Can switching from Synthroid to levothyroxine cause weight gain?

Does Levothyroxine Cause Weight Gain? Both weight gain and weight loss are possible side effects. Many people do not take the right dosage of levothyroxine, and both undertreatment and overtreatment can have an effect on weight. Levothyroxine weight gain may be tied to undertreatment, according to the ATA.


What happens when you switch from Synthroid to levothyroxine?

The FDA maintains that generic levothyroxine is the same as brand name Synthroid. FDA scientists recently collaborated with endocrinologists from Yale and the Mayo Clinic. They concluded that switching from one generic to another is fine (JAMA Internal Medicine, Feb. 28,2022).

Why am I gaining weight while taking Synthroid?

Weight gain is a known symptom of hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormones), which Synthroid is used to treat. If you have low levels of thyroid hormones in your body, your metabolism may be slowed down. This may lead to weight gain. If you notice weight gain while taking Synthroid, talk with your doctor.


Will I lose weight if I stop taking Synthroid?

You may return to the normal body weight you would have been without the fluid retention caused by hypothyroidism. Once your thyroid levels are normal again, this medication should have no effect on your weight.

Does levothyroxine affect weight?

A daily dose of levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid) will rev up your thyroid hormone production again, and with it, your metabolism. Once you're on the right dose, your weight should stabilize, and you shouldn't have any more trouble losing weight than anyone else.


Levothyroxine and Weight gain (Why some people gain weight on levo and Synthroid)



Why am I not losing weight on levothyroxine?

When you start taking thyroid medication like levothyroxine, don't expect instant weight loss. The first barrier is getting the right dose of thyroid medication. Once you have reached your ideal dose, you may notice some weight loss after around three to six months of continuous use.

How do you fix thyroid weight gain?

(Weight gain is often the first noticeable symptom of low thyroid.)
...
Use these six strategies to jump-start weight loss with hypothyroidism.
  1. Cut Out Simple Carbs and Sugars. ...
  2. Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods. ...
  3. Stick to Small, Frequent Meals. ...
  4. Keep a Food Diary. ...
  5. Move Your Body. ...
  6. Take Thyroid Medication as Directed.


Is Synthroid better than levothyroxine?

As previously mentioned, one version isn't technically better than the other. Both generic levothyroxine and Synthroid should work equally well for the treatment of hypothyroidism. It's just not ideal to switch back and forth between different products, unless you're directed to do so.


Is there a difference between Synthroid and levothyroxine?

Synthroid is brand name levothyroxine sodium; other brand name versions of levothyroxine include Levothroid, Unithroid, Tirosint, and Levoxyl. It contains the same active ingredients and is used for the same purposes, namely to treat hypothyroidism or low thyroid hormone levels.

What is the downside to taking levothyroxine?

Common side effects of levothyroxine include heat intolerance, a fast heart rate, and diarrhea. More serious levothyroxine side effects are also possible. If you experience side effects like tremors or mood changes, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you can.

Does too much levothyroxine cause weight gain?

Symptoms of Taking Too Much Levothyroxine

You may also gain weight. It's not unheard of for a person to go to their healthcare provider because they think they need a higher dose of their medication only to find out their symptoms are actually being caused by thyroid overmedication.


Will increasing my levothyroxine help me lose weight?

For people who are already using levothyroxine, increasing the dose above what's needed can lead to more weight loss, but it's usually not significant and those pounds are often gained back once the dose is decreased again.

Can too much thyroid medicine cause weight gain?

Sometimes, overmedication symptoms can paradoxically be the same as those you experience when you have low thyroid hormones. These symptoms may include exhaustion, achiness, and weight gain despite feeling jittery and nervous.

How long does it take to adjust to levothyroxine?

When you start levothyroxine you won't feel better the next day. You may not feel better in two weeks. But symptoms should start disappearing within a month. After six weeks of treatment, you should be almost completely free of symptoms, assuming you're at the right medication level.


Is it OK to switch brands of thyroid medication?

Current guidelines state that patients should stay on the same product—whether brand or generic—because of the concern of different concentrations of thyroid hormone in another medication affecting thyroid values.

When will I notice a difference after starting levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine starts working straight away, but it may be several weeks before your symptoms start to improve. The most common side effects of levothyroxine are caused by taking a bigger dose than you need. Your doctor can lower your dose to help reduce any side effects.

Does Synthroid cause weight gain or weight loss?

In some cases, Synthroid may cause weight loss. This is because thyroid hormones (which Synthroid is used to replace or add to) are responsible for your body's metabolism. * If you don't have enough thyroid hormones in your body, your metabolism will be slower than usual. And this may lead to weight gain.


Is Synthroid a hyper or hypothyroid?

SYNTHROID® (levothyroxine sodium) tablets, for oral use is a prescription, man-made thyroid hormone that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism. It is meant to replace a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland.

Does levothyroxine lower or increase TSH?

However, if missed doses are not reported by the patient, levothyroxine dose increases can lead to a low TSH if therapy is later adhered to.

Why is it better to take levothyroxine at night?

In conclusion, bedtime intake of levothyroxine in our study significantly improved thyroid hormone levels. This may be explained by better gastrointestinal bioavailability at night or by less uptake interference by food or medications. As shown in this study, bedtime administration is more convenient for many patients.


Is there an alternative to Synthroid for hypothyroidism?

Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)

It contains both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), and it can be used to treat the same conditions as those treated by levothyroxine, such as hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer.

Can Synthroid damage your thyroid?

Synthroid is dosed based on weight, and while that works for most women, sometimes it can overcorrect your thyroid and make it overactive, Goldfarb says. One sign that you've entered into hyperthyroid territory is a racing or irregular heart rate.

How to lose weight on levothyroxine?

If you are taking levothyroxine, take your tablet or capsule as directed by your provider. Evaluate your diet carefully and make healthy changes that can help you lose excess weight. Reduce your intake of alcohol, sweets, and foods high in sodium, as these can contribute to weight gain.


Can you reverse thyroid weight gain?

Many studies have shown that excess thyroid hormone treatment can help produce more weight loss than can be achieved by dieting alone. However, once the excess thyroid hormone is stopped, the excess weight loss is usually regained.

How can thyroid patients lose weight fast?

The best way to lose weight with hypothyroidism is to focus on eating vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and healthy fats. These foods help you feel full faster than processed and high-sugar foods and may promote a healthy weight.