Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking synthroid as follows:
- Take synthroid early in the morning, 30 minutes before breakfast, as synthroid is best absorbed on empty stomach. Take the medication dose at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication.
- Be aware of responses to synthroid overdose and consequent symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as, palpitations, very rapid heart rate, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, racing thoughts, mood swings, nervousness, and irritability. Report any of these findings to your doctor for a possible revision on the dose.
- Be aware of responses to inadequate dose of synthroid and consequent continuing symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as, reduced activity and endurance, poor energy levels, exhaustion, tiredness, malaise, constipation, low heart rate, low body temperature, cold intolerance, reduced body metabolism and weight gain. Report any of these findings to your doctor for a possible revision on the dose.
- Watch closely for development of any allergic reactions to synthroid, such as, skin rashes, hives, and rashes. Some patients can present with symptoms of angioneurotic edema, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
