side effects of metformin
 

I just recently went on metformin. My side effects were awful. I was taking a pill at breakfast and a pill at dinner. My sugar was great but since I had to start taking half a pill at breakfast and half a pill at dinner my sugar has been bout 20 points higher than usual. I can't deal with the nausea and up set stomach. I did for two months and I felt like I was in the bed more than my usual activities. Also another side effect that I'm still having is my emotions. I'm on an antidepressant but its not working anymore. I just feel like something's wrong but don't know what it is. Should I take two pills a day and just live with it or take half and have higher sugar ??? Has anyone else had emotional problems on metformin? Also my periods have changed.

Sorry to here about all your problems I understand these things can be distressing. None of these troubles you are experiencing is caused by the metformin. You should eat less or exersize more to balance your BS then the nausea and emotions will go away. Your cycle is hormonal did you forget. Exersize will put those in order,this should also wear you out too so you can sleep. That what you really need after experiencing a high or low BS your body needs to heal. Oh ya and stop dramatizing. I use 6 metformin a day. Wait till you've been diabetic for 20 years.

Ok I'm sorry I even wrote anything on here

P.s you really need to read side effects. I'm sure it's changed since 20 years ago. Everywhere online proves your wrong plus my doctor says its side effects. Everyone is different ! I didn't mention exercise in my post so how would you know if I was or not. The questions weren't about that. Metformin is also given to women with pcos and it effects a woman's hormones so obviously you don't know much about drug.

I could not tolerate metformin. Throwing up. Constant nausea for 2 months. I had to get off of it and can not take it. Talk to your doc. You might need something else

The best part about metformin is that metformin is completely free from side effects, thus proving to be highly safe and effective medicine foe type 2 diabetes patients. I don't prove your wrong here. It can be done with you I agree but I used metformin and I got very good result so I think mertformin is great

Some people is doesn't effect in that way... Be glad it doesn't do u that way! I've finally got adjusted but still have upset tummy every once in awhile. Just upsets me how some people can be rude on here thank u for giving me ur input and not being ugly about it!

I have experienced side effects with metformin... People react differently to things.... My side effects were nausea and dehydration... You are not alone!

I don't like the comment about waiting till you have been a diabetic for 20 years. So insensitive. I too had side effects from metformin. My husband and daughter found me on the floor with my dog licking my face trying to wake me because I passed out when my glucose dropped drastically low. Another time hubby found me in the car parked in the driveway passed out. My solution: GET OFF METFORMIN!!! I control my blood sugar by watching what I eat and staying very low on CARBS. Btw I'm also disabled and exercising is painful. Watching carbs is the only thing that worked for me. Next time have some consideration for the newbees.

Thank you everyone for backing me up on this one and telling that jerk! I hope he/she read it!
I have finally got things straight with it. I've started taking it after I eat or almost done eating. Crazy how just changing that helped out so much!

Thanks to everyone who posted helpful info on this thread. I have been on Metformin for about 4 weeks now to manage insulin resistance issues related to PCOS. I have definitely experienced the upset stomach and diarrhea side effects. My cycle was off this month as well. Initially, my morning readings were all over the place. Some days it seemed like the metformin was working, then other days my fasting glucose was high. Just by chance, I came to discover through observation (don't ask!) that I was not always digesting my pill from the night before. So that is my new dilemna. Like one of the posters before, I am experimenting with how best to take the pill to get the benefits while minimizing the side effects. Still a work in progress....

I've been on metformin for about 5 months now. The first 2 months were awful!! I know exactly how you feel about the nausea and upset stomach. I felt like I had the flu. Thankfully for me that went away by month 3. I can also relate to the moods. I've been on an antidepressant for 5 years that was working great on its own but have recently had to add a second one because it wasn't as effective alone anymore. Started around the same time as the metformin. You are most definitely not alone. Don't believe anyone who tells you it's not side effects cause it definitely is!!

