What is a common side effect of receiving excessive levothyroxine?

Heat intolerance is a common side effect of receiving excessive levothyroxine due to the drug's role in increasing metabolic rate. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, which helps to regulate metabolism in the body. When taken in excess, it can lead to hyperthyroid symptoms, one of which is heat intolerance, as the body's metabolism speeds up and generates more heat.

Patients may experience an increased sensitivity to heat, excessive sweating, and an overall feeling of being overheated. This symptom reflects the overstimulation of metabolic processes, which can also lead to other signs such as increased heart rate and nervousness. Understanding this helps to identify potential thyroid hormone imbalances that can arise from improper dosing or overmedication, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring of thyroid hormone levels in patients on levothyroxine therapy.