started taking Metformin - not feeling too great

[carina62]

I've been started on Metformin (x1 500mg daily) and been taking it for about 3 - 4 weeks. Firstly, I noticed that my appetite has been greatly reduced (I can cope with this as I need to lose weight) but I've noticed that I generally feel 'unwell' can't really put my finger on it but I feel very lethargic, nauseous feel yukky so I went to see my GP this morning and she is sending me for a blood test to check thyroid amongst other things and an ECG (as I have been getting palpitations too). Just wondering if all these could be side effects from Metformin?

 

[Squire Fulwood]

Metformin can have taste disturbance as an adverse side effect. This can cause your appetite to suffer. I don't know about the rest of it and hopefully your GP will find the cause.

 

[Butterflies]

I too had issues with Metformin. Took it for six months before it make me violently ill. Now on Metabet SR, but it isn't controlling the glucose like the Metformin did sadly. Keep persevering but if it continues then speak to your GP, there are alternatives out there. All the very best.

 

[Cracker467]

I had issues with Metformin to begin with due to the dose being to high, so had to endure stomach cramps and diarrhea until the dose was greatly reduced. Turns out my body can only tolerate 1,000mg a day.

 

[Daibell]

Metformin SR is usually very well tolerated but can cause a taste disturbance and loss of appetite; it started life as a diet pill! Change to Metformin SR (Slow Release) if not already on it.

 

[pavlovsdog]

I came off Metformin as I had very bad side effects including nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea :-(

 

[kimbo1962]

I started on metformin when diagnosed in june but like pavlovsdogs I couldn't tolerate the nausea, tummy troubles and felt like I'd been hit by a bus! Got swapped to forxiga and combined with lchf my last hba1c end of Oct was 38! As of Monday I am going meds free and see how I go on diet and exercise only! Don't suffer if you can't tolerate the metformin, see your gp

 

[Disky]

I started metformin recently, put up with the stomach aches for a week and they went away. Now on 2x 500mg a day and feel ok, however reading this thread I have noticed a change in the way things do taste now, never thought on that before.

On a side note, since
Taking it I have notice that I have itchy skin sometimes

 

[eddie1968]

Hate Metformin with a passion. It's like a swear word to me !

 

[Serhii_k]

When you come off Metformin, you have to replace it with some other ways to control your blood sugar.

Jogging works 5-10 times better than Metformin, gives a lot of pleasure and no side effects. Google Chi running, watch video, give it a try. Or weight lifting training, if you are more prone to it.

 

[Butterflies]

Serhii\_k said "Metformin is a tablet only for those type 2 diabetics who are too lazy to adhere to healthy lifestyle."

INCORRECT - for some a healthy lifestyle is adopted, but it can also be hereditary, so please do not stereotype or label people as you have done.

 

[Serhii_k]

Type 2 diabetes can be hereditary - it's a myth. The unhealthy lifestyle, which leads to type 2 diabetes, is hereditary, but not the disease itself.

Type 1 diabetes - yes, it's often hereditary.

 

[Butterflies]

I don't have any intention on a slanging match here on a forum, so its up to individuals to decide themselves.

 

[catherinecherub]

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-genetics.html

Type 2 diabetes and genetics - average risks

• If either mother of father has diabetes increases risk of diabetes by 15%
• If both mother and father have diabetes increases risk by 75%
• If non-identical twin has diabetes increases risk by 10%
• If identical twin has diabetes increases risk by 90%

@Serhii_k , I notice you have edited one of your posts where you make an unfounded statement about people taking Metformin.
This forum is about support rather than stereotyping people.
Please read the forum rules.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/ethos-forum-rules.50278/

 

[Kezzer4321]

I've been started on Metformin (x1 500mg daily) and been taking it for about 3 - 4 weeks. Firstly, I noticed that my appetite has been greatly reduced (I can cope with this as I need to lose weight) but I've noticed that I generally feel 'unwell' can't really put my finger on it but I feel very lethargic, nauseous feel yukky so I went to see my GP this morning and she is sending me for a blood test to check thyroid amongst other things and an ECG (as I have been getting palpitations too). Just wondering if all these could be side effects from Metformin?

Sorry your thread seems to be getting hijacked...

Lots of people have issues with Metformin. I swapped to the Slow Release type and for me the symptoms have nearly all disappeared. I have read on hear that some people end up coming off it altogether, you will also find there are lots on here who control their diabetes by reducing their carbohydrates and are not on medication at all. Unfortunately with everything, its swings and roundabouts, but this site is a great source of information and you will find lots of help and information to help.

Good luck

 

[Ruth B]

I seem to tolerate most medication fairly well and when I went on Metformin and each time I increased the dose I had stomach problems for a week or two and then it settled down.

I have now reduced my Metformin from 4 tablet a day to 3 tablets a day and I seem to be having the problems again, Its only been just over a week so hopefully it will settle down again soon.

 

[ChloeType2]

These are DEFINETELY side effects from Metformin. I was the same. Infact I still am. Pic get terrible palpitations and abdomen pains. I feel unwell all the time and I am constantly sleepy and achy

 

[mike67]

Interesting to read everyones experiences with Metformin.
I take 2X500mg twice a day, which is ok for me mostly.
I've just started taking an additional 1 x80mg Gliclazide per day as my blood sugar is not coming down but they're knocking me out, feel really tired and stomach upset. Does anyone else have similar experiences?

I was diagnosed 4 months ago and still haven't had an appointment with the specialist and Desmond for some reason, which isn't grea\t (I live in Edinburgh). I haven't modified my diet as much as I'd like to so I think that's the big thing I need to concentrate on to help my BS levels from what I've been reading.

 

[queenie01]

Have been type 2 since I was 37 (now 61) have used Metformin for all that time, (unable to tolerate the more modern drugs) years ago put onto insulin Novarapid and Lantus, but still kept the Metformin (yes you do get stomach problems). However have just had bloods back and it is showing that kidneys are functioning at 48 please be aware that Metformin can cause kidney and liver problems. Make sure you always ask what your creatinine levels are as well as your blood sugar levels, it is all relevant to how we manage our diabetes. Ask for testing strips, change doctors if they don't give you them, you need all the information you can to manage and monitor your symptoms

 

[pavlovsdog]

Have been type 2 since I was 37 (now 61) have used Metformin for all that time, (unable to tolerate the more modern drugs) years ago put onto insulin Novarapid and Lantus, but still kept the Metformin (yes you do get stomach problems). However have just had bloods back and it is showing that kidneys are functioning at 48 please be aware that Metformin can cause kidney and liver problems. Make sure you always ask what your creatinine levels are as well as your blood sugar levels, it is all relevant to how we manage our diabetes. Ask for testing strips, change doctors if they don't give you them, you need all the information you can to manage and monitor your symptoms

That's interesting Queenie, as I was told by my Gp that they didn't want to take me off them as they were protective of kidneys