Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

Levothyroxine (LT) is the synthetic form of thyroxine (T4), a thyroid hormone analog used to treat hypothyroidism. LT overdose rarely results in severely poor outcomes. General guidelines for treating exogenous thyrotoxicosis depend on the severity of symptoms. There is no standardized protocol; however, drug discontinuation, beta-blockers (specifically propranolol), and cholestyramine effectively manage overdose when needed, with most cases resolving independently without medical intervention. Here, we present the case of a 26-year-old female with a history of supraventricular tachycardia, anxiety, depression, and Hashimoto thyroiditis who was accidentally overprescribed LT (300 mcg for one and a half months) that resulted in symptoms of lethargy, tremors, body temperature dysregulation, orthostatic hypotension, and diarrhea. This case, with limited evidence, suggests that excessive LT exacerbated the patient's underlying psychiatric symptoms, encouraging suicidal ideation.

DOI

10.7759/cureus.44787

Publication Date

9-6-2023

Keywords

thyrotoxicosis, iatrogenic, error, levothyroxine, prescription error, dosing error, synthroid, suicidal ideation, levothyroxine overdose, levothyroxine poisoning

ISSN

2168-8184

Download

Share

COinS