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Metformin

18 years ago

I was wondering if anyone is taking this medication and if they have any side effects from it? This is my second week and I am still so nauseated. The stomach cramps aren't letting up at all. He wants me to "grin & bear it" for 30 days before changing the prescription. To see if my body will adjust. I was just diagnosed with diabetes. Help!

Thanks,

Karen

Comments (7)

pamven
18 years ago
Ive been on it for almost a year. I never had ANY serious side effects,esp as severe as yours. Are you taking it on a full stomache?
janet_ks
18 years ago
Karen,

I was on 1000 mg a day for about a year and although I did experience some gastro problems, I guess I simply adjusted to them, but I remember the first three weeks were pretty bad. I wasn't nauseated until recently when my doctor bumped me up to first 1500 mg and now 2000 mg because my readings aren't staying down. I tend to be nauseated in the evenings and if I eat too much at a meal or I eat Mexican food (which is one of my favorites, of course!!). My problems from day one have been some cramping, diarrhea and increased frequency. This has actually worked out pretty well for me since I used to have problems with occasional constipation (LOL). If you can, I'd try to stick it out a little while longer, especially if it ends up bringing your readings down. Good luck!!

Janet
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This is an interesting thread. I have learned a lot reading this, and have googled some of the terms used. Like Vala, I can't/won't take certain meds. I do take Nadalol (generic Corgard) and have for 5-6 years. It wasn't prescribed for high blood pressure, but for sudden instant, very sharp pains in one temple. Doctor said it was "in the family of migraines," but not a migraine. I have gained weight gradually in that time, but blamed it on being less active and that sweet tooth. Never thought it might be the Nadalol. I'm not diabetic, and I don't have high blood pressure. I take 30 mg Nadalol and one baby aspirin daily; that is all the meds I take, other than Calcium and Vitamin D. I can't take any of the narcotics; they make me deathly sick. I have tried every NSAID that has been touted, and while some help, eventually, usually about 6 weeks, I have the feeling that my stomach is being chewed on. So I live in constant pain. The report on my last back scan, from my Rheumatologist, was that my spine is a "mess!" This is not the Golden Years I anticipated. Dot, I do hope your doctor will find something for you that will help. It is not right to have to suffer like that. Sue
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lovestoquilt
Original Author
18 years ago
Janet, I am taking 2000 mg a day 2 tablets morning and night. I wonder if I should take one pill 4xs a day? Maybe that wouldn't be so hard on my system. I'm so nauseated in the mornings, worst than morning sickness....at least what I can remember. My "baby" is 30! LOL
Thanks for your encouragement.
Karen
devorah
18 years ago
whoa - I have been wondering why my Dr. is making me gut it out with just diet and exercise. I have been asking people about the downside of the medicines, but never got any reply.
thirdfrt
18 years ago
Hi Karen,

I am a diabetic and have been on Metformin for 10 years now. I could tolerate only one pill of the regular Metformin (1)(500mg), until they came out with Metformin Extended Release and then I was able to take one extra 500mg. (2) 500mg a day. I don't remember ever having the nausea but, I certainly had the diarrhea.
I just recently changed to a new diabetes doctor. He has started me on a new medicine called Fortamet. This is Metformin but reformulated in that it is suppose to release the medicine even slower so that you won't get the diarrhea or the other reactions. At least that is what he told me. He said too many people were like me not being able to tolerate the Metformin or Glucophage. I am starting this newest drug tomorrow. It is a smaller white pill and is coated and looks like it will be pretty easy to swallow. I am willing to try this and am hoping that it will work well for me.
Fortamet comes in 500mgs and 1000mgs.

This may be an option for you to consider, ask your doctor about this med if you continue to have problems.

These are the drugs that are available in that class. 1. Glucophage/Glucophage extended release 2. (Generic) Metformin/Metformin Extended Release, now the Fortamet a slower release of the drug Metformin.

There is a lot of information out on the internet about diabetes and these medications. If you can find yourself a diabetes educator, they can help you a lot in giving you information and about the newest drugs available. My diabetes educator happens to be a pharmacist and he has been a big help to me when I have questions.

I know that feeling of first being diagnosed with diabetes, but I will tell you that if you do your homework, follow your diet, exercise and above all don't give up you will do fine. Make sure you have a doctor that listens to you, keeps up with the latest information and meds and who really cares about you and your condition, that's so important.

thirdfrt!!!
janet_ks
18 years ago
I don't mean to sound like I'm second guessing your doctor, but 2000 mg seems like a pretty hefty dose to start you out with. But, I'm no doctor and don't know your medical history so I probably don't have any right to comment. Just a thought, but if you're sick in the morning and that's when most people are at their lowest for the day, maybe you're too low?? Do you have a monitor and take your own readings? Are you sick before you eat, after or both before and after? I've attached a link that may give you some additional information. Hang in there!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Metformin info
rachelacey
18 years ago
Karen,

I started on Metformin in November 2005. I, too, am on 2000 mg but my doctor started me out on 500 mg and then increased the dosage weekly until I reached 2000 mg. I was still having some problems, so I now take 1000 mg in the morning and 1000 mg at night. Check with your doctors and see if you can gradually build up to your 2000 mg. dosage.

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