Cytomel can be used to decrease enlarged thyroid glands which are commonly known as goiters. Hypothyroidism is when thyroid glands do not create enough thyroid hormone. This is different from hyperthyroidism which is a condition in which thyroid glands produce too much thyroid hormone. Cytomel works by increasing the patient’s metabolic system. After taking Cytomel for a few weeks, your cellular activity will increase, and your body will begin to use carbs, fats, and proteins more efficiently. Liothyronine helps balance metabolism, so people sometimes try to take it to boost energy or for weight loss. However, this is not recommended due to serious and fatal effects liothyronine can have if it is not indicated or monitored.
Fatigue. Increased sensitivity to cold. Constipation. Dry skin. Thinning hair. Depressed mood. Weight gain Heavy or irregular menses in women Puffy face. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Review your symptoms. Review your medical history. Take diagnostics in order to gather an idea of your overall health.
Ask your doctor about the ingredients in Cytomel. You should not start taking the medication if you are allergic to any of them. Discuss family planning options. If you plan to become pregnant, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, this medication may have an effect on the fetus or child. Talk to your doctor about heart disease, prescriptions, dietary supplements or herbal preparations. Birth control pills, estrogen, anticoagulants, digitalis, ketamine, tricyclic antidepressants or vasopressor medications’ side effects may be multiplied by Cytomel. Insulin or other diabetes medications may become less effective. Ask about any planned surgeries you have coming up. [5] X Research source
Take the medication by mouth with food or without, at the same time every day. Separate your daily dosage of this medication by at least 4 hours from preparations containing calcium salts–sucralfate, calcium carbonate or cholestyramine. Take your dose of medication as soon as you can, if you have forgotten to take it. Skip the dose if it is nearly time for the next one.
Tell anyone you live with about your condition and treatment. Explain to friends and family what the medicine is and where it is stored. Consider getting a medical bracelet with important information. [6] X Research source
Due to the nature of the conditions Cytomel is prescribed to treat, Cytomel often needs to be taken for the rest of a person’s life. Cytomel is often prescribed as a medicine taken orally. Cytomel may take several weeks of usage before benefits start to materialize. Normal prescriptions range from 25 micrograms to 75 micrograms taken once a day, for mild hypothyroidism. Normal prescriptions range from 5 micrograms to 25 micrograms, taken several times a day for myxedema. Prescriptions for children vary. [7] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Check your blood sugars as dictated by your doctor if you are diabetic. Cytomel may affect your blood sugar level. Undergo lab tests regularly if you take blood thinners. Your blood thinner dosage may need adjustment. Receive lab tests–including thyroid function tests–on a regular basis. This is very important to ensure that the drug is working properly and to determine if your dosage might need to be adjusted.
Tell your doctor if you experience partial hair loss after starting Cytomel. This hair loss is usually temporary. Alert your doctor right away if you develop chest pain, diarrhea, weight change, excessive sweating, difficulty breathing, headache, the inability to tolerate heat or hot weather conditions, an increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, cramps in your legs, pounding in your chest, nervousness, tremors, shortness of breath or vomiting. [9] X Research source
