Dear Dr. Roach I am 80 years old. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. I am taking methimazole 10 milligrams, two tabs daily. Whenever the endocrinologist reduces the tablets to once daily, my TSH remains low. I am also taking metoprolol. I read that beta blockers interfere with the absorption of methimazole. Should I take a different medication? M.W.

Answer Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland releases too much hormone into the blood. This may cause many symptoms, such as fast heart rate, tremor, anxiety, weight loss, excess bowel movements and shortness of breath. Methimazole blocks the synthesis of thyroid hormone, but often beta blockers such as metoprolol are also used to treat some symptoms, especially the fast heart rate, anxiety and tremor. Beta blockers work quickly and are usually prescribed as soon as hyperthyroidism is diagnosed.

Since they are so often used together, I was surprised to hear you read beta blockers block absorption of methimazole nothing in medical literature supports that. It is true that once a person has gone from hyperthyroid to normal thyroid, the body can absorb metoprolol better, so the dose may need to be decreased.

TSH is thyroid stimulating hormone, the bodys signal to release thyroid hormone. In people with hyperthyroidism due to a problem with the gland Graves disease, an autoimmune thyroid disease the TSH level is very low. More methimazole would be expected to raise the TSH, while decreasing the dose should make TSH lower.Dear Dr. Roach I am 84 years old and in good health. I recently read that most Americans dont get enough potassium, which lowers blood pressure. Assuming I was one of the majority, I started taking a potassium supplement. Wise or not? C.H.

Continued here:
Beta blockers work with other hyperthyroidism meds | To Your Good Health - STLtoday.com

Comments are closed.