I just started metformin last Friday and I am on 500mg just once a day for the first week, then 2x a day and ultimately 3x a day.
Anyway, I haven't had any bad symptoms that I was expecting, however, I am noticing I am more constipated than usual. I am a very 'regular' 2-3 (sometimes more!) times a day girl. But now it keeps getting less and less and I haven't had a bowel movement all day today! i went to the store and bought myself some Fiber One Oat Clusters. They were yummy, but still nothing. I don't want to overdo it so I don't get the opposite problem.
Yesterday I literally felt sick because I felt like I needed to go but I couldn't!
Has anyone else had this issue with metformin? Any suggestions?
My only other 'side effect' might be headaches too. I have had a headache almost everyday following them as well, but that might be my singulair too, i started that just 2 days before the metformin.
Hi NAX, I'm new to metformin, too, so I don't have any suggestions to help, but like you am curious to hear what others say. I started taking it a week ago, and for three days had the opposite problem you report, but now I'm having *exactly* that problem. The only thing I know to do is to make sure I'm drinking a *lot* of water, since I suspect it can help with both this problem and the headaches.
I have been on met for about 4.5 months now. I had a lot of problems with constipation when I first started it at 500 mg (took this dose for about a month-then increased)and still when I increased to 1000 a day. However, when I finally reached 1500 a day I had the typical met side effects. In fact, I haven't been able to increase to the recommended 2000 after almost 3 weeks on the 1500 because of the side effects...so more than likely your problems with constipation will improve eventually. My doctor was somewhat perplexed and shocked that I was constipated, but conceded that it could happen. I tried all types of fiber supplements, etc but nothing helped. My endo recommended Colace (I take the generic) and it worked quite well. It is a stool softner so I was skeptical that it would actually help me have a bowel movement, but it has helped a lot and made them quite regular. Hope this helps.
FYI-the endo also said I could take it every day if I had to-that it was not addictive like laxatives can be.
Ive been on Met since Oct.2008 and there is two types of Met one is the Metformin XR (which is extended release) and then there is the Regular Met. I tried the regular for my first two months started at 500mg and increased to 2000mg. The third month the Dr. changed it to XR and i hated it it was giving me constipation problems so she switched me back to regular. Everyone is very different i've read that the XR gives less side effects but it was the total opposite for me.
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Thanks for the replies. I finally had a bowel movement today, but I just still feel all clogged up. I am supposed to increase to 2x a day tomorrow. I think i will wait and try and call the doctor first. I was going to call today but forgot. A day shouldn't make a difference. Other than this I have noticed no other changes (positively). I can only hope it's helping.
Thank you again! In the meantime I guess the fiber one cereal can't hurt.
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I've been on met ER for a week and a half. I'm up to 1000 mg, and my doctor doesn't want me to go higher than that. Anyhow, I've had headaches everyday and constipation most days. Usually I am really regular. I'm hoping these side effect subside soon. Best of luck!
Hello. I have severe stomach bloating and constipation. I am eating a very low carb high fibre diet along with drink almost 16 glasses of water a day! I have tried everything and nothing is helping. I have had problems with constipation in the past but now I just look like I got worse and like I'm 5 months pregnant! Does anyone have the same bloating? I just feel awful and I can't get into any of my pants!
I am on my 4th week of met and just this past week I have been soooo bloated and gassy and constipated. It is very uncomfortable. I have been trying to follow a low GI diet (not religiously). I guess this week I will really have to be strict on the diet because if this continues I don't know if I can stay on the medicine.
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I have been going from one extreme to the other on Met XR. I find that I am more constipated most of the time. Does anybody have any suggestions to help with constipation?
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hello, I have been on metformin since June 2 so about four weeks or so. I gradually increased my dosage from 500 to 2000 over the month. When i finally got to 2000 my constipation seems to be relieve.. so just push through it. Symptoms will subside soon.
Hi! I was on 2000mgs of Metformin for 12 full months last year. I actually had diarrhea then...but I just recently started, and I am also having very solid and a little painful BM's. Which may be attributed to the new dose (1000mgs) I've been taking.
Although - BMing isn't even necessary every day! When I am dieting, and eating around 1000-1500 cals a day, I BM like every OTHER day. And the doctor said that is perfectly normal.
I use benefiber right now - but be CAREFUL with fiber - it can cause even more fecal impaction if taken in excess.
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Metformin 1500mgs
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I just started Metformin on Friday, and feel the same way about the constipation thing. I am normally very regular, but find that it is harder to have a bowel movement if it even happens at all. I haven't had any of this explosive diarrhea I hear about....which I suppose is good.
I'm on Metformin with Spironolactone.... so I don't know if that matters. My stomach does feel weird though...I'm not hungry at all.
I'm counting on Metformin to make a difference in my weight loss....I eat super healthy, and I'm allergic to wheat...so that knocks out a lot of the high GI items. Any other diet/food tips I should know to go along with the Metformin (I know all about eating healthy, just didn't know if there is anything else I should know that would make a difference with the Met) Thanks!
Hello. I have severe stomach bloating and constipation. I am eating a very low carb high fibre diet along with drink almost 16 glasses of water a day! I have tried everything and nothing is helping. I have had problems with constipation in the past but now I just look like I got worse and like I'm 5 months pregnant! Does anyone have the same bloating? I just feel awful and I can't get into any of my pants!
I would love to get some advice on how to do low carb and high fiber. My main fiber sources are cereals, whole grain (German) bread and fruits. Whenever I try Atkins style diets I always lose weight but become terribly constipated. Would love some tips!
Thanks!
Metformin and constipation?? 
I don't want to overdo it so I don't get the opposite problem.
