post your tips on dealing with gluc/met side effects - Page 33

Hubwife · 05-17-2008, 10:48 PM

Thank You so much to everyone for the great suggestions. I am on day 5 of Met and so far, only a few minor GI side effects. I did have diarrhea on my 4th day...took imodium like suggested.

Although reading about the side effects is scary sometimes...it really helps to know what to anticipate and that somewhere there is someone going through the same thing...and that there is someone who made it through it!!

Thanks Cysters for all the great advice!!!

FLJill · 05-20-2008, 12:55 AM

thanks for all the GREAT information!! Life savers!!

Traikle · 05-22-2008, 10:34 PM

Okay, cysters, listen up, because this is from Dr. Blackwell, who wrote the book (literally) on female reproductive endocrinology, and whom I love and trust with all my heart (what, no abbreviation for Darling Doctor?). I told him I was gaining weight, and he looked at my meds and asked me what in the world I was doing taking Actos, because it makes you gain weight, when Metformin makes you lose weight. I told him that my non-specialist had taken me off the Met due to the well-known horrible diarrhea. Dr. B. said, "All you have to do is stay away from processed carbs: no white bread, white rice or sugar." I started eating that great crunchy brown bread with multiple grains and seeds sticking out all over it, and the diarrhea went away. Except for the regular mild diarrhea alternating with constipation, but that's the IBS I've always had. It may not work for everybody, but I've been taking 1000 mg of Metformin morning and night for years without a problem.

Mandisue13 · 05-29-2008, 01:29 AM

lol, i just posted a thread about my intestines!

I work for AT&T DSL at a large call center. They are great about needing to go potty. I just hate going potty on a potty that is not my own!

kerryoberry · 05-29-2008, 02:04 AM

Just checked out this website for the first time- so glad I did. My doctor recommended it back in March when she put me on Metformin- wish I had come here back then to see others experiences with the usage!

I get a lot of bloating, gas, diarrhea, terrible cramps, and had to go on anti anxiety medication after being put on Met. I have found that coffee, and dairy products really screw up my stomach... as well as sugar and carbs. I think i have developed lactose intolerance due to the PCOS- which I've had for 4 years now. however, this ddn't happen until i got put on Met.

I go between 500 mg and 1000. My doctor wanted me on 2000- but I was in such severe pain (I could barely stand for 2 days, and consider I'm a college Junior that wasn't working so hot) I dropped back down to 1000. however sometimes I feel so terrible that I drop to 500 for the day. Of course, its probably not smart to go back and forth but the pain is just awful. It usually is also accompanied with a headache- so yea. Like everyone else here, it can suck. I'm just so glad people can relate!

does anyone have suggestions for gas from the met? I have a boyfriend and sometimes I will turn down sex (even when i want it!) in fear that I will pass gas or something while we're messing around, which would be humiliating. Plus because I see him most nights after work- its terrible that I have to constantly make sure I don't pass gas in front of him. I try to eat a lot of fiber for my stomach- but that makes you have even more gas. Ahhh. Any suggestions!?

Mandisue13 · 05-29-2008, 09:19 PM

well, i spoke to soon! blech!
now i cant find my immodium....gggrrrrr

until i really get back on it i dont have any suggestions. wish i did cause i need them myself.....i started retaking sunday, so my gut it pretty mad right now~!

angel28970 · 05-30-2008, 03:19 PM

I found that Glucophage made me lose my hair!!! When I was on 2000 mg per day, it was REALLY bad. I am currently on 1000 mg. per day and take many vitamins now and it has helped the problem, although I do "shed" more than when i am not on the glucophage. I take a multi vitamin and am also taking RX Essentials by nature made. It supposed to help replace the vitamins that the metformin depletes Folic Acid, B-6 and B-12.

angel28970 · 05-30-2008, 03:24 PM

OK one more to add... when my dosage was 2000 mg per day, it seemed too much for my body to handle. I was getting muscle pains, especially in my calves. This went away when I dropped it down to 1000 mg. per day and also increased my vitamin and supplements. If you're getting side effects, try adding vitamins or maybe ask your doctor if you can drop your dosage. With 1000 mg. I seem to still be getting the same benefits.

cutie32034 · 06-07-2008, 11:37 AM

I have been on Met 2000mg for 2 months..I never leave home without immodium and gingerale. After reading a few of the posts I started taking B12 and have noticed a huge change in the tiredness. All I can say ladies is keep trying different things and you will find what works for you!!!

