1. < Diabetes & Endocrine System

Metformin side effects

Posted by naiviv @naiviv, Aug 3 7:56am

Hello everyone. I have been taking Metformin 500mg for one month now and I have noticed that my Digestive System is acting up, I never had issues before. Also I am experiencing mood swings like never before. I am 72 so I am long pass menopause. Have you noticed any side effects? Thznk you. Vivian N

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group.

naiviv | @naiviv | Aug 5 10:13pm
In reply to @grrranny "Have you tried the extended-release metformin? Even though it's easier for some to tolerate, I had..." + (show)
@grrranny

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.

Jump to this post

Yes. I am taking 500 mg Extended Release per day after breakfast.

REPLY
1 reply
Scott R L | @scottrl | Aug 9 7:57pm

I've taken it for over 20 years.

I can only handle 1000mg/day (2x500). More than that, I feel terrible -- diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, awful taste in my mouth.

At the start, it took me about a month to get used to it. Then I was okay.

Over the years, I notice my liver function has diminished, but then again, I'm now in my mid-60s -- everything is diminished (except my weight, alas).

REPLY
naiviv | @naiviv | Aug 12 5:12am

Hello. I know that Metformin causes lots of side effects but has anyone experienced waking up with no appetite at all and no matter if breakfast is eaten still the loss of appetite continues all day? I take 500 mg ER after breakfast. Also have your doctors mentioned that Vit B12 might be affected by Metformin in lowering it a lot. Vit B12 is essential for muscles, cognitive and red blood cells. Thank you

REPLY
2 replies
irish25312 | @irish25312 | Aug 13 4:58am
In reply to @rhubymama "i have been on Metformin 500 extended release for about a year. i take it with..." + (show)
@rhubymama

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.

Jump to this post

My doctor recommended that I take a daily 60 Billion probiotic. After two weeks I noticed a reduction of diarrhea and bloating.

REPLY
1 reply
naiviv | @naiviv | Aug 13 5:32am
In reply to @irish25312 "My doctor recommended that I take a daily 60 Billion probiotic. After two weeks I noticed..." + (show)
@irish25312

My doctor recommended that I take a daily 60 Billion probiotic. After two weeks I noticed a reduction of diarrhea and bloating.

Jump to this post

Have you lost weight with Metformin or have lost appetite?

REPLY
reillyg1013 | @reillyg1013 | Aug 13 2:13pm
In reply to @naiviv "Hello. I know that Metformin causes lots of side effects but has anyone experienced waking up..." + (show)
@naiviv

Hello. I know that Metformin causes lots of side effects but has anyone experienced waking up with no appetite at all and no matter if breakfast is eaten still the loss of appetite continues all day? I take 500 mg ER after breakfast. Also have your doctors mentioned that Vit B12 might be affected by Metformin in lowering it a lot. Vit B12 is essential for muscles, cognitive and red blood cells. Thank you

Jump to this post

@naiviv ,
I haven’t been on the connect.mayoclinic website in a few months, so when I clicked on today the first post I saw was yours. I visited the site today trying to find some insight on the blood test results I got yesterday. I am also on metformin 2x a day after meals. I was in shock by the results of my B12 test, I was not on the low end, but rather almost 3000 points higher than the highest end of the acceptable range. I wish I had a loss of appetite, but the only other side effect for me is severe constipation. Amazing how the same drug can have such opposite effects. Just for reference,
I was diagnosed almost 1 year ago at the age of 67.

REPLY
1 reply
ksdm | @ksdm | Aug 13 9:16pm
In reply to @naiviv "Hello. I know that Metformin causes lots of side effects but has anyone experienced waking up..." + (show)
@naiviv

Hello. I know that Metformin causes lots of side effects but has anyone experienced waking up with no appetite at all and no matter if breakfast is eaten still the loss of appetite continues all day? I take 500 mg ER after breakfast. Also have your doctors mentioned that Vit B12 might be affected by Metformin in lowering it a lot. Vit B12 is essential for muscles, cognitive and red blood cells. Thank you

Jump to this post

I was put on metformin without any explanation as to why. I had had appendicitis and was sent home with metformin.....(5 years later developed diabetes!) after a few days I began to lose my appetite and it finally got to the point where I couldn't even have a cup of soup.

REPLY
2 replies
ksdm | @ksdm | Aug 13 9:19pm
In reply to @naiviv "Yes. I am taking 500 mg Extended Release per day after breakfast." + (show)
@naiviv

Yes. I am taking 500 mg Extended Release per day after breakfast.

Jump to this post

I've heard the Extended Release is a bit easier on your digestive system....

REPLY
ksdm | @ksdm | Aug 13 9:19pm

Surely from the Metformin!!

REPLY
naiviv | @naiviv | Aug 13 10:08pm
In reply to @reillyg1013 "@naiviv , I haven’t been on the connect.mayoclinic website in a few months, so when I..." + (show)
@reillyg1013

@naiviv ,
I haven’t been on the connect.mayoclinic website in a few months, so when I clicked on today the first post I saw was yours. I visited the site today trying to find some insight on the blood test results I got yesterday. I am also on metformin 2x a day after meals. I was in shock by the results of my B12 test, I was not on the low end, but rather almost 3000 points higher than the highest end of the acceptable range. I wish I had a loss of appetite, but the only other side effect for me is severe constipation. Amazing how the same drug can have such opposite effects. Just for reference,
I was diagnosed almost 1 year ago at the age of 67.

Jump to this post

It is incredible how Metformin works on people. My PCP told me that Metformin lowers Vit B12 and that in 4 months she will check it since I just started it in June 2024. I am 72.
My mom and dad took Metformin for years and they also lost weight, they started to eat small portions of everything within their diet but they never complained about other side effects.
Thanks for your input.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.