Sick on metformin

[hobartok]

I have been taking metformin for close to a month. I have been building up to 1000 mg a day, but as soon as i get to a full 500 mg pill, I get nauseous and often throw up. I am also on the atkins diet. I found that when I first started the pills, and was not on atkins, I wasnt sick. What should i do?? Just tough it out??? any replys will help.......Gin328@aol.com

[tlz769]

hobartok,

Hi. I'm also on met (100mg/day) and doing atkins. I started met back last september and only started atkins in april, so my body was used to the met, when I started atkins. Plus, I didn't really have any sick side effects on met, like so many cysters do. However, I do remember reading somewhere (here, I think) that met and atkins should not be taken/done at the same time. I'm gonna do a search for it, and hopefully will find and post a link for ya.

My personal suggestion would be to not totally disregard atkins ( in that it is a good way to not only lose weight, but correct your blood and hormone levels, at least in my case!!) but to "modify" it, for yourself. Instead of only 20 gr of carb/day in induction, maybe try 50, or even a higher number, til you can handle it, and just gradually reduce it. I know a few of my non-PCO buddies tried atkins and didn't stick with it, either cuz they weren't strong enough to say no to those tempting foods the first 2-3 days, or because they got sick.

Another diet to check out, might be the carb addicts diet (CAD), I'm not exactly sure about everything, but I heard it is similar to atkins, but you are allowed one "reward meal" per day, but it must be relatively balanced, between carbs, protein and veggies.

I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help, but I'm sure that other cysters will be able to help more, just wanted to post and say you aren't alone, with met & atkins together and wish you best of luck.





met and atkins post

[hobartok]

Thanks so much for the reply!!!! I am going to try to modify atkins like you said and see how it goes!

[christyz]

Hobar: I think it was wise advice not to carb *too* low when starting met. You need enough calories to keep your blood glucose from dropping and having some carbs (especially whole grain and fruit) can help some people feel better. Trial and error foods, and you'll be able to determine what your tummy likes and what it doesn't.

Also, there is a thread entitled TIPS FOR DEALING WITH SIDE EFFECTS that may have some tips than can help you feel a little better. Hope your feeling better soon.

[quizzicalxx]

hobartok,

I don't know if this is the same problem you're having but I thought I'd share my experience with met:

I had been taking glucophage for 2 years and when met came out, I was automatically given it, since it's the generic of glucophage. As soon as I took 500 mg of metformin, I was sick with nausea. Since I realized that the nausea started at the same time my prescription changed from gluc to met, I asked my doctor if I could switch back to the glucophage and she gave me a new prescription. As soon as I switched back, all the bad symptoms went away. I realize that they're supposed to be the same thing, but the doc thinks something in either the filler or the coating of the met caused the stomach problems. Since I can take the gluc, she said she's willing to write the rpescription for "name brand only".

Quizzicalxx