Hopingtobemommy · 06-18-2008, 11:11 AM

Thanks everyone for the info...I am new to Met and started out really low at 250 and is slowly moving myself up b/c I also have IBS which can be a killer a times.....I also find water and taking it with a meal at night works, b.c if I feel crapy after I can sleep it off and usually feel better in the morning....hope that continues to work as i increase the dose.

Fuzzysunshine · 06-20-2008, 12:39 PM

Thank you all for the information! My Dr just gave me my first prescription (500 twice a day) and I was scared to death reading all the side effects. This thread has really given me some great advice!

lisattcbaby · 06-22-2008, 08:44 PM

yea i just started met 500mg 4 days ago. for the first week i have to take 500mg 2nd week 1000mg and 3rd week 1500mg. im already having s/e on 500mg running to the bathroom but only twice a day. (TMI) but the first time i go its a little bit but the 2nd time is alot. i have some other problem with my bowls too so it isnt easy! lol whats weird is it seems like the same routine each day so far. i wake up with gas, then about between 4-7 i have the poo's, and at 740pm i take my met, provera, and prenatal vitamin. But I know once I am able to start my GI Diet i will feel better.
No white pasta's, breads, rice, sugars, etc. Cant wait to start it cause arghhh this is painful! But besides the s/e, Im extremely anxious because July 29th is my check up app and if im doing well my doc said she is gonna add clomid to my list of meds!

Take care ladies and lots of luck to you all!! <3

lisattcbaby · 06-26-2008, 10:07 PM

wow! i just started me met 1000mg yesterday! It's mesisng with me today! Ive ran to the potty way too much and still feel so bloated! like i have to run about 50 more time! arghh!! I need to just hurry and start my low glycemic index diet. cant wait. just a little more time and i will be there then i will be feeling better im sure! Im hopeing anyways

take care all <3

FlowerChica · 06-26-2008, 10:23 PM

I'm sure this isn't new news to anyone but here is a list of what I've been doing to survive the Met side effects. My tips for surviving the Explosive Diarrhea ( abbreviation ED? ) from met:

Everything they said about simple carbs is true :
White bread, potatoes, white rice, plain pasta are ALL OUT
They tear my stomach up with Met.

Wholewheat is your best friend!
You don't have to give up on bread, potatoes, rice or pasta. I switched to whole grain bread ( 15 grain or more ), sweet potatoes ( Only half of one at any given time ), brown rice /wild rice , and whole wheat pasta. I can eat those with met without the ED.

Sandwiching your pills
Met is unforgiving hehe - I take each pill halfway through my meals - that seems to work.

Avoiding juice when taking the pills
I found that if I drink water with my meals when I'm taking Met - the stomach is better.

Snack Snack Snack!
I found that I handle better when I snack a lot. I'm talking about good snacks in between meals: carrot sticks, fresh fruit, trail mix ( no salt or sugar or M&Ms in it ), motts apple sauce ( my best friend lately), low-sugar jello pudding snacks, yoplait light yoghurts, pieces of cheese, etc.

Piling on the veggies
My paranoia of carbs, but overwhelming craving for them had me searching for other fillers. I have had a lot of luck eating double and triple servings of veggies with dinner to replace what my carbs would be normally. Lettuce is fine, but I prefer greens with a little more nutrition.

This is just works for me - and my tummy is only running once a week or so now LOL

Doris · 06-29-2008, 04:25 PM

I was diagnosed with PCOS after I went off the pill. I went off the pill because I would have debilitating cramps in my calves, particularly my left one. They were incredibly severe, i would often drop to the floor, drool and scream. I would nearly loose control of my bowels. Thankfully, they never happened at work. They always happened the week after my period. I went off the pill and I haven't had them since.

I am on Glucophage XR now, and the main side effect I have besides manageable GI issues is that i have restless leg type-stuff at night and sometimes during the day. Does anyone else have RLS-type symptoms? My doctors said tremor can be a side effect and that RLS is in that category. Nothings seems to work to help me lay still and sleep. my husband says my legs twitch all through the night.

Quote:

Originally Posted by angel28970

OK one more to add... when my dosage was 2000 mg per day, it seemed too much for my body to handle. I was getting muscle pains, especially in my calves. This went away when I dropped it down to 1000 mg. per day and also increased my vitamin and supplements. If you're getting side effects, try adding vitamins or maybe ask your doctor if you can drop your dosage. With 1000 mg. I seem to still be getting the same benefits.