From what I have heard there is an extended release (XR) version of metformin that is supposed to be easier on the stomach. Also, they say that the gastrointestinal side effects often decrease or disappear over time (not that this is very comforting when you're suffering with them).

If it were me I would discuss the problem with my doctor and explore options to try and make the metformin more manageable for you as it is a very effective and well understood medicine.

As for the depressed feelings, well simply getting the diagnosis of diabetes is enough to cause depression in a lot of people. Again I would talk to your doctor about your emotional well-being. You may need help such as counseling or anti-depressant medication to help you adjust to your circumstances. I've noticed that the more I learn about diabetes and the more success I have managing my blood sugar the less depressed I feel.

Finally, about the irregular cycle, only your doctor can tell you for sure what's going on there and whether or not it might be related to taking metformin. Everyone's body reacts differently and it may be stress or elevated blood sugar or medication or any number of other factors that are affecting your cycle.

Good luck!

Metformin has caused me gastro side effects. I haven't noticed me being highly emotional and my periods are becoming more regular with treatment and weightloss. People on the Internet can be rude...don't let it bother you too much.

Start walking Work yourself up to 5 miles a day as many times a week as you can. Walk with friends and family to make it fun. Exercise is your best friend. Along with a healthy diet exercise will help you minimize all symptoms of diabetes and the medications
you take. Drink water too

I am fortunate that metformin works well for me. Funny thing is that I have always had very hard stools and sometimes would go a week to ten days between bowel movements! Metformin made me regular and softer. Plus keeps my BS acceptable.
Sorry you were met with rudeness! From all the other posts since, you can see not everybody is heartless.

Metformin DOES have side effects of nausea upset stomach. My pharmacist even told me that! But they did say it would eventually work itself out. And it did after about 3 months. But I totally know where you are coming from feeling like you can't eat bc you will be in the restroom and nauseated. Hang in there. I promise it will get better!

Sorry you have had so much trouble. I have taken metformin before. I was lucky not to have any side effects. My fasting BS was up to 432 when I was first diagnosed and with exercise and healthy eating it is now back to normal and I am off all diabetes medication. Hang in there and exercise and watch what you eat. You may have to take the pill in the middle of your meal and see if that takes away the nausea.

wrong!
 

some people need to research things before they speak:
Utilizing the data gathered from clinical trials of Metformin, there have been statistics which show the different adverse effects that patients may feel when taking the drug. The most alarming of these would be that 52.3% of those who take the drug will experience diarrhea. 25.5% of patients may also suffer from vomiting and nausea. If left untreated, Metformin side effects can cause serious damage to a person’s health, especially to diabetics.

Danqp, how could u say that a out metaphorum? Ivan not take it for the exact reason she is stating! This is a support group not a group that knocks people down! Are you a dr? Doesn't sound like it because if u were unwound not say whatu said!

I couldn't take regular metformin because it made me sooooooo sleepy. At the same time I was having thyroid problems which messed with my bs and my depression. Then doc did a blood test to check my vitamin d level and it was a 9 vs the 50 that it was oppose to be. So I have a complete blood work up at least once a year. Since I had thyroid surgery I am feeling much better and have gotten my BS under control with insulin metformin xr diet and exercise. The only side effect I have had so far is diarrhea but not enough to drive to crazy.

I'm on Metformin 1000mg 2x a day. The only side affects I have from it is weight loss and loose bowels, but my doctor told me that will happen. As for the moods and such, It could be something else, I'd talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Good luck!! :)

I am glad that we can talk about having diabetes and what it means to us. Just bc something works for someone or doesn't work for someone doesn't mean that others will have the same experience. That's the joy of these forums is sharing our experiences in a safe environment. Lets try to be encouraging and understanding of the people who are going through the same things that we are. :)

I had terrible stomach pains when I first started and my dr wanted me on 2000mg a day. I had to stop and drop down to 1500 mg and after a month or so my body was able to handle the higher dosage.

Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum but was interested in what is being said about mood swings and Metformin. I have been Diabetic now for 12 years and drug free until recently. I am supposed to take 500mg twice a day but only take 500 mg due to the fact that I become a little light headed and spaced out about 3 hours after taking the first 500mg and become emotional. My Diabetic nurse suggests that this is hormonal but I find it odd that this started about a week after first taking Metformin. I'm also very tired. I haven't experienced many of the extreme stomach reactions that some are relating but I am reassured that what I am experiencing is shared with others. Thank you for sharing - it really helps us newbies when we can't find information out elsewhere. :-)

I was on metformin 1000mg twice a day. Diarrhea and nausea horrible. They changed it to Metformin ER and diarrhea improved but nausea same. Now on metformin ER 1000mg once a day and has been fine for anout 2 wks but today nausea has returned. Hope its not the met.

I have experienced the nausea also and I know how miserable it is. I have been on metformin for 2.5yrs now and I still suffer from symptoms. I have found that I feel new nausea if I don't eat enough before a take the medicine. It sometimes helps, too, if I eat some of my lunch, take my prescribed dose before I finish all my food, then continue eating.. See if that helps :)

I've had major problems w Metformin. Nausea. Diarrhea. I have to make sure I eat something with it. And I take the extended release at night to sleep through the nausea but still have problems in the morning. Four opinions later the pharmacist told me these are common to some people. Just is what it is but if you can tolerate the aggravation it's safer than other medications. So. I take the med and the morning trip to the bathroom. On the upside. If I ever have a colonoscopy I'm pretty much ready without having to drink the prep. Ha!

@tiseaweed, I am so happy to hear you have been able to control your meds and feel better. I am very new to diabetes, type 2 and new to this forum. The first posting to your question shocked me, but the following supportive answers made me feel better. I am not yet on medication and I currently experience heavy nausea in the mornings. I can't imagine the meds increasing that feeling, but seems like you found the answer, to take them on a full stomach. Thanks for sharing your remedy and good luck. I hope this experience doesn't hinder you from sharing with the rest of us, perhaps the other person was experiencing a sugar high??

Wakeeta

Hi tiseaweed!

Glad to hear I'm not the only one have the stomach issues! I've had them since I began the metformin and my doctor told me I'd have them too before I took the first pill. I have diarrhea and some days I have to be in the bathroom every half hour. I keep rationalizing that at least it's helping me lose weight... I know, not funny. Gotta keep my sense of humor though as it helps when you have type 2 diabetes.

I had originally been prescribed metformin when I first learned I was diabetic. I had massive diarrhea every day and you never knew when it would kick in. That makes for difficultly leaving the house!!! After talking to some other metformin users, I was told that I should get my dr to make glucophage necessary. It's more expensive but it did the trick. I stopped having diarrhea and felt much better. Just my own personal experience.

Everyone reacts differently to different meds. I was on Metformin for 8 months and had horrible side effects. My dad and brother are on Metformin and have NO side effects. Everyone is different. You have to tweak your meds to work for you. Talk to your doctor.

Jamie Brouhard Type 1 Diabetes
 

Have any of you being type 1 tried taking Metaphormin? Do you notice a change? Did you loose weight?

Jamie, there is no reason for someone with type 1 diabetes to be on metformin. People with type 1 don't make enough insulin, thus their primary med is insulin.

This is my 2nd day on Metformin. The last time I felt this sick was back in my major hangover days. I was instructed to take this with dinner, so that's what I did, and it made me very nauseas and gave me pain in my stomach. I just figure I'll ride it out. My Dr. told me this could happen and that it would pass. I hope I can turn around my "pre diabetes" and get off the Metformin. I need to lose 100 lbs. but it's not easy because I have bad back problems and can't walk for more than a few minutes. Joined a gym with a pool and plan to swim every morning before work, hoping that helps with weight loss. I was so good today with what I ate and then I went nuts tonight, I was craving something yummy so badly so I had some nachos. Tomorrow's another day.

