Hyperthyroidism causes the thyroid gland in front of the neck to become overactive. Medication is prescribed treat the condition that produces too much thyroid hormone and increases the body’s metabolism.

Here are four types of prescribed hyperthyroidism medications:

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1. Antithyroid medications include propylthiouracil, or PTU, to prevent the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone, according to EndocrineWeb. The drug is often used for pregnant women with an overactive thyroid. PTU is known to have a lower risk of birth defects. Patients take the drug in three equal doses about eight hours apart.

2. Methimazole (Tapazole) may be prescribed for one, two, or three times daily because it is more concentrated than PTU. It reverses an overactive thyroid quickly, EndocrineWeb reports. It generally has fewer side effects than PTU.

Side effects for antithyroid medications may include nausea, heartburn, muscle or joint aches, swelling, numbness, and headaches. Although hyperthyroid symptoms are relieved in six to 12 weeks, some patients may experience a relapse when decreasing dosage. Medication may be prescribed for 12 to 18 months to reduce the chance of recurrence.

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3. Beta blockers, often used to treat high blood pressure, are sometimes prescribed to reduce some symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including rapid heart rate and heart palpitations. They are used aside from other methods that reduce thyroid levels, the Mayo Clinic explains. Fatigue, dizziness, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, and headache are possible side effects.

4. Radioactive iodine is taken orally and absorbed into the thyroid gland. It shrinks the gland so symptoms usually subside in a few months, says MedicineNet. It is not used for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Monitoring the condition is important because the slowed-down gland might cause an underactive thyroid.

The radioactive iodine targets and destroys thyroid cells. Since surrounding tissue is not usually affected, there are no major side effects, according to MedicineNet. This method of hyperthyroidism medication is generally used for patients who can’t tolerate antithyroid drugs and those who have Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes an overactive thyroid.

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