From the FDA Drug Label
OVERDOSAGE Signs and Symptoms Headache, irritability, nervousness, sweating, arrhythmia (including tachycardia), increased bowel motility and menstrual irregularities. Chronic excessive dosage will produce the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatment Of Overdosage Dosage should be reduced or therapy temporarily discontinued if signs and symptoms of overdosage appear.
Liothyronine abuse can lead to signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including headache, irritability, nervousness, and arrhythmia.
- Treatment for overdosage involves reducing or temporarily discontinuing the dosage.
- Supportive care may be necessary to manage symptoms, such as oxygen administration, ventilation, and cardiac glycosides for congestive heart failure.
- Antiadrenergic agents, like propranolol, can be used to control increased sympathetic activity 1.
From the Research
Liothyronin (T3) abuse is a serious concern that can lead to life-threatening health consequences, and individuals misusing this medication should seek immediate medical help for supervised discontinuation. Liothyronin is a prescription medication intended only for treating hypothyroidism and should never be used without proper medical supervision. When abused, typical misuse involves doses far exceeding therapeutic ranges (normal dose is 25-75 mcg daily), often reaching 100-400 mcg daily. This abuse can lead to dangerous health consequences including heart arrhythmias, palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, muscle weakness, bone loss, and potentially life-threatening thyrotoxicosis 2. The cardiovascular risks are particularly concerning, as excessive T3 can cause tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Some studies suggest that liothyronine may be beneficial for patients with hypothyroidism who remain symptomatic despite achieving target TSH levels, especially if polymorphism of the deiodinase 2 (D2) genes is documented 3. However, the use of liothyronine for this indication remains controversial, and numerous randomized trials have failed to show a benefit of treatment regimens that combine liothyronine (T3) with levothyroxine over levothyroxine monotherapy 4.
Key points to consider in managing liothyronin abuse include:
- Gradual dose reduction under medical supervision to prevent withdrawal symptoms
- Use of beta-blockers to manage cardiac symptoms
- Addressing underlying psychological factors driving the abuse through counseling or therapy
- Monitoring for signs of thyrotoxicosis and other health consequences
It is essential to prioritize the patient's safety and well-being, and any decision to use liothyronine should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual's specific needs and medical history, and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional 4, 5.