Thanks everyone for contributing. I use Metformin and am not really sure if what I have are side effects. I pass so much gus its embarrasssing. Its like my tummy is always upset. Could this be from metformin ?

I have had no issues yet with it, its been a month since I was diagnosed. It helped get my Bs under control. yeah I get nauseous sometimes but usually when im stupid and don't eat enough before after a month I should know better. My stupid fault. I had yogurt for breakfast took it and almost puked it up, I know I need more than that. I ate an apple and I was fine. If I have a reaction I look at what I am doing first. Then ill call my doc. Eating healthy and exersize and LOTS of water helps. Id increase exersize, grab an apple or some fruit )not grapes they have LOTS of sugar I have learned). Call your doctor too. Ill still get shaky but I went from 567 to 121 in 3 weeks. My body is adjusting. That's what I take it as too. I talked to my doc though. If you are concerned talk to your doc. Oh did I mention talk to your doc. Mine is the best doc ever. I got blessed with the best in the world. Make sure you eat enough, if I eat too much same thing

I take it too. I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago. I do get nauseous sometimes, but it is my stupid fault. I don't always eat enough before taking it. This morning I stupidly only ate yogurt, I almost puked. I ate an apple and was fine. I really should know better after a month. Ill get shaky some times, usually I didn't eat enough. I went from 567 to 121 though in 3 weeks! It is working well for me, except when I do something stupid. My doc said part of the emotions, headaches, nausea is doe to BS coming down. I watch what I eat and eat heal;thy. No crap! I walk or work out a few times a week. The only issues I have had are my stupid fault. If you are having issues with your stomach eat an apple that helps get more good food in you. Lo fat yogurt. Call your doc too. Don't worry about whining or what ever I assume we are all in this together and are hear to help each other. If someone is jerky just ignore it. I tell my teens ppl will offend you just because, it is YOUR choice to stay offended and whine and cry about it or put on your big girl undies and brush it off and pray for them. I guess being the dork and being the dumb kid and being teased for most of my life I grew out of letting what others say bother me. I stopped that when I was a teen and realized ppl will say stuff it does not change my issues or my worth. It does not change your issues of your worth. Brush it off its not worth the stress and junk it causes. Talk to your doc, eat healthy work out stay positive pray and stay in God's word. We are in this together for support. Im sure at some point we will all crack a little some, you just can't stay that way, pick your self up girl and work hard. Talk to your doc if you are concerned. This med had brought my BS down with work. My step dad has been on it for 15 years with no real side affects. No me saying I was stupid about my eating does NOT mean you are! Im just super hard on my self. If I take a test and I get a 898 or a 99 Im mad I should have done better and I could have. So ok is not good enough for me. Just talk to your doc if you are concerned. Brush off crap people say, unless it is positive ;) You are worth more than that. Be blessed.

Jamie, I have type 2, before we found out I was loosing a ton of weight! I was FAT I was a size 12 and they were tight. In 3 months I went to a 10 now they are too big. I don't mind that. What drove me to the doc was yeast infections for over 7 months! After 5 months of itching and not being able to handle or fix it on my own I went in. I took meds and it cam back she did another prescription and said if I had another issue I had to come in. I ws good for a week I had to go in. She did a blood test and well surprise Im diabetic. Nothing wrong with my parts. I lost over 10 pounds in a bout 3 months. Headaches, all kinds of issues. Drank water I could not get enough nothing took care of the thrust. That was for a bout a year. I should have gone in long ago. I do hope the weight loss continues! Just not to where Im unhealthy. Embrace the thinness ;)

The most common side effects are nausea and diarrhea. The most serious, but very rare, complication is lactic acidosis. So if you start to feel unexplained muscle pain, or become very lethargic contact your doctor right away. As for the making you feel crappy, try to stick with it, that shoudl get better