post your tips on dealing with gluc/met side effects - Page 2

Pie · 01-06-2003, 03:23 PM

I've had my prescription for awhile but I've been
afraid to start taking them. How long do the side affects
last? Has anyone not had any side affects or can I
pretty much count on it?

Thanks...

Pie

foofoosmom · 01-09-2003, 01:44 AM

I take Gluc XR and i have ibs too. I have the worlds most sensitive stomach, lol. This is my second try at taking the meds. The first time i was so sick i couldn't leave my house. This time no problems. Weird!

I take my meds with water! Milk made me so sick i felt like i had morning sickness. The kind that lasts all day!

My doc said to up my dose after 2 weeks. Well, that wasn't long enough for me. I took each dose for about a month before upping it.

No salads in the pm. I can have them in the middle of the day, but to close to a dose and look out!

Eat lots of fiber. I was already doing that because of the ibs.

Water, water and still more water. I feel nauseated if i don't get enough of it.

I am going to try some of the teas that have been mentioned. The bloating and stuff isn't too bad except when AF comes. It seems to be much more severe (the bloating) now that i'm on the GlucXr.

Amy

aurora323 · 01-10-2003, 11:16 AM

I took my first Glucophage last night, and I was expecting the GI problems but they didn't come.

What I did notice, though, is that I was really sleepy about 30 mins after taking it....this was a real change of pace for me. Normally I'm quite the owl but I was yawning all the way through CSI, which started at 9.

Anybody else have this happen? I'm thinking maybe I just didn't eat enough.

Keli

gdesigngirl · 01-10-2003, 11:38 AM

I am on about my fifth or sixth try on getting on these meds! Ugh! It makes me sick, dizzy, sleepy and everything else under the sun! I have been able to tolerate 500 mgs, but need to bump up to my 1,000 NOW! My doctor swears that it will change my life if I would do this, and even if I have to call in sick to work, after a month or so I'll be feeling better.

I am so glad to have these helpful hints. I am wondering about the salad thing, though! I always though it would be good to have a salad, because there are no carbs. What about breakfast? I had yogurt and a banana. Is that good for digesting the meds?

Have you all found that you need to cut out caffine? And no sugar? I usually treat myself with a small portion of low fat ice cream on a "good" eating day. Do I need to cut that out?

Thanks so much for all the great advice!

Ms_Peaches_01 · 01-10-2003, 01:45 PM

My endo says that all of those side effects subside after about a month. Your body is just getting used to the new drug. The tips on this tread are excellent. I've tried them and they work for me. Especially drinking lots of water, avoiding sweets and carbs, taking it at the same time every day, and taking Immodium AD.

Hang in there...

danielleweathers · 01-10-2003, 02:04 PM

I initially started out on metformin and took that for 4 months, but couldn't get over the GI problems. I then started taking glucophage XR and have had much better results. I notice GI upsets when I make bad food choices, or when I don't eat regularly. If i skip breakfast or don't eat small meals spread throughout the day, I get GI effects. It has worked for me if I eat as soon as I get up and then take my med. I hope this helps!!!

amy-s · 01-10-2003, 03:57 PM

I didn't see anyone else mention this one, so I'll jump in with it...

I get the muscle cramps really badly while on met. It starts on about the 3rd day like clockwork... calf cramp in the middle of the night. I'll get them 3-5 times a night, worst that I've ever had in my life! Then, it migrates to other muscles. I start getting them in strange places, like my arm muscles, back, stomach muscles, even my toes and my neck! It usually happens when I'm straining to lift something, pressing on the break pedal to drive (scary thought huh?), or stretching in the morning. It's not like general aches and crampiness. It's like you look down and the muscle has become a rock hard knot that you can't move for several seconds to a minute. Hurts like !#@$!

Apparantly it's kinda common. Here's what my doc told me to do... Take a good quality calcium supplement with magnesium, I get mine from GNC. Plenty of fluids too.

I had always thought that when you get a cramp, it meant you needed potassium and you should eat bananas. Not necessarily!

ratherbesleeping · 01-17-2003, 05:38 PM

I've been on metformin since last Spring, and I still have side effects from the stuff. I have chronic diarrhea. If it's not diarrhea, it's really soft stuff (hope you weren't just eating lunch). I had my gallbladder removed a couple of years ago, so maybe that has something to do with it--I don't know--but greasy meals REALLY UPSET MY STOMACH.

I've learned that if I eat a greasy meal on a completley EMPTY stomach (first meal of the day), I can usually survive. BUT IF I eat a greasy meal later in the day, like McDonalds dinner...UGH. I need to be in the bathroom about 20 minutes later.

My husband is just use to me being in the bathroom after we go out to dinner.

I wonder what this is doing long-term to my GI tract?

Anyway, I do try to avoid greasy stuff as much as possible, but it still happens.

