Switching between Met and Gluc XR

Ange75 · 06-06-2003, 11:30 AM

I'm suppose to go to the doctor in 2 weeks to have my dose of Metformin up'd to 1500 from 1000. At that time I'm thinking of asking him to switch me to Glucophage XR. I have a couple of questions..

If I do this - do I need to start back out at a lower dose and work up again or can I switch and go up to the 1500?

I'm thinking of asking for the switch mainly because its hard enough to keep up will all the pills I have to take now - I would prefer to take one pill once a day to have it evenly distribute in my body.

My symptoms have definetly gotten better with Met - but still have mild stomach upset - quesiness & loose stools - about every 3-4 days. I'm also hoping the XR can regulate this a little better. But I don't know if these are good reasons for switching.

If others of you have switched - what were your reasons?

Thanks for your help and advice!!

christyz · 06-06-2003, 12:17 PM

Hi Ange:

My understanding is that when you switch, you can do a straight switch of your current dosage of Gluc to the XR product. The drug is the same mg per mg, it's just released slower so your body has a more steady stream. That's the only difference.

I haven't switched (not available in Canada), but I know some ladies here have had less tummy trouble with the time released formula of XR. I hope they will post and share their stories for you.

Good Luck,

Starla · 06-11-2003, 06:37 PM

Hi Angela,

I agree with Christy as to not having to up your dosage again if you switch. There’s just a little something I wanted to bring up though. When I was prescribed the XR a year ago, my doc told me to take two pills in the am and two pills in the pm (I’m on 2000mg) I did this for a long time, and things were okay except that I would miss the early dose a lot because of work. Then I read on these boards somewhere about taking your whole dose at one time. This makes sense because of the extended release. So I started taking all four pills in the evening before bed. Not only did I notice a decrease in GI symptoms, but the constant fatigue and lethargy I’ve always remembered pretty much went away! I was awake in the mornings before the alarm went off, and it was tons easier to stay awake all day. I felt normal again! Now this is not how my doc prescribed it to me, but I decided to experiment and I’m so glad I did. I’m not recommending you do this, but if you had/have probs like mine, it might be something to try. I hope I don’t get yelled at for self-medicated heehee. Good luck to you!