Metformin (Glucophage) Side Effect

  • An article that hit my e:mail in-box this morning . . . http://www.everydayhealth.com/diabet...betes_20080428 . . . thought you might be interested in seeing.
  • Interesting that the first symptom is diarrhea - isn't that somewhat a given for most people on metformin? Strange.
  • A lot of new users suffer from a few days of the 'runny tummy' syndrome it's true and that's why most doctors start patients at a fairly low dose (500 mg) and work them up to max (2000-2500 mg) if needed.

    However, that symptom should go away after a few days and really should not be worse than a rather loose movement; not a true diarrhea that has you sitting in the bathroom most of the day, complete with horrible cramping. If it is that serious, the doctor should be contacted immediately because you cn quickly become seriously dehydrated.
  • Thanks for the reminder of why I should not take glucophage ever again! (I have PCOS and was considering it. But no way...I had the extreme form of diarrhea that you mentioned. I guess I'll never know, but I wonder if I had acidosis?)
  • have you ladies tried hyponidd? Its touted as an herbal met. I have been on it for about a month, and really like it. Hyponidd and cinnamon seem to work well for me
  • Aside from the all the more popular side effects of metformin (stomach pains, indigestion, the runs, etc) has anyone experienced any other side effects not listed on any websites or publications?

    I've been taking metformin for about 4 weeks and i had some stomach issues the first few days - nothing major though. What i have found is that in the entire 4 weeks so far, i've had virtually no interest in "getting physical" with my fiance... the few times i've mustered up the drive to go at it, its been really hard to complete the task...(if you know what i mean ladies!)

    So i'm just wondering if this is a totally rare case or if anyone else has had a similar experience... I'm not on any other meds, and it only started when i started the metformin...

    Thoughts?
  • Sorry . . . that's definitely the first time I've heard that one . . .

    Any other major stressors right now that could be having an effect? Hope it goes away soon. If the problem continues you'd really better discuss it with your doctor. Good Luck.
  • Good to see this! I just switched from the extended release to the regular met. AND to taking 1500mg at night right before bed to taking 500mg three times a day. Majorly fun times indeed. It's always nice to see that I'm not crazy. LOL
  • Quote: Sorry . . . that's definitely the first time I've heard that one . . .

    Any other major stressors right now that could be having an effect? Hope it goes away soon. If the problem continues you'd really better discuss it with your doctor. Good Luck.
    Its definitely related to the metformin. I went off it for about a month and just recently started taking it again... and the same unfortunate side effect has reared its ugly head. Not a happy camper!!!
  • I can't take metformin it makes my blood sugar go to low.