Which medication is associated with hypothyroidism as a side effect?

Which medication is associated with hypothyroidism as a side effect?

• A. Lithium
• B. Quetiapine
• C. Clozapine
• D. Risperidone

Answer: (A)

Lithium is associated with hypothyroidism due to its effect on the thyroid gland itself. It interferes with thyroid hormone synthesis and release, which lowers T4 and T3 production and often causes a rise in TSH as the body tries to compensate. This makes hypothyroidism a well-recognized adverse effect in patients treated with lithium, so thyroid function should be routinely monitored (TSH and free T4) during therapy. The other medications listed are antipsychotics; they have different side effect profiles and are not commonly linked to hypothyroidism, so they don’t fit as well with this association.

Lithium is associated with hypothyroidism due to its effect on the thyroid gland itself. It interferes with thyroid hormone synthesis and release, which lowers T4 and T3 production and often causes a rise in TSH as the body tries to compensate. This makes hypothyroidism a well-recognized adverse effect in patients treated with lithium, so thyroid function should be routinely monitored (TSH and free T4) during therapy. The other medications listed are antipsychotics; they have different side effect profiles and are not commonly linked to hypothyroidism, so they don’t fit as well with this association.