Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Judith Wy on February 7, 2010 at 8:44pm

Metformin just tears my stomach up something fierce. It doesn't matter if I have food in my stomach or not. I spent the last two nights in the hospital and asked a lot of the staff and they all agreed it is very hard on the stomach. So, no, it's not you. J

Permalink Reply by Hana Rous on February 8, 2010 at 4:16am

I'm lucky, I have never had any trouble with Metformin, but I know many people get digestive trouble with it.
2 methods seem to improve the problem. The first is to take it in the middle of a meal the second is to change to the Slow Release version. Most people adapt if they persist.
Of course if you control your carbs, you can minimise the Metformin. I'm only on 2 x 500mg per day, after 6 years. I started on 3.
Hana

Permalink Reply by deb1126 on April 2, 2012 at 1:32pm

Thank you for the suggestions. I'm going to try them. I have the nausea and other digestive problems.

Debbie

Permalink Reply by Pauly on February 12, 2010 at 12:22pm

I have been on it for 6 months now and I am getting very nauseous from it in the last two weeks. I can tell when the pill starts to wear off and I feel better by mid afternoon. I am going to a lower dose to see if that helps. I tried the extended release and that is even worse for me. If the lower dose doesn't work I will ask for low doses of insulin. I cant take this on my stomach anymore.

Permalink Reply by Hana Rous on April 1, 2010 at 7:32am

Pauly
If Metformin is keeping your BG down well, perhaps you might discuss going diet only with your care team. It takes a bit of will power to go very low carb and do the exercise, but it might be worth trying.
Hana

Permalink Reply by Andy Taylor on July 15, 2012 at 3:56pm

I personally try to go Slow Carb and Low Glycemic. When I succeed, I inject very low doses of insulin and at least half my Metformin dose.

Permalink Reply by Nyxks on March 31, 2010 at 7:02pm

I've been on met since 2004, and its been having the same effect on me from day one ... two hours or less after I take my dose i'm in the head deal with out put issues that can last from 5 minutes to 30 depending on what I've eaten before I took the pill.

I'm now on the extended release version, and I still have the same issue only now its about 10 hours after I take the drug before going to bed that it happens, so right on time for me to get up and start my day.

I dont like the side effect, but I know it could be worse then what I've been dealing with.

Permalink Reply by satinder on April 18, 2010 at 4:19am

My muscles become weak. Various doctors have put me onto metformin with/without combination of other drugs, but each time I get weak muscles.

Permalink Reply by Bear Mackay on April 23, 2010 at 3:10am

I was diagnosed and prescribed metformin about 18 months ago and was told that the first day or two I may suffer discomfort, well it turned out the severe stomach cramps lasted about 2-3 weeks but then completely subsided until I was given a different brand then it all started again, fortunately within the first couple of months this all subsided again and I only have a day or two of very mild discomfort but only after any change of brands, which Ive been told will constantly happen as pharmacies use multiple supply companies. Otherwise Im finding the medication is really working for me.

Permalink Reply by Loquacity on June 17, 2010 at 12:52am

I've just been put on Metformin as a first approach to controlling my BG. I was warned of nausea and vomiting, and expected to be feeling pretty rotten for a while, but aside from a very mild squidgy kind of feeling (that's the scientific term!) for the first day or two, I've been fine.

So, to answer the question, yes nausea and other gastric complaints are definitely an expected side-effect. Apparently, though - like many side effects - people experience it to different degrees. It might be worth having a chat to your doctor to find out if there's an alternative you can take.

My dose will be going up very shortly though, hopefully the side effect fairies stay kind!

Best of luck,
L

Permalink Reply by Hana Rous on July 3, 2010 at 1:59am

Loquacity
why do you expect your dose of metformin to go up?
Are you controlling your carbs?
Hana

Permalink Reply by Carly on July 3, 2010 at 1:16am

I know this is not a side effect. But, does anyone think it is harmful to use more Metformin then directed by the doctor sometimes? I may have already asked this too. Sorry it is around 2:15 am here. I am wired on Diet Dr.Pepper.

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