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Suggest Treatment For Consumption Of High Doses Of Synthroid

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Posted on Wed, 13 May 2015
Question: I had my thyroid removed last year after becoming hyperthyroid. I have an irregular heartbeat and take amiododrone for it. That medication destroyed by thyroid and I had it removed. I've been on synthroid and all has been well for some time. I was taking 200 milligrams daily, after my doctor adjusted my dosage down. However, I mistakenly took twice as much for three days, meaning for three days, I took 400 milligrams. My doctor said to stop taking it for two days and to resume on Friday. I am tired, but my concern is that my heart rate is elevated. I don't have any other symptoms of hyperthyoidism, but my heart rate is higher than it has been in a long time. My question is, will this correct on its own? How long will it take before my heart rate will be back to normal range? Because I have heart problems, I'm concerned that it is elevated, though my doctor didn't tell me to do anything about this (I'm not sure there is anything that can be done.) Thank you for any advice, specifically about whether or not it will slow on its own and how long it will take. Should I be worried that it will not correct?
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Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It will take 5-7 days

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM. I have gone through the question and understand your concerns.

Thyroid medications have long half life - like 5-7 days. So if you have taken over dose of medicines it will take around a week to normalise things. If you have taken extra tablets, stop taking for the same number of days that you have taken the extra tablets of Synthyroid.

If you are having fast heart rate, you can check with your treating physician. Usual tests we do are a serum T4 and T3 to see if your problems are due to Synthyroid and ECG (EKG) to look for any rhythm problems. If there are no ECG changes all you need is just follow up or a small dose of medications like propranolol to reduce heart rate.


Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you.

Regards,

Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM]
Consultant Endocrinologist
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ajish TP

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 819 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Consumption Of High Doses Of Synthroid

Brief Answer: It will take 5-7 days Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HCM. I have gone through the question and understand your concerns. Thyroid medications have long half life - like 5-7 days. So if you have taken over dose of medicines it will take around a week to normalise things. If you have taken extra tablets, stop taking for the same number of days that you have taken the extra tablets of Synthyroid. If you are having fast heart rate, you can check with your treating physician. Usual tests we do are a serum T4 and T3 to see if your problems are due to Synthyroid and ECG (EKG) to look for any rhythm problems. If there are no ECG changes all you need is just follow up or a small dose of medications like propranolol to reduce heart rate. Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you. Regards, Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM] Consultant Endocrinologist