Thyroid problems are extremely common, with about 12 percent of the American population affected by one at some point during their lives (American Thyroid Association). Since an underactive thyroid gland is by far the most prevalent of the problems that afflict the thyroid, it is little wonder that millions of people are taking levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid), a thyroid hormone intended to supplement or replace the inadequate production of the thyroid gland. But there is plenty of confusion about how to take this medication. It has a number of possible interactions that can make it tricky to find the best time to take Synthroid.
The Best Time to Take Synthroid:
Q. I’ve been told to take my Synthroid first thing in the morning, but I’ve read that coffee interferes with its absorption. I hate waiting an hour after I get up before I have my coffee or breakfast. Is this really necessary?
A. Levothyroxine is better absorbed when you have not eaten (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Oct., 2009). That is probably the basis for the usual admonition to take this pill first thing in the morning. But that is not always the best time to take Synthroid. Food, dietary supplements and coffee can interfere with its absorption (Thyroid, March, 2008). As a result, the most conscientious patients may end up like you, rising an hour before breakfast time and stumbling through that hour before enjoying the first sip of steaming coffee.
Try Another Time:
Taking your Synthroid at bedtime is effective and you don’t need to worry about coffee (Archives of Internal Medicine, Dec. 13/27, 2010). Of course, you’ll want to make sure you haven’t eaten for at least an hour, or preferably longer, but that is beneficial for lowering the likelihood of nighttime reflux so you’d want to do that anyway.
Other readers have found it helpful to switch to taking Synthroid at bedtime. One person wrote:
“I’ve been taking levothyroxine for years and have felt crappy the whole time. I could barely drag myself out of bed. Trying to take my thyroid medicine on an empty stomach and wait an hour before eating or drinking was really inconvenient.
“After reading on your website that thyroid could be taken at night I feel liberated. My days are normal again. Since I’m taking my vitamins, minerals and tea earlier, I’m not having trouble sleeping anymore and I don’t wake up feeling exhausted. My energy is back.”
Be Consistent:
The most important thing to remember about taking Synthroid or any other thyroid hormone is to be consistent. Even taking your pill with breakfast can work, so long as you do it every day and your breakfast time doesn’t vary too much. If you are consistent, your doctor will adjust the dose so that it is appropriate for your usual regimen.
It is better to avoid taking Synthroid at the same time as some supplements you might be swallowing with your morning juice: both iron and calcium can reduce the absorption of the hormone. It is also better not to take Synthroid or other versions of levothyroxine with a high-fiber breakfast such as bran muffins or bran flakes cereal.
You can learn more about optimizing your treatment for hypothyroidism in our downloadable 25-page Guide to Thyroid Hormones.
12/11/17 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/taking-thyroid-medicine-at-bedtime-fights-off-fatigue/
