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Need advice about my medication.

Poppysnan

Newbie
Messages
4
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hello I am new here and need advice about Metformin.

I have just started taking 500mg Metformin twice a day after 8 years controlling Diabetes with diet. I have only been taking it just over two weeks and feel awful. I have nausea, no appetite, constipation. I have been told it will calm down once my system gets used to it but I feel so **** each day, don't think I can cope with feeling like this for however long. Can anyone suggest anything to ease it. My meds are slow release which I believe should elevate side affects, unfortunately not in my case.
 
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So sorry to hear your have such a horrible time with metfomin.. I know how you feel as I was the same when I first started taking them ... I don't take them now as I have my bs under control with the LCHF way of eating ...
I think you would be best to talk to your GP if you cannot cope with the side effects.
 
Hi. Metformin is an appetite supressant as one of it's effects so that could explain that aspect and it should clear. I noticed more constipation when I started SR and hopefully that will reduce over time. It took me 6 months for the metallic taste side effect to disappear so you may need to give it time. There are some who just cna't take it, so do go back to the GP id needed. Metformin only ever has a small effect and it's not worth any hassle, so go for the low-carb diet and you should be able to avoid the Met.
 
Hi Poppysnan, I'd continue taking the Metformin until you see either your GP or Diabetic Nurse. Yes, there are other diabetic tablets they can put you on, but even some of these have side effects too. Metformin is supposed to help type 2 diabetics loose some weight, and yes - it causes constipation in a lot of people. My Mother took it and it had the opposite effect, so the GP put her on Glicacide and she piled on the weight. Not all medication works for everyone, so go and see your GP/Diabetic Nurse. Let us know how you get on? Thanks, Liam1955.
 
I am really interested in a low carbohydrate diet now to see if I can maybe stop taking Metformin. I watched carbs I ate in past but obviously tried to use low G.I. whenever I could. Trouble with LC, it's murder if you are easily constipated. I've looked on forums for meal ideas and am surprised at the use of lard and cream. Not had either for years
 
I have a severe chronic form of constipation called slow colonic transit disorder. I have found LCHF not the greatest for my constipation so my GP has increased the fibre and laxative medications I take. Also, exercising and drinking more water helps.
 
Inwould recommend flaxseed for the constipation.
 
donnellysdogs said:
Inwould recommend flaxseed for the constipation.
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I just want to add that it can take up to 3 weeks for flaxseed to work (I tried it and after about 10 days was very constipated so saw my doctor and got another laxative. I plan to try flaxseed again when things are more stable for me)
 
I have been advised by doctor to take Fibogel night and morning so will try that. Have started a LC way of eating but still have my 30g of meusli with few blueberries for breakfast. On forum few people advised taking Metformin at night before bed to avoid nausia. I mentioned this to chemist and he said you are supposed to take it with or after food. It won't work properly hours later. Yesterday I took it after my lunch which was chicken salad, no nausia, then 2nd one after evening meal of mushroom omelette, again no nausia. I've either cracked it by not eating carbs with Metformin or its a one off. Fingers crossed for today.
 
Yes fingers crossed I think reducing carbs and taking it with meals are likely to help reduce the nausea.
 
CatLadyNZ said:
Yes fingers crossed I think reducing carbs and taking it with meals are likely to help reduce the nausea.
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I
CatLadyNZ said:
Yes fingers crossed I think reducing carbs and taking it with meals are likely to help reduce the nausea.
Click to expand...
I am finding not having carbs at lunch and dinner is really helping with nausea but I do miss the bread and potatoes. I only ever ate low G.I bread and small amount of potato but it's still a bit boring just meat and veg, especially when I have never really been mad about veg. Any suggestions out there.
 

My best discovery so far is celeriac. Cooked in the oven like saute potatoes or chips, can be mashed too but not tried that.

I bought a veg peeler today to try courgette 'spagetti'
 
FloraDora said:
My best discovery so far is celeriac. Cooked in the oven like saute potatoes or chips, can be mashed too but not tried that.

I bought a veg peeler today to try courgette 'spagetti'
Click to expand...

Celeriac even to non diabetics can cause trapped wind and discomfort.

Agree it is sooooo tasty!! But celeriac for me and my non diabetic hubby cannot be ate due to the discomfort it causes us both....
 
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