Gonna Begin Metformin

MyBabalooBean · 09-07-2009, 07:08 PM

I have been kind of dormant on here for some time. But now that I have been told that I can no longer take bcps b/c they are causing serious side effects, I am freaking about all the pcos symptoms that are popping up and are going to pop up in the future. The bcp seemed to help with 2 things periods and acne, other than that, nothing. But recently I have developed suicidal episodes on the pill and migraines with black out. Eeeek. Didn't have that before! The doctor is beginning me on Metformin in about a week. I took it 4 years ago when I was attempting to get pregnant with my son. I completely forget what it is like. Can anyone help me out here? What can I expect? Any ideas on how to lessen side effects?
Thank you for your time!

sylvester1212 · 09-07-2009, 07:20 PM

Hey new to this board but I wanted to say hello and reply about metformin. I was on it for about 6 months, my body did not agree with it as my liver enzymes were elevated and I had to stop it. But my biggest tip is start small. I don't know about others, but it tore up my stomach pretty bad. Always take it with food. NEVER drink alchohol while on it, you'll be very sorry if you do. Since I've stopped metformin I've been doing alot of research on herbs etc since we are TTC. I've started taking quite a few. The one that has made the most noticible different is Vitex Fruit. My period two months in a row since I've been taking that, ovulating on day 14 and period day 29-30. The most regular I've been in a very long time. Moods are better, cravings are better. Just started Saw Palmetto for excess hair, not a huge difference yet but its only been a few weeks. Good luck to you.

Carolina5070 · 09-07-2009, 08:57 PM

I recently started with 500mg - and will work my way up in a few weeks. I have found taking it with dinner or in the evening with food has helped. Then if I need it I take Immodium in the morning. The cleaner your diet, the better you will feel on it. I have been really thirsty, and my doctor said dehydration can be a problem, so drink a lot of water. I have felt dizzy each morning for a few hours, but I'm not IR, so I'm not sure if my blood sugar is getting low.

I was very scared to start taking Met after everything I've read. I can definitely feel the side effects, but it isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I also have IBS, so the stomach issues aren't any worse than what I've experienced in the past.

Good luck!

MyBabalooBean · 09-08-2009, 02:37 PM

Thank you so much for your support on this. I was very worried about beginning it again after so many years. I forget what side effects I got! I have mild IBS so that makes me a bit nervous. . .I don't know what the starting dose will be but I am guessing low. Will keep you posted.

Happy Wife · 09-08-2009, 02:53 PM

I just started it on 8/26 I am fortunate in that I have responded very well with minimal side effects. (I had minor GI distress. Tip: keep immodium with you) I have already lost 10 pounds without trying. I no longer crave sweets, carbs, junk, etc. I get full faster when I eat. My acne is not as bad. My hair growth on my face has slowed, and is lighter/thinner already and I seem to have more energy. I do find I am thirsty a lot so I try to keep a large bottle of water with me at all times (which I usually did before the metaformin) My doctor started me with 500mg 2x/day I was supposed to up to 3x/day today but went ahead and did it saturday because I was not really having side effects from 2x/day and It also gave me 3 days at home to adjust if I did have effects from 3x/day so far I have been fine. Just remember everyone is different. Good luck.

Hayley-jade · 09-08-2009, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvester1212

Hey new to this board but I wanted to say hello and reply about metformin. I was on it for about 6 months, my body did not agree with it as my liver enzymes were elevated and I had to stop it. But my biggest tip is start small. I don't know about others, but it tore up my stomach pretty bad. Always take it with food. NEVER drink alchohol while on it, you'll be very sorry if you do. Since I've stopped metformin I've been doing alot of research on herbs etc since we are TTC. I've started taking quite a few. The one that has made the most noticible different is Vitex Fruit. My period two months in a row since I've been taking that, ovulating on day 14 and period day 29-30. The most regular I've been in a very long time. Moods are better, cravings are better. Just started Saw Palmetto for excess hair, not a huge difference yet but its only been a few weeks. Good luck to you.

Hello sylvester

i was looking through this web page and i notice you wrote about vitex fruit, could you tell me a bit more about it, where could i get it from and does it come in liquid form as i find it difficult to swallow any type of pills.
Hayley-jade

mip1500 · 09-10-2009, 02:03 AM

Yes on taking it at night and with food and keep immodium on hand and realize for me having been on/off this four times, it's always the first few days starting and after each dosage increase that I have to have no plans and constant bathroom access. But eat simple, drink lots of water, both are sure to help! Do start on lowest dose and take very sweet time increasing. I'd say at least 500mg for 2 weeks then 1000mg for 2 weeks etc. I also found XR caused me less side effects (also allowed me take all pills at once), and I find the non-generic works better for me. I don't think this is the case for everyone though.

Astar · 09-10-2009, 04:45 AM

Hi!
I just thought I'd pop in and share too! This will be my second time taking Metformin. The first time was on the regular 500mg for however long, then we gradually moved up to two pills a day. I was a mess. I LOVE spagettii (who here doesnt??) and always paid the next day for it. I noticed anything salad like or pasta like gave me trouble. I was "gaggy" in the morning. I had this weird feeling at the back of my throat that made me want to gag. This time is on the extended release pills. Its day two and I really havent had any symptoms yet. If I had to give any advice it would be to avoid pasta (even whole grain), drink lots of water, and try to think positive. The pros outweigh the cons with prescribing this medication so it should help in some way.

sylvester1212 · 09-10-2009, 07:49 PM

Someone was asking about Vitex fruit. I take it in a pill form. I take one in the morning and one at night. I take the 400 mg strength. I bought mine from iherb.com but there are lots of sights out there that sell it. I just like iherb because their prices are great, and service is lightning fast. Its very reasonable too between $5-6 for 100 caplets. Just google it, theres lots of good information out there about vitex and other "natural" herbs and vitamins to regulate hormones. No offense to y'all out there on regular drugs, but this is how I've choosen to "heal" myself from this not so nice condition and its working. Just started my period today, 29 day cycle, ovulated day 14, feel like I'm on the road to recovery!

Hayley-jade · 09-11-2009, 07:22 AM

Thanks Sylvester i have broughtsome yesterday from a herb shop local to where i live, so hopefully i will get good results

MyBabalooBean · 09-11-2009, 02:51 PM

Sylvester, you are so lucky that the vitex worked for you! I took it for over a year with no results. Everyone's body chemistry is so different. No homeopathic rememdy helped me which was sad b/c I HATE taking drugs.
My main thing is that I am not trying to ovulate or anything, I am trying to control the pcos to the point that I no longer have a fatty liver etc. I am scared of Diabetes.
Thanks for all the info and suppport, ladies!