How to Stop Synthroid

Synthroid is a drug doctors commonly prescribe to replace thyroid hormones if your thyroid gland doesn't produce them on its own. According to Drugs.com, however, Synthroid can have several side effects, including headache, changes in your appetite and eating habits, and disruptions to your menstrual period if you're a woman. In some cases, it may be necessary for you to stop taking Synthroid altogether, but it's important to keep in mind that this is not a decision you can make on your own--you must have explicit advisement from your doctor.

Instructions

• 1

  Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you're experiencing moderate to severe side effects while using Synthroid. Ask about a treatment plan to deal with the side effects. Inform your doctor of specific side effects, the frequency with which they occur and any other life changes you may have made while taking Synthroid.

• 2

  Return to your doctor if the treatment plan to treat your side effects she prescribed doesn't alleviate your side effects or if they get worse. Inform your doctor that you'd like her consider placing you on an alternative to Synthroid. Stop taking your Synthroid only if your doctor explicitly advises you that it's OK to do so.

• 3

  Stop taking your Synthroid immediately if you experience extreme side effects, such as an allergic reaction which causes hives, swelling to your face, lips, throat or tongue or causes you difficulty breathing. Call your doctor's office immediately. If your symptoms are so severe you can't function, call emergency services immediately.

• 4

  Call the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 to report any side effects you're having, regardless of their severity. Inform the representative, in detail, of any side effects you've experience and how your doctor advised you to remedy them. Providing the FDA this information can allow them to better advise future Sythroid takers about potential issues they might experience.