Metformin - Sleep Disturbance & Weight Loss

JamieKershaw said:

I’ve been on Metformin since April 21 after my HBA1C levels reached 76.
I’m now on half a 500mg tablet per day since my HBA1C level came down to 48.

I’ve lost over two stone since taking Metformin. Has anyone experienced significant weight loss?

I also have problems with sleep. I’ve always slept very well in the past. I fall asleep easily, but now wake at around 3.00am each morning. I’m having to take Nytol to help me sleep longer. Has anyone experienced sleep problems since taking Metformin?

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Jamie I didn't even know half a tablet was ever prescribed! I've been on one 500g tablet for about three or four years now, which I have at breakfast or at least the first meal of the day that I have. Are you attributing your weight loss only to Metformin?

I had rather violent side effects with Metformin and became very anxious about going to sleep.
After a few weeks I just had to stop them, and the Atorvastatin, but my sleep has been irregular ever since. It is as though I am no longer on a 24 hour clock.
I have found that a vitamin and mineral tablet several times a week helps, but I no longer fight it and just go to bed and get up as I feel the need.
Sitting in the garden to watch the sun come up is a very happy side effect of whatever happened.

JamieKershaw said:

Hi There.
My weight loss could be due to three things working in conjunction:
Metformin (I read that it has been used to achieve weight loss)
Stress (I’ve had a considerable amount of this since February21)
Stopped eating certain types of food

I told my doctor I wanted to come off Metformin. My last blood test saw my levels down to HBA1C 48, so he suggested I have half a 500mg tablet (slow release) and then see what my levels are at the end of Sept21.

I also intend to reduce my carb intake and follow a Mediterranean diet as I feel this might help.

Thanks for your response.

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Metformin, when I first began taking it (so three at the time) decreased my appetite. I didn't feel anywhere near as hungry, nor did I need large meals, but I don't think that alone reduced weight loss in my own case.
I was walking a couple of miles (at least) every single night .. come rain, hail or dry conditions. I lost 18lbs in the first year. It may be different for other people, but I'd not say that Metformin made any significant differences. I've also not had sleep problems, but I did notice my hair coming out in handfuls when washing it. This stopped when dosage came down to one tablet though.

JamieKershaw said:

My last blood test saw my levels down to HBA1C 48, so he suggested I have half a 500mg tablet (slow release

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Does it actually say on your Metformin box to take half a tablet? The reason I ask is that I’m surprised your pharmacist didn’t pick up on this. Slow Release, Extended Release and similar meds shouldn’t be cut as it will affect the rate of absorption. Have a read of this:
https://walrus.com/questions/can-you-cut-or-split-metformin-er-in-half

Hi
I was diagnosed type 2 at the end of May my bloods weren’t particularly high to a lot I’ve seen, i was 53 or 9.1 on my daily test kit.
The doctor put me on 2x 500mg Metformin twice a day (4x tablets), I also immediately switched to a high fat low carb lifestyle (keto) and I’ve lost just over 2 stones in 10 weeks, my bloods on my kit is now in the low 5’s 2 hours after food.
My question is regarding the Metformin, in the last few weeks I’m finding my energy levels really low and I’m losing my appetite not just not feeling hungry but can’t face eating.

has anybody else seen these sort of side effects from Metformin? I think my dose maybe too high.