I don't notice other foods really bothering me.

The metformin HAS created a lot of hypoglycemia for me though. "They" say it doesn't cause it, but how else can they explain that I never had blood sugar problems until I started taking metformin????

I'll start a new thread for this one. Thanks.

destinydope · 01-17-2003, 05:46 PM

I have been on Met since May 2002 and the side effects do not stop. I find if I take 1 1/2 at lunch and 1 1/2 at supper it works wonders. Certain foods I cannot eat like lettuce. That really does a number on me. I haven't had to take immodium in a while so I guess that is good. Drink lots of fluids, preferably water. Hope for the best.

believer621 · 01-19-2003, 11:36 AM

I was diagnosed with PCOS in June 2002 after spending many years in doctors' offices only to be told I couldn't have a baby because I was overweight. I still have a grudge for that doctor. Anyway, I went to an endrocinologist in July 2002, and he put me on 500mg Glucophage XR. I have had no side effects, and I have lost 17 pounds. I just started 200mg of Clomid days 3-7. Pray for success.

sanctuary1999 · 01-19-2003, 11:52 AM

Beliver-

I too had been told that the reason I do not get AF and prego was because I was overweight! This went on for over 10 years!!!
(i just trurned 34)
I was finally dx in October and happy that I was..........still felt un easy with Doc. Found a great one and he changed my Met on Friday. On Feb 3rd hubby and I go in for a fertility consult! I wish you the best of luck and may 2003 see a PCOS baby boom!

Kim

Delila · 01-26-2003, 01:53 PM

I also just started on 500 mg of gluc xr and will increase to 1000 in a week. I took two doses so far in the evening first night at ten and the next night a little earlier at 9:30. I was sleeping in no time. Than in the morning I could barely wake myself up and get out of bed. I am still a little fuzy now and I have been up for about two hours. I know this is a normal side effect, and if I did have any other side effects I slept through them. It puts me in such a deep sleep I could sleep through anything. How long does this side effect last and how early in the evening can I start taking it. I am very concerned about waking up for work at 5am! Thank goodness I started the medication on the weekend and know what to expect. Pleeeeeease if anybody has a suggestion let me know.

Thanks,
Delila

Pie · 01-29-2003, 02:07 PM

I too was told I wasn't getting AF because I was overweight....
that was about 16 yrs ago..and I wasn't as near overweight
as I am now. Wow, time flies.

Lisa_S · 02-18-2003, 10:54 PM

After abandoning Met last year due to stomach "issues" I just started again at 500 mg.

So far, no problems, here are my changes from last time:

Take Met with a high protien meal/snack and a calcium pill
Drink a full glass of water with that meal/snack

I don't know why, but since taking Met this way I have had no problems, a little bloating the first few days, but now nothing. I'm still debating increasing to 1000 mg - I'll let you know if my method still works at that dosage as well.

Lisa

denise26 · 02-21-2003, 07:15 PM

I have only been on met for a few days, but I have been taking these for a long time for digestive problems, and so far they seem to be helping with the met side effects too. They are capsules with papaya enzymes, some other digestive enzymes, and peppermint oil. I'm not trying to sell anything, I don't benefit if anyone buys these, I just thought I would share.

http://www.Puritan.com/pages/file.asp?PID=365&np=0

01-09-2003, 01:44 AM	#17 (permalink)
foofoosmom Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Carrollton, TX USA Posts: 15 Points: 817.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 817.00 Donate	here's what i do I take Gluc XR and i have ibs too. I have the worlds most sensitive stomach, lol. This is my second try at taking the meds. The first time i was so sick i couldn't leave my house. This time no problems. Weird! I take my meds with water! Milk made me so sick i felt like i had morning sickness. The kind that lasts all day! My doc said to up my dose after 2 weeks. Well, that wasn't long enough for me. I took each dose for about a month before upping it. No salads in the pm. I can have them in the middle of the day, but to close to a dose and look out! Eat lots of fiber. I was already doing that because of the ibs. Water, water and still more water. I feel nauseated if i don't get enough of it. I am going to try some of the teas that have been mentioned. The bloating and stuff isn't too bad except when AF comes. It seems to be much more severe (the bloating) now that i'm on the GlucXr. Amy __________________ Amy Diagnosed PCOS 7/98, looked for treatment 5/2002! 1500mg GlucXR Finally losing weight and getting regular AF!

