Metformin and alcohol?

DappleSuki · 05-20-2006, 04:40 AM

So I just started taking met a few days ago, and the label says not to drink alcohol and then goes on to describe really scary things that could happen if you do drink it. But is it really true? Do any of you have the occasional drink while on met, or is it really that dangerous? Just wondering if it would really be that bad if I had a drink or two with friends. I am too scared to do it without asking you guys first!

Journeysmom · 05-20-2006, 03:41 PM

I had one drink with ice and drank it slowly with no problems.
I'm guessing each person is different though.

DappleSuki · 05-20-2006, 07:48 PM

Thanks. I hope others answer too!

BeckyS727 · 05-20-2006, 10:18 PM

I had the same question. I started Met yesterday and my info says "Limit alcohol intake" I usually have a glass of wine with dinner (while waiting for the 2ww), but I'm going to cut back on that (maybe 2 or 3 times a week), but I didn't know if that was still "limiting" enough.

Anyone else have any input??

lexicographer · 05-20-2006, 11:42 PM

I'm on 2500 mg of Met and after two drinks (I always drink the same thing: grey goose and sprite), I'm loaded. And to make matters worse, I'm in pain for about 24 hours afterward. I get horrible abdominal pain. I read that drinking while on Met can cause something called lactic acidosis? I don't know much about it, but my experience has been...it's better not to drink. My doctor even told me that I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT drink while on Met. I don't know if this is due to my high dosage, but in my case, I guess she was right.

ellie_anna · 05-21-2006, 01:01 AM

Hey,

I'm on 1500mg of metformin. My dr. told me to avoid drinking. I have had very occassional drinks. Anniversaries and other special occassions. But I usually limit it to a sip or two of my husbands wine. But at this time I have not experienced any of the things the warning label suggest could happen. I think its better to side with caution.

DappleSuki · 05-21-2006, 01:15 AM

Ok now I am scared again! Yeah the lactic acidosis, sounds really bad! I don't want that! But I am only on 1000 met right now, so maybe it;s not that big of a deal?

smash_effect · 05-21-2006, 01:52 AM

I usually have a drink or two once a weekend. I never really have more than a little loose stool the next morning. I did notice I get a little tipsy pretty quick. I haven't had any problems though. I think if you limit your intake, you should be fine!

DappleSuki · 05-21-2006, 07:25 AM

Thanks all. I will start out very small and slow as a test.

KYBluegrass · 05-22-2006, 07:11 PM

This is an issue that has come up from time to time over the years on the forum. I'm a firm believer in everything in moderation. I do know that some do have terrible reactions to met and alcohol, and some do not. But, it is also my thought that it depends greatly on what you're drinking, how much, and if you have food with it. Many alcoholic drinks have high amounts of carbs, which can cause the tummy rumbles and gastric upset. Met does work through the liver, and so does alcohol, so there's that combination. I think a drink once in a while won't do much harm, but take it easy until you know how it will affect you. For some of us, it can take a lot less before you feel the effects of that drink than it used to. For me, it was a crap shoot. Sometimes, I'd feel fine, and other times, I just didn't feel good, even after a little bit.

lwasilco13 · 05-22-2006, 07:23 PM

My RE says a drink once and a while is ok. DH and I went the Hawaii 3 weeks after starting met and I had a drink usually w/ dinner and did not have any problems at all. I'm on 2000 mg.
Hope this helps
Lisa

DappleSuki · 05-22-2006, 08:14 PM

Thanks guys! I had a sangria with dinner the other night and didn't have any problems except alot of gas and easily getting tipsy.

ellie_anna · 05-23-2006, 03:12 AM

KY: Thanks! I found your information very interesting a useful!

sirrahved · 05-23-2006, 04:12 AM

Glad to hear someone else has noticed they get drunk more easily!

I asked my pharmacist about alcohol and met and she went through her notes very carefully and every interaction she found was very rare and only found in diabetic patients.

christyz · 05-23-2006, 07:17 PM

The occasional drink (most medical sources say ~ 2 per week) is FINE. But like others say, you can feel tipsy when the liver is tied up processing the liver and sends the excess sugar to your brain cells. The signs of drunkenness are the same as low sugar (slurred speech, feeling dizzy & nauseaous) so many confuse being tipsy with low sugars. Eating with your drink and drinking slowly helps.

For lots of info on met and alcohol and tips on avoiding sugar lows see the FAQ thread: FAQ About Metformin

Good luck!