For those looking for symptom relief for thyroid disease, Cytomel may provide some benefits, though it is not without side effects.
Cytomel, also known as liothyronine sodium, provides artificial thyroid hormones in cases where the
thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amounts, Rx List reported. Such a condition is known as hypothyroidism.
Cytomel may help to alleviate symptoms of the disease, including drowsiness, weakness, and even depression. The medication can also help with swelling of the thyroid gland that may produce a bump on the neck called a goiter, Rx List reported.
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Other benefits include increased metabolism of all cells in the body, brain function maintenance, increased ability to use food, and body
temperature modulation, MedicienNet.com said. In children, Cytomel helps with development and body tissue growth.
Studies indicate taking Cytomel while pregnant is not a problem, though the drug does pass into breast milk. No reports of harm to the baby have been made, according to Rx List.
A common side effect of the medication is nausea. One rare result of the drug is hair loss, Rx List noted. Most people who take Cytomel do not experience adverse side effects.
Elderly individuals are more likely to experience side effects,
according to Everyday Health.
Patient should contact medical help if there is chest pain, difficulty breathing during exercise, irregular or rapid heartbeat, swelling, or weakness, Rx List said.
Such appearance can indicate
thyroid toxicity, eMedicine Health noted.
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Rare yet serious signs of too much thyroid medication include insomnia, headache, irritability and nervousness, heat intolerance and sweating, and diarrhea, according to Rx List. Severe allergic reactions are unlikely.
For those with diabetes, Cytomel affects sugar levels in the body, Everday Health reported. Patients should consult a doctor before changing dosage levels and monitor blood sugar carefully.
Cytomel can interact with birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, blood thinners, digoxin, insulin or diabetes medication, medications with iodine, antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, aspirin, or steroids, Rx List reported.
Those taking Questran and Colestid should take Cytomel four hours before or after taking those drugs, Everyday Health recommended.
EMedcine Health suggested patients speak with a doctor prior to beginning treatment with Cytomel to discuss dosage.
Those interested in taking the medication should share medical history of heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes, angina, and myxedema, Drugs.com said.
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