What happens if you stop taking synthroid
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Effects of Discontinuing Synthroid: Clinical Outcomes and Risks
Synthroid, a brand of synthetic levothyroxine (LT4), is commonly prescribed for the treatment of hypothyroidism. Clinical guidelines emphasize the importance of consistent use of a specific LT4 formulation to maintain stable thyroid hormone levels. This article synthesizes findings from recent research on the clinical outcomes associated with discontinuing Synthroid and switching to alternative LT4 formulations.
Increased Risk of Adverse Clinical Outcomes
Chronic Kidney Disease, Depression, and Fatigue
Research indicates that patients who switch from Synthroid to another LT4 formulation are at a higher risk of developing several adverse clinical conditions. Specifically, switchers are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), depression, and fatigue compared to continuous users of Synthroid . This suggests that maintaining a consistent LT4 formulation is crucial for minimizing the risk of these conditions.
Hypertension and Obesity
In addition to CKD, depression, and fatigue, patients who stop taking Synthroid and switch to another LT4 formulation are also more likely to develop hypertension and obesity . These findings highlight the broader metabolic and cardiovascular risks associated with discontinuing Synthroid.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels
Out-of-Range TSH Values
One of the key metrics for assessing thyroid function is the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Studies show that patients who switch from Synthroid are significantly more likely to have TSH values outside the guideline-recommended range . Maintaining stable TSH levels is essential for effective management of hypothyroidism, and switching formulations can disrupt this balance.
Clinical Guidelines and Recommendations
Avoiding Formulation Switches
The evidence strongly supports clinical guidelines that recommend against switching between different LT4 formulations. Continuous use of Synthroid is associated with a significantly lower likelihood of adverse clinical outcomes and a higher likelihood of maintaining TSH levels within the recommended range . These findings underscore the importance of adhering to a consistent LT4 regimen for optimal thyroid management.
Conclusion
Discontinuing Synthroid and switching to an alternative LT4 formulation can lead to a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes, including chronic kidney disease, depression, fatigue, hypertension, and obesity. Additionally, such switches are associated with a greater likelihood of having out-of-range TSH levels. These findings reinforce the importance of consistent use of Synthroid to ensure stable thyroid function and minimize health risks.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic