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Headaches

mo53

Expert
Messages
7,869
Location
Yorkshire
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hello. I wonder if someone could answer this question. I started taking metformin on Wednesday and on Thursday started eating a low carb diet. Could either or both of these cause headaches? The last two evenings I have had headaches which is unusual.
 
Hi Mo.Im no expert and quite new to the forum.but at the start of the low carb diet I had headaches which is not normal for me either,but fine now lasted about two weeks ,worse in the morning.
Regarding Metformin ,It was realy difficult for three months,not headaches but not well at all,but fine now .
Good luck Pat
 
mo53 said:
Hello. I wonder if someone could answer this question. I started taking metformin on Wednesday and on Thursday started eating a low carb diet. Could either or both of these cause headaches? The last two evenings I have had headaches which is unusual.
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Starting Metformin more usually causes problems at the other end to your head but it passes after a short(ish) while for most people.
You've simultaneously made a drastic change to what you eat that plainly is a shock to your body and it needs time to adjust.
Have you considered that you may be stressed ? Starting medication is an indication that you need to take evasive action and your subconscious could be sending you a message along the lines of "oh ****" and to top it off you've just made a change in something very very basic - what you eat. When I did this my I was stressed as all get out at the start - very stiff neck muscles and headaches. They went away as I settled down to things.
 
Yes I agree about stress,I was very anxious at first and felt so depressed,the forum has helped me a lot,just looking at the threads and knowing I am not alone.and there is help when you need it.
 
Hello. Thank you both. Yes I suppose I have made two drastic changes at once. I dont feel stressed but maybe I am. It wll be interesting to see if the headaches go in a couple of weeks.
 
Agree with low carb - or any drastic change in diet can cause headaches.

Don't know where you are but if you are in UK its been hot. Headaches can be caused by dehydration too. Have you been drinking enough?
 
Yes Im in Uk. Ive been drinking water as much as possible today. You are right its ver hot.
 
I'm on low carb but no medication. I drink loads all day but have been getting headaches. I noticed mine started when instead of water I went back to my diet and no added sugar fizzy pop.
 
Marieukxx said:
I'm on low carb but no medication. I drink loads all day but have been getting headaches. I noticed mine started when instead of water I went back to my diet and no added sugar fizzy pop.
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Hi,

Artificial flavours/colours/sweeteners make me sleep badly, feel weird and have sort-of headaches.

I think if we eat or drink them regularly we build up a resistance, but if we haven't had them for a while, then the symptoms may appear...

And headaches are a well known symptom of starting low carb diets. Drinking lots of water is one answer (and drinking lots is recommended throughout a low carb diet), but in my experience, a drink of water and a pain killer is the best answer of all!
 
Brunneria said:
Hi,

Artificial flavours/colours/sweeteners make me sleep badly, feel weird and have sort-of headaches.

I think if we eat or drink them regularly we build up a resistance, but if we haven't had them for a while, then the symptoms may appear...
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Yeah I used to only drink them but now it's mainly water. I bought sprite zero and Fanta zero for a treat the other day and since then I've had a headache. Gonna leave it out now.
 
Patricia21 said:
Be kind to yourself ,everything works out.
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What Patricia said - life is for enjoying as best we can. Do keep yourself hydrated and if you have to take something for the headache do so. BUT whatever you do don't take something for the headache on an empty stomach. You're already coping with metformin which can be rough on the digestion until your system becomes habituated to it so either at mealtimes or treat it as an excuse for experimenting with low carb snacks.
 
I suffered headaches due to my blood glucose levels yo-yoing up and down.
Maybe it's a case of the meds bringing your bloods down from high.
Cold turkey does creates headaches.
 
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