Levothroid Overdose: An Introduction
Levothroid® (
levothyroxine sodium) is a prescription medication typically used to treat hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Taking too much Levothroid can result in hyperthyroidism, a condition that can be quite dangerous. The specific effects of a Levothroid overdose will vary depending on a number of factors, including the
Levothroid dosage and whether it was taken with any other substances.
Symptoms of a Levothroid Overdose
The symptoms of a Levothroid overdose can be very dangerous. Some of the most dangerous symptoms include:
Levothroid is a "narrow therapeutic index" drug, which means that the safe and effective dose is usually very close to the toxic dose. Therefore, a Levothroid overdose can result from taking just a little too much Levothroid.
Treatment for a Levothroid Overdose
The treatment for a Levothroid overdose will also vary. If the overdose was recent, a healthcare provider may administer certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." Treatment also involves supportive care, which consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options may include:
- Fluids through an intravenous line (IV), if necessary
- Medications to control arrhythmias, high blood pressure, seizures, or other symptoms
- Other treatments based on the complications that occur.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on Levothroid.
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