg.

Usually, it depends on the severity of the pathology, and the symptoms suffered. They are generally started with low doses that will be increased according to how your body responds.

It is essential to notify the attending physician in case of taking other drugs, especially biotin, anticoagulants, or chronic medication.

Levothyroxine cannot be used if you are taking amphetamines.

What symptoms does someone who needs levothyroxine have

If you suffer from hypothyroidism, you will need to take levothyroxine. You can present, among other symptoms :

  • Fatigue.
  • Low energy.
  • Increased sensitivity to cold.
  • Constipation.
  • Hair loss or fine hair.
  • Dry skin
  • Puffy or pale face
  • Menstruation problems.
  • Dysphonia.
  • Weight gain.
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Rigidity.
  • Depression.
  • Bad memory.

Side effects of levothyroxine

Like any drug, levothyroxine is not without adverse effects. Among them, the following can be mentioned:

  • Gastrointestinal problems: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. Changes in appetite
  • Changes in weight
  • Headaches.
  • Joint pain
  • Cramps
  • Fever, chills
  • Menstrual disturbances
  • Increased sensitivity to heat.
  • Hair loss.

Foods that should not be eaten with levothyroxine

If you are under treatment with this drug, you should be careful with nuts, soybeans, and grapefruit consumption. Please consult your doctor or general practitioner for their opinion and indications in this regard.

It is essential to eat a healthy diet. Many chronic health problems, like hypothyroidism, are related to bad habits. The consumption of processed, dairy, and meat daily or, in excess, refined (salt, flour, sugar) are some of the foods that cause all kinds of disorders. Alcohol and tobacco are also harmful and can alter your metabolism.

If you want to improve your health, it is convenient that:

  • Increase your intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Drink water instead of other sweetened or artificial drinks.
  • Do about 30 minutes of daily exercise appropriate to your physical condition. Excess is not healthy either.
  • Don’t drink alcohol or smoke.
  • The mood is key: doing activities that make you feel good emotionally will also lead to physical well-being.

These changes are very likely to bring significant benefits to your health. Maybe your doctor can reduce the dose of levothyroxine you need that way.

Remember that this medication is usually indicated for life, but it only depends on how you can control your health/disease.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to What happens if I don’t take Levothyroxine one day? We recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests.

You may also like

Leave a Comment