New to Metformin

Kim_mc · 10-24-2003, 09:09 AM

Hi Everyone,

I just started metformin last night. I am on 500mgs building up to 1500mgs. I have looked around the forum and everything was very helpful. I do have one question on a side effect I didn't see mentioned. Did anyone get jittery, and restless on it?? Also since starting it I have spent a lot of time in the bathroom. I know very common. I was wondering if horrible cramping is normal??

Since I am so new to this, I will probally have lots of questions for all of you along the way.

Thanks for all your help. I look forward to getting to know all of you.

~Kim

southie · 10-24-2003, 09:49 AM

Hi Kim

Oh boy do I remember the first couple of weeks on met. I was hyped one minute and unable to stay awake the next. The cramping and bloating is also very common.
For me it has gotten gradually better so that now (2 months on) I have hardly any nasty side effects.
I know some people have such bad side effects that it becomes impossible for them to take the met but try and stick it out for the first month or so.
Best of luck

Linda

Kim_mc · 10-24-2003, 10:28 AM

Linda,

Thank you so much! At least I know that being jittery and restless are common. I thought it was in my head. I will stick it out at least until my followup appt with my RE next month. Hopefully it doesn't take that long for them to let up!!

~Kim

christyz · 10-24-2003, 12:47 PM

Welcome!

I personally didn't have the jitters, but it sounds like it could be low blood sugar as well. Hypoglycemia causes jitteriness, tiredness, irritability, mental dullness, headaches or intense cravings for carbs. As your body starts regulating the insulin in your system, be sure that you eat enough glucose to keep your blood sugar stable. When you start feeling the above hypo symptoms, have a small snack and it will likely help.

Glad you joined us here, and hope that info helps.

Kim_mc · 10-24-2003, 06:42 PM

Christy,

Thank you for all the info!! I did call my drs office and the nurse told me it's most likely my body just getting used to the meds. They said if the jitteriness doesn't go away to give them a call tomorrow. I am trying to make sure I get some sugar in my diet through fruits so hopefully that will be enough to get rid of the jitters. I will keep in mind all the other s/e you mentioned and if any of them occur I will make sure to have a snack.

Thank you again!!

~Kim