[judyt]

After a complete physical my Dr found my blood sugar to be a little high and said that I had the symptoms of PCOS. She told me that I should follow a healthy diet and exercise and asked me if I wanted to try metformin hcl She has me on a low dose, (500 mg once per day). Personally I don't want to be on it but she said the choice was mine and that I could just try it for 6 months and possibly go off it if I have lost some weight and my blood work improves.
Anyway, I have only been on it a week and have had the dreaded diarreah (sp?). Not too bad but enough to make me wish that I waited and started this after Easter (I am traveling and really don't want to deal with it).
My question is are there any side effects if I were to suddenly stop taking this or is it something that I need to taper off of? I plan to get right back on it after Easter and allow my body time to adjust to the side effects then.
Thanks for the help.

[sapphire9]

Metforim does cause gastrointestinal side effects at first. There are no side effects in stopping it that I know of except that your blood sugar will be less controlled. You might want to review the drug with your doctor or a pharmacist.

[Ottoette]

If you've already been on it a week and Easter is 10 days away, I think you'll be over the side effects by then. Everyone that I've read that mentions it says 7-10 days to adjust. It took me about a week, although the loose stools (sorry, tmi) lasted a bit longer, there was no pain or urgency associated with them after 5 or 6 days.
If you choose to go off it, you should be fine just stopping - especially if you're only taking 500 mg a day.
Your mileage may vary - it always pays to ask a doctor or pharm. about these things.

[julzchiki]

Yes, for me it's caused gastro issues but more on the bloated side (but that could also be because of my diet). I recommend you speak to your doctor. I don't know of any side effects except elevated blood sugar (which you already have) and the gastro issues from taking it.

It's definitely helped with regulating my periods.

[Indychick829]

I know, for me - I did NOT have any side effects as far as gastro-intestinal goes...actually, I don't think I had ANY side effects from metformin - and I was started on two 500mg pills/day (being upped to four / day soon)...but I know my doc did say that those side effects ARE possible - especially with the generic form (metformin) compared to not getting them as bad, if at all, with the name brand (glucophage). So, if you're worried about the effects - and you have insurance to pay for the brand name - I'd possibly ask your doc about the brand name.

As for you not wanting to take the medicine...I can understand not wanting to have to take medications...but I do know from my own experience now, after having been on metformin for 3 months - as well as a lot of internet research - this pill really does wonders for many people - especially those with PCOS. So I'd suggest listening to your doc and staying on it for 6 months. One thing, however - as far as weight loss goes - this isn't a magical weight loss pill - it AIDS your body in keeping your insulin at bay - and because of that, it makes it a little easier to lose weight - but YOU still have to do the hard work and eat right and exercise.

wish you luck!

[Sunshine07]

As past posters have mentioned. I have been on Metformin for the past 9 months or so. My only problem is that I take it for a few days and then the side effects get so bad because I get bad gastrointestinal issues. I dont know whey I cant seem to get past these few days. But I had my appointment with my doctor last Wednesday and she told me that I just need to push myself to take my pills through the first week and then everything after that will be fine. She said that it will help curb my appetite, and help to stimulate weight loss. My only problem is that I need to to take them with food and sometimes I forget because the instructions tell me to take them with supper. I am just hoping and praying that god will give me the strength to get past this week, and it has also become a really big motivation factor because I am getting married in 3 months!!!

[2muchbackend]

I take the metformin ER and it seems to not cause the side effects my Sil also takes it as she couldn't tolerate the regular metformin. Maybe ask your Dr about the ER version.

[elmommy]

I'm on the extended release and the side effects are not as bad. Are you taking it with a big hearty meal? I find that I do best when I take my met with oatmeal in the morning. And I take it when I'm about halfway done my oatmeal. There aren't any side effects to stopping it and then starting it again - but you might just ask to go on the extended release one.