"Levothyroxine sodium" is a hormonal medicine. You can buy this tool in almost any pharmacy at an affordable price. Of course, officially the drug is dispensed exclusively by prescription. However, in fact, anyone can buy Levothyroxine Sodium. It is worth noting that this drug is often taken for other purposes. This can be explained by the properties of the drug. Most often it is used as a means for losing weight. Levothyroxine sodium is in great demand among athletes during the competition, as well as during preparation for them.
Thyroid hormone
The main component of the drug is thyroxine. This substance is produced in the body of any person. The synthesis of the hormone is carried out by the thyroid gland along with others, no less active. Thyroxine is capable of exerting many actions on the human body, including:
- Stimulation of tissue growth.
- Improving the functional state of the cardiovascular and nervous system.
- Acceleration of metabolic processes.
- Strengthening the effect of growth hormone and adrenaline.
- Stimulation of the formation of new blood cells.
- An increase in blood glucose.
- Increased mental activity.
The medicine "Levothyroxine sodium"
Reviews show that this drug is very popular. To date, several drugs based on thyroid hormones have been created. These are Levothyroxine Sodium and Triiodothyronine. Usually, doctors prefer the first drug, since the second, although more effective, is more toxic and has many side effects. "Levothyroxine sodium" with adequate use and in the presence of certain indications usually does not cause disturbances in the operation of all systems. Naturally, with a correctly calculated dosage, the drug does not cause any side effects.
Features of the reception
"Levothyroxine sodium", reviews of which are mostly positive, has a therapeutic effect. Of course, his actions are weakly expressed. When ingested, the drug is converted in the brain, in the muscles and in the liver to the more active form of the hormone - to triiodothyronine.
It is also worth considering that any food can significantly reduce the bioavailability of the drug. That is why experts recommend using Levothyroxine Sodium two hours after or one hour before a meal. In addition, the dosage of the drug is selected individually and depends on laboratory parameters, clinical presentation and indications.
In case of an overdose, symptomatic treatment is carried out . There is no specific antidote in this case. If your blood pressure has increased or your heart rate has increased, you can take one of the beta blockers. If severe diarrhea occurs, then Mebeverin and Loperamide will help to eliminate it. If necessary, you need to induce vomiting so that the remnants of the drug do not enter the bloodstream and worsen the patient's condition.
When Levothyroxine Sodium is prescribed
This medicine is usually indicated for:
- The destruction of the gland by thyroid radioactive iodine or its removal. In this case, replacement lifelong therapy is required.
- Hypothyroidism - a decrease in thyroid function.
- Goiter - an increase in the size of the gland.
Weight Loss Medication
Very often use "Levothyroxine sodium" for weight loss. Reviews show that this drug allows you to quickly get rid of extra pounds. However, in fact, this drug is not intended to combat obesity. For this reason, in the instructions for the drug there are no recommendations for its administration.
Most often, "Levothyroxine sodium" for weight loss is taken at a dose of 100-300 micrograms per day. You should be careful. After all, the larger the dosage of this drug, the higher the likelihood of side effects. The most dangerous of them are those that can affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Β-adrenergic blockers, for example, Metoprolol and Atenolol, can reduce their likelihood. You need to use them regularly.
How does Levothyroxine Sodium work?
For weight loss, many use the drug in question. In this regard, it is quite effective. The drug provides a decrease in body weight due to the following mechanisms:
- Increased Stamina. This allows you to significantly increase not only the duration, but also the effectiveness of training.
- Decreased appetite.
- Stimulation of mental activity. This allows you to increase calorie consumption.
- Metabolism acceleration.
- The occurrence of sweating and diarrhea, as well as stimulation of urination. So some of the weight goes with the fluid.
- Increased heat generation.
- Stimulation of lipolysis. This is the process of breaking down fats.
Does it threaten health
Levothyroxine sodium is very popular among athletes. However, many do not even think that this drug is able to break down not only fats, but also muscles. Of course, this is not the most dangerous side effect. After using this drug, you may experience:
- Cardiopalmus.
- Heart rhythm disturbance.
- Angina pectoris.
- Fever and sweating.
- Increased intraocular and blood pressure.
- Diarrhea.
- Painful menstruation in women
- Conflict, anxiety and irritability.
- Muscular twitching, trembling hands, and in some cases, cramps.
Often, not all side effects are indicated in the instructions for the drug. Indeed, when using the drug strictly according to indications, as well as in the correct dosage, such phenomena do not occur. "Levothyroxine sodium", the instruction to which contains only information about the properties of the drug, is safe. Of course, if you take it correctly in accordance with the recommendations of specialists.
Contraindications
Like any drug, Levothyroxine Sodium has contraindications. As consumer reviews show, this drug should not be taken even for the purpose of losing weight to those who:
- Diabetes.
- Heart disease.
- Hypertonic disease.
- Infectious acute diseases.
- Adrenal insufficiency.
In addition, the drug should not be used by persons over 55 years old. In this case, the use of "Levothyroxine sodium" is fraught with negative consequences.
Are there any analogues?
Not every pharmacy can be purchased without a prescription Levothyroxine Sodium. Analogues of this drug contain the same active substance. The main difference is in the auxiliary components. If necessary, replace “Levothyroxine sodium” with “L-thyroxine”, “Bagothyrox”, “L-Thyroxine”, “Eutirox” and so on.
However, do not forget that taking any medications without the recommendation of specialists can lead to negative consequences. Therefore, before using drugs, you should consult a doctor. In addition, there are a number of recommendations, compliance with which can increase the body's production of natural thyroxine. This method of losing weight is safer and does not cause unpleasant consequences for a person.