How to make transition from regular met to XR?

carriebradshaw · 12-08-2008, 03:12 PM

Hi and thanks for looking.

I currently take 1000mg met twice a day. I've been on the drug for a little over a year now and have increased dosage gradually over time.

The thing is I just received a free bottle of metformin XR from an uncle who distributes it and didn't notice it was extended release until I actually saw the letters XR on the pill. I can't take it back because I already broke off the seal and I don't want it to go to waste.

My question is how would I go about to making the switch from regular met to XR? Should I start with a lower dose of XR by about 500mg on any given day? I know the XR is taken only once per day as opposed to twice a day with regular. Also, how do I know if my dose is too high? Sometimes I feel jittery, anxious and with high stress during the day but am not sure if it's the met.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

trina_f · 12-08-2008, 04:16 PM

I just made the switch a couple of months ago from regular met to XR. I asked every question in the book about the switch too. My RE said that just take it like you would your reg met. You dont have to ween your way on it since it's already in your system from the regular met. I was so freaked out because I didn't want to experience all the stomach problems I had when I started the regular Met. I took the XR 3x's a day like I did with the regular Met and had no problems what so ever. It is actually so much better because I don't feel so sick with the XR. Good Luck!