Levothyroxine and alcohol Interaction

Levothyroxine and Alcohol

Levothyroxine is the generic name of this drug sold under the brand names of Levothroid, Levoxyl,ynthroid, Tirosint and Unithroid. It is used as a replacement for a hormone that is to be produced by your thyroid gland to control your body’s energy and metabolism and is used when the body does not produce this hormone itself.

It is also used to treat hypothyroidism which is low thyroid hormone and is used to prevent enlarged thyroid gland known as goiter. This may be caused by hormone imbalance, radiation treatment, surgery or cancer.

It is suggested that you discuss the consumption of alcohol with your physician as only moderate consumption of alcohol may be advised.

At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.

If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.

If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.

Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.

Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.

When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.

Before using Levpthyroxine advise your doctor if you are allergic to any other drug or substance, if you are using dietary or herbal supplements, are pregnant, plan to be or are breastfeeding, have heart disease, coronary artery disease, anemia, diabetes, problems with pituitary or adrenal glands or a history of blood clots.

Side Effects

Less serious side effects headache, sleep problems, nervous or irritable, fever, hot flashes, sweating, changes in your menstrual periods, appetite changes or weight gains. If these occur call your physician for advice.

Serious side effects are severe allergic reaction such as hives, difficult breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. If these occur get emergency medical help.

This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.

Levothyroxine and Alcohol

Drugs and Alcohol

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