Which medication is commonly used to treat hypothyroidism?

Synthroid is commonly used to treat hypothyroidism because it contains levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). This medication works by restoring the hormone levels in individuals whose thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone on its own. Normalizing thyroid hormone levels is crucial for maintaining metabolism, growth, and overall energy levels in the body, which is particularly important for those affected by hypothyroidism.

In contrast, other medications listed—such as Prozac and Cymbalta—are primarily antidepressants and are not utilized to treat thyroid conditions. Lithium, while it has some applications in mental health treatment (specifically for bipolar disorder), is also not effective for hypothyroidism. Understanding these distinctions is important to effectively administer and manage treatment for conditions like hypothyroidism.