Cytomel (liothyronine sodium) is used to treat hypothyroidism from nearly any cause. It can also be used in any age, including infants and the elderly, though with modified doses. Cytomel is sometimes used to supplement depression treatment and to promote weight loss when associated with hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism should not be confused with hyperthyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine. Triiodothyronine is a tremendously important hormone that effects nearly every body process, including fetal development, proper growth and development, ability to learn, body temperature, metabolism, and heart rate.

Causes of hypothyroidism include:

• Congenital defects
• Functional deficiency
• Atrophy of the thyroid
• Partial or full surgical removal
• Radiation
• Other medications
• Goiter
• Unknown causes

Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, describes a condition in which the body produces too much thyroid hormone. Patients with hyperthyroidism should not take Cytomel.

What to Expect from Cytomel

Hypothyroidism is a complicated and highly individualized condition. Patients will need to be diagnosed by a doctor, and according to laboratory results dosage and duration of treatment will be variable. Patients will need to continue to attend regular doctor checkups in which hormone levels will be checked.

Symptoms can be difficult to detect in patients who aren't aware of a thyroid problem, as there are many other causes:

• Chronic fatigue
• Muscle aches or weakness
• Stiff, swollen joints
• Sensitivity to cold
• Dry skin
• Unexplained weight gain
• Slow heart rate
• Memory impairment
• Constipation
• Thinning hair

Advanced hypothyroidism can be more severe, even life-threatening. In addition to the above, blood pressure may drop, breathing may become very light and/or slow, and body temperature may drop. Patients may slip into a coma.

Assuming hypothyroidism is the cause, Cytomel can stop and reverse the above symptoms.

Cytomel comes as tablets or injectable fluid. Injections are typically reserved for hospital use when a patient's hormone levels need to be raised quickly; at home, the vast majority of patients take tablets. Tablets are often taken long-term---sometimes for the remainder of life---but some individuals may have dosage adjustments during this time.

Dosage & Administration

Because hypothyroidism is so individualized, so treatment should be. Ideally a doctor, using laboratory results, will determine initial dosage and adjust according to patient response. As a very rough guideline for general hypothyroidism, adults should:

• Start with 25 mcg per day, taken as one dose.
• After 1 or 2 weeks, according to patient response, dosage may be increased in 25 mcg increments.
• Most patients find 25 mcg to 75 mcg sufficient.

And rough guidelines for infants, elderly, and other at-risk patients:

• Start with 5 mcg taken as a single daily dose.
• Dosage may be increased in 5 mcg increments every 3 or 4 days to 1 or 2 weeks according to patient response.

The above guidelines are very rough. Again, treatment should be personalized and a laboratory is needed to do so; patients are strongly advised to avoid self-diagnosing and self-medicating in this instance.

Patients will need to attend regular doctor checkups where hormone levels can be monitored, especially at the start of treatment or if the patient is very young, elderly, or has other risk factors. This can be a hassle, but the return to normal life that Cytomel offers is usually well worth it.

Precautions

Patients should be sure the prescribing doctor is aware if there is a history of:

• Heart, kidney, or liver problems
• Diabetes mellitus or insipidus
• Adrenal gland disorders

Likewise certain medications can interfere with Cytomel; of greatest concern are:

• Blood thinners, such as warfarin
• Medications that increase blood pressure, such as epinephrine
• Diabetes medications, such as insulin or glyburide
• Estrogens, as found in birth control or hormone replacement therapies
• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or doxepin
• Medications used to treat heart failure, particularly digoxin

To be on the safe side, ensure the doctor knows about all other medications being taken, including over-the-counter painkillers or cold treatments, as well as any vitamins or supplements.