01-10-2003, 11:16 AM	#18 (permalink)
aurora323 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 7 Points: 212.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 212.00 Donate	I just started I took my first Glucophage last night, and I was expecting the GI problems but they didn't come. What I did notice, though, is that I was really sleepy about 30 mins after taking it....this was a real change of pace for me. Normally I'm quite the owl but I was yawning all the way through CSI, which started at 9. Anybody else have this happen? I'm thinking maybe I just didn't eat enough. Keli __________________ Life is a daring adventure, or nothing. -- Helen Keller To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-10-2003, 11:38 AM	#19 (permalink)
gdesigngirl Returning SoulCyster Join Date: May 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 184 Points: 1,788.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,788.00 Donate	help! I am on about my fifth or sixth try on getting on these meds! Ugh! It makes me sick, dizzy, sleepy and everything else under the sun! I have been able to tolerate 500 mgs, but need to bump up to my 1,000 NOW! My doctor swears that it will change my life if I would do this, and even if I have to call in sick to work, after a month or so I'll be feeling better. I am so glad to have these helpful hints. I am wondering about the salad thing, though! I always though it would be good to have a salad, because there are no carbs. What about breakfast? I had yogurt and a banana. Is that good for digesting the meds? Have you all found that you need to cut out caffine? And no sugar? I usually treat myself with a small portion of low fat ice cream on a "good" eating day. Do I need to cut that out? Thanks so much for all the great advice! __________________ In 2003 I will take my meds consistently, exercise religously, and eat sensibly. : ) Met 1000 mg Spiro 50 mg Darling BF Furry baby Chalire "meow!"

01-10-2003, 01:45 PM	#20 (permalink)
Ms_Peaches_01 SoulCyster from NC Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 340 My Mood: Points: 6,212.79 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 6,212.79 Donate	My endo says that all of those side effects subside after about a month. Your body is just getting used to the new drug. The tips on this tread are excellent. I've tried them and they work for me. Especially drinking lots of water, avoiding sweets and carbs, taking it at the same time every day, and taking Immodium AD. Hang in there... __________________ Hyponidd Vitex

01-10-2003, 02:04 PM	#21 (permalink)
danielleweathers Scrappin' Cyster Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Utah Posts: 158 My Mood: Points: 358.75 Bank: 1,591.81 Total Points: 1,950.56 Donate	dealing with side effects I initially started out on metformin and took that for 4 months, but couldn't get over the GI problems. I then started taking glucophage XR and have had much better results. I notice GI upsets when I make bad food choices, or when I don't eat regularly. If i skip breakfast or don't eat small meals spread throughout the day, I get GI effects. It has worked for me if I eat as soon as I get up and then take my med. I hope this helps!!! __________________ Danielle me 32, DH 32 ttc biological children for 10+ years Blessed by adoption twice! Metformin ER 2000mg Multi-Vitamin, EPO 10/04 100mg Clomid/HCG/IUI=BFN 11/04 100mg Clomid=no ovulation 12/04 break for holidays 1/05 150mgClomid/HCG/IUI=BFN 4/06 100mg Clomid= no ovulation 6/06 5mg Femara/IUI/HCG=BFN dx 7/95 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-06-2003, 03:23 PM	#16 (permalink)
Pie Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Virginia Posts: 17 Points: 58.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 58.00 Donate	I've had my prescription for awhile but I've been afraid to start taking them. How long do the side affects last? Has anyone not had any side affects or can I pretty much count on it? Thanks... Pie

01-10-2003, 03:57 PM	#22 (permalink)
amy-s Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 24 Points: 284.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 284.00 Donate	I didn't see anyone else mention this one, so I'll jump in with it... I get the muscle cramps really badly while on met. It starts on about the 3rd day like clockwork... calf cramp in the middle of the night. I'll get them 3-5 times a night, worst that I've ever had in my life! Then, it migrates to other muscles. I start getting them in strange places, like my arm muscles, back, stomach muscles, even my toes and my neck! It usually happens when I'm straining to lift something, pressing on the break pedal to drive (scary thought huh?), or stretching in the morning. It's not like general aches and crampiness. It's like you look down and the muscle has become a rock hard knot that you can't move for several seconds to a minute. Hurts like !#@$! Apparantly it's kinda common. Here's what my doc told me to do... Take a good quality calcium supplement with magnesium, I get mine from GNC. Plenty of fluids too. I had always thought that when you get a cramp, it meant you needed potassium and you should eat bananas. Not necessarily!

01-17-2003, 05:38 PM	#23 (permalink)
ratherbesleeping Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: WA state Posts: 53 Points: 954.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 954.00 Donate	My experience I've been on metformin since last Spring, and I still have side effects from the stuff. I have chronic diarrhea. If it's not diarrhea, it's really soft stuff (hope you weren't just eating lunch). I had my gallbladder removed a couple of years ago, so maybe that has something to do with it--I don't know--but greasy meals REALLY UPSET MY STOMACH. I've learned that if I eat a greasy meal on a completley EMPTY stomach (first meal of the day), I can usually survive. BUT IF I eat a greasy meal later in the day, like McDonalds dinner...UGH. I need to be in the bathroom about 20 minutes later. My husband is just use to me being in the bathroom after we go out to dinner. I wonder what this is doing long-term to my GI tract? Anyway, I do try to avoid greasy stuff as much as possible, but it still happens. I don't notice other foods really bothering me. The metformin HAS created a lot of hypoglycemia for me though. "They" say it doesn't cause it, but how else can they explain that I never had blood sugar problems until I started taking metformin???? I'll start a new thread for this one. Thanks. __________________ Age: 31 Diagnosed with PCOS: March 2002 Thankful to finally have a diagnosis to my weird problems! Symptoms since a teen. Only odd thing about me--popped out two little kiddos with no problem (almost too easy). Go figure.

