General Info:

Levothyroxine (Levothroid) is a naturally occurring hormone produced by your thyroid. It is important for normal energy and metabolism.

For a variety of reasons, your body may not produce enough of this hormone on its own. In these cases, Levothyroxine (Levothroid) is taken to replace your body's natural thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine (Levothroid) is also used to prevent and treat goiter (growth or enlargement of the thyroid gland). Causes of goiter include hormonal imbalances, radiation, surgery, and cancer.

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in your body, almost anyone can take Levothyroxine (Levothroid). In general, Levothyroxine (Levothroid) should not be taken if you have other hormonal problems that are not being adequately treated.

It may take several weeks for you to start feeling better. Once you start feeling all right, do not stop taking Levothyroxine (Levothroid). You will probably need to take this medicine for the rest of your life.

Symptoms of a Levothyroxine (Levothroid) overdose include chest pain, nervousness, trouble sleeping, tremor, rapid heartbeat, nausea, headache, fever, sweating, shortness of breath, heat intolerance, irregular menses, increased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.