Metformin side effects

Hello... l also had GI problems with Metformin. It gave me severe diarrhea. I came off of it. Talk to your Doctor. There are other options. Best of luck!

I have not gotten to that point but I am constantly bloated hours after taking it in the morning and then it goes away. But it is bothersome.
Thank you.

I am 74 and have been on Metformin since 2008 and currently take 50 mg over the maximum of 2500 mg recommended by Merck. That's 850 mg x 3 and it has been fine for me. Metformin is still the most widely used Type II diabetes medicine. Everyone is different and it really is an individual reaction. My A1C is usually 6.8/6.9 and take the drug anywhere from right before eating to 1/2 hour before (so I don't forget!) along with 10 mg Glipizide at wakeup, noon, and supper.

I’m 74yo and have been on Metformin for 20 years. I’ve learned to avoid nausea I must limit dosage to 500mg extended release daily with a meal. If I take it on an empty stomach or take more than 500mg, I experience nausea. Good luck finding what works for you.

Thank you @deb11

I had severe constipation from metformin. Doctor switched me to glyxambi. No side effects from that!

I've been on and off it several years... As low as 500mg daily to 1500mg in total per day. Noticed the first time using it I had diarrhea, at times, nausea but for sure bloating at all times. Going to look into something else with my endocrinologist but it's inexpensive and widely used for years by millions so not sure there's anything better or different and at the same cost. Good luck!

i have been on Metformin 500 extended release for about a year. i take it with a small snack. at first I noticed a lot of loud gurgles. i started taking yogurt everyday and the gurgles went away but return when i am off yogurt for a while. i believe the yogurt re-balances my gut bacteria.

It makes sense. Maybe I should try yogurt. Thank you.

Have you tried the extended-release metformin? Even though it's easier for some to tolerate, I had to work up to the full 2000 mg dose gradually, every few months over about a year. It never did much for me, so added Glipizide to the mix after almost a dozen years managing with only diet and exercise from the beginning at age 55. Even then -- nothing worked nearly as well as exercise, so I kept that up for the next 13 years before adding insulin. Discuss with doctor, and explore alternatives.