01-17-2003, 05:46 PM	#24 (permalink)
destinydope Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 136 Points: 2,261.32 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 2,261.32 Donate	I have been on Met since May 2002 and the side effects do not stop. I find if I take 1 1/2 at lunch and 1 1/2 at supper it works wonders. Certain foods I cannot eat like lettuce. That really does a number on me. I haven't had to take immodium in a while so I guess that is good. Drink lots of fluids, preferably water. Hope for the best. __________________ me(Dena) 29 dh(Donnie) 33 TTC since 1997 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. src=" To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. google_ad_section_end -->

01-19-2003, 11:36 AM	#25 (permalink)
believer621 Triplet Mom Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 222 My Mood: Points: 300.44 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 300.44 Donate	Glucophage XR I was diagnosed with PCOS in June 2002 after spending many years in doctors' offices only to be told I couldn't have a baby because I was overweight. I still have a grudge for that doctor. Anyway, I went to an endrocinologist in July 2002, and he put me on 500mg Glucophage XR. I have had no side effects, and I have lost 17 pounds. I just started 200mg of Clomid days 3-7. Pray for success.

01-19-2003, 11:52 AM	#26 (permalink)
sanctuary1999 Body, Mind and SoulCyster Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Jax, FL Posts: 102 Points: 1,829.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,829.00 Donate	Beliver- I too had been told that the reason I do not get AF and prego was because I was overweight! This went on for over 10 years!!! (i just trurned 34) I was finally dx in October and happy that I was..........still felt un easy with Doc. Found a great one and he changed my Met on Friday. On Feb 3rd hubby and I go in for a fertility consult! I wish you the best of luck and may 2003 see a PCOS baby boom! Kim __________________ DX PCOD 10/15 Endo 2000 mg glucophage xr a day .75 synth Thyroidectomy on 2/26 Contemplating gastric bypass Scared my clock will stop, if it ever started! ?? !

01-26-2003, 01:53 PM	#27 (permalink)
Delila Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 290 Points: 1,037.44 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,037.44 Donate	Just started, too? I also just started on 500 mg of gluc xr and will increase to 1000 in a week. I took two doses so far in the evening first night at ten and the next night a little earlier at 9:30. I was sleeping in no time. Than in the morning I could barely wake myself up and get out of bed. I am still a little fuzy now and I have been up for about two hours. I know this is a normal side effect, and if I did have any other side effects I slept through them. It puts me in such a deep sleep I could sleep through anything. How long does this side effect last and how early in the evening can I start taking it. I am very concerned about waking up for work at 5am! Thank goodness I started the medication on the weekend and know what to expect. Pleeeeeease if anybody has a suggestion let me know. Thanks, Delila

01-29-2003, 02:07 PM	#28 (permalink)
Pie Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Virginia Posts: 17 Points: 58.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 58.00 Donate	I too was told I wasn't getting AF because I was overweight.... that was about 16 yrs ago..and I wasn't as near overweight as I am now. Wow, time flies.

02-18-2003, 10:54 PM	#29 (permalink)
Lisa_S Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: New York, NY USA Posts: 28 Points: 637.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 637.00 Donate	After abandoning Met last year due to stomach "issues" I just started again at 500 mg. So far, no problems, here are my changes from last time: Take Met with a high protien meal/snack and a calcium pill Drink a full glass of water with that meal/snack I don't know why, but since taking Met this way I have had no problems, a little bloating the first few days, but now nothing. I'm still debating increasing to 1000 mg - I'll let you know if my method still works at that dosage as well. Lisa __________________ 22 yrs old dx May 2001 Meds: Yasmin, Aldactone 100mg

02-21-2003, 07:15 PM	#30 (permalink)
denise26 Biology Teacher Cyster Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Virginia Posts: 620 Points: 7,112.36 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 7,112.36 Donate	These work great! I have only been on met for a few days, but I have been taking these for a long time for digestive problems, and so far they seem to be helping with the met side effects too. They are capsules with papaya enzymes, some other digestive enzymes, and peppermint oil. I'm not trying to sell anything, I don't benefit if anyone buys these, I just thought I would share. http://www.Puritan.com/pages/file.asp?PID=365&np=0 __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

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