metformin

[Anna5]

I was diagnosed several years ago, but recently i have been struggling with my insulin resistance as a result of gaining some weight. i have been prescribed metformin and was told " it may upset my stomach and cause some other problems" but nothing specific.
can anyone tell me about what exactly happens with met and the side effects that you experienced?
thank you so much!

[navy_wife_martin]

that. LOL

seriously though, it usually goes away in about 2 weeks. and there are others, but we have a metformin thread if you scroll down, we talk about the side effects ALOT there so that might help you!

[renji]

i've been on metformin (extended release, which makes a big difference) for about a week now and really have only had minor side effects. nothing i could even put down to the met; just slight nausea and some headaches. i'm on it for the exact same reason as you too.
but good luck and stick with it!

[Eva37]

hi
ive been on met about 5 years now. At first it made me really tired for a week or two. It helped me loose some weight. I ALWAYS eat with met, and try to avoid greasy/fatty/sugary foods as much as possible.
eva

[crkemm]

Been on met for a month now. The main thing is to start with a low dose and always take with food! That really seemed to work best for me. I get the occasional nausea. When I first increased my dose to 1500 I did have some episodes of diarrhea (sorry TMI!) but its getting better!
Good luck to you!!!!!

[Aydenn2angels]

that. LOL

seriously though, it usually goes away in about 2 weeks. and there are others, but we have a metformin thread if you scroll down, we talk about the side effects ALOT there so that might help you!

Yeah that! LOL! But only until my body get's used to a dose. (like the night I increased to 1350mg I was in the bathroom a few times) But I definitely feel less s/e having food in my stomach, taking the met with milk and then having a bowl of cereal (aka more milk) for breakfast.

Good luck!! and Welcome to SC!!

[StephUk]

Im currently on 2550mg of Metformin and am about to go onto the top whack of 3000mg.
Ive gotten up to this dosage over the course of about four months and apart from the odd day of gas and the runs if I eat something greasy (which is like sooooo rare anyway) Im doing good.
Might be because Im diabetic and my body needs the Metformin to regulate itself, maybe thats why Im reacting so well to it now.
All I know is that I love the stuff, my skin has improved tremendously, Ive lost at least 23.8lbs already and the things like body hair has slowed down to that of most normal women.
When I become pregnant they are changing me to insulin for the pregnancy and Ill be happy to get right back onto my Metformin once they allow it.
So, dont be too nervous, take your pill/s with food, dont eat greasy/fatty foods and just try to ride out any side effects, theyll soon stop.
Good luck.

[Coz]

Definately watch out for fatty, greasy foods. I always found that side effects were much worse after eating them. I remember going to Pizza Hut after I'd been on Metformin for a couple of weeks, I ended up rushing home and spending a while in the loo!! I learnt a lesson though!

Also, gradually increase your dose, you'll find it a lot easier.

[DancesWithTubas]

For awhile I was taking the entire 1000mg dose at night and having bad diarreha in the morning (sorry, TMI!). It was to the point that I stopped taking Met altogether. Finally my doc convinced me to start taking it again about 6 months ago, but this time I split my dose 500mg in the morning and 500 at night. I also make sure to eat breakfast (which I used to skip) and I avoid greasy and fatty foods. This combination of efforts seems to have worked, because I haven't had any adverse side effects this go around.

Also, and I think others have mentioned this, you'll probably feel some yucky side effects for the first few weeks as your body adjusts to it, but it usually goes away with time. Just stock up on the Immodium, watch what you eat and when you eat it, and keep posting on the boards. The support I got here got me through the rough times when I was first starting out. And remember, you WILL get through this!

-DancesWithTubas

[deedlebug06]

Welcome to SC!

[StephUk]

Well, tomorrow Im moving up to 3000mg of Metformin.
My GP isnt very keen on the idea but has done it because the diabetic clinic and gynae want it to happen.
I dont think that he realises that theyre doing it to help with weight loss.
I have to see him again after a month of that dosage and if Im tolerating it then he will put it on my file as repeat prescription.
I seem to be ok with the dose of 2550mg so far so Im hoping the 3000mg will go just as well.
I have been having INTENSE dizzy & faint spells for a while now and have nearly fainted a few times but I dont know if thats because of the unusually high dose (doc says it really is unusual) of Metformin, but if it gets worse with the 3000mg then I guess Ill know to lower the dosage back down and try Orlistat.
See, I need to lose another 5-6 stones (70-84lbs) before I can have fertility drugs (they didnt work at a high weight) and so they are trying to get the weight off really quickly.
They suggested high Metformin AND Orlistat - I dont think so!!!
Anyway, we'll soon see if I can tolerate 3000mg.
Wish me luck lol

[NurseJackie]

Just wanted to say hello and welcome. Like other women said here, there is a thread just on metformin and you'll find lots of info on side effects there. I seem to be one of the very fortunate few- i always take my met when i eat and no matter what i eat, i have'nt had any side effects other than feeling overly tired, but that seems to be slackening up a little.