Hyperthyroidism medicine side effects

Medicines that reduce thyroid hormone production can be effective but are not suitable for everyone. Mild nausea, headache, itching or a skin rash may occur. Some reactions are more significant because treatment can affect the blood cells or liver. A beta blocker, when prescribed for symptoms such as palpitations, may cause tiredness, dizziness or cold hands. The effect may also be confused with the condition itself: sweating, anxiety, diarrhoea and a fast heartbeat can continue while thyroid levels are settling.

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and keep laboratory follow-up appointments. Tell the prescriber about pregnancy, liver problems, asthma, other medicines and supplements. Record when a new symptom started and whether it follows a dose. Do not stop treatment suddenly or double a missed dose unless a clinician gives that instruction. For background, see [Hyperthyroidism](/conditions/hyperthyroidism/); symptom pages for [Palpitations](/symptoms/palpitations/) and [Excessive Sweating](/symptoms/excessive-sweating/) may help you describe changes.

Contact your prescribing clinician promptly if you develop fever, a sore throat, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, facial swelling or trouble breathing. These may signal a serious reaction and should not be managed by simply taking the next dose without advice. Emergency help is appropriate for breathing difficulty, collapse or severe chest symptoms.

Ask which effects are expected, which symptoms require stopping and calling, when blood tests are due, what to do after a missed dose, and how treatment will be adjusted as thyroid results change.