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

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naiviv | @naiviv | Aug 13 10:10pm
In reply to @ksdm "I was put on metformin without any explanation as to why. I had had appendicitis and..." + (show)
@ksdm

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.

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But were you diagnosed as prediabetic? How did you start a new med without the physician giving you an explanation!! So you developed diabetes years after taking Metformin?

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1 reply
Mentor
Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor | @cehunt57 | Aug 14 2:29pm
In reply to @ksdm "I was put on metformin without any explanation as to why. I had had appendicitis and..." + (show)
@ksdm

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.

Jump to this post

@ksdm I might be a Dr’s worst patient possible (or a control freak). I don’t accept any medication, test or diagnosis without a satisfactory explanation of why. After all YOU are the patient and it is YOUR body and health that you are trying to care of. Ask questions until you understand and can agree to the treatment plan.

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2 replies
ksdm | @ksdm | Aug 14 2:43pm
In reply to @cehunt57 "@ksdm I might be a Dr’s worst patient possible (or a control freak). I don’t accept..." + (show)
@cehunt57

@ksdm I might be a Dr’s worst patient possible (or a control freak). I don’t accept any medication, test or diagnosis without a satisfactory explanation of why. After all YOU are the patient and it is YOUR body and health that you are trying to care of. Ask questions until you understand and can agree to the treatment plan.

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You are totally correct! But I just thought I had appendicitis!

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ksdm | @ksdm | Aug 14 2:51pm
In reply to @naiviv "But were you diagnosed as prediabetic? How did you start a new med without the physician..." + (show)
@naiviv

But were you diagnosed as prediabetic? How did you start a new med without the physician giving you an explanation!! So you developed diabetes years after taking Metformin?

Jump to this post

I was in the hospital with appendicitis and as I was leaving, the nurse said here is a prescription to get filled. I thought it had to do with my recovery. No one EVER mentioned diabetes or high blood sugar to me. I did become diabetic 7-8 years later with an A1C of 7.5 or so. No symptoms at all of diabetes. I only took the metformin for less than a month because I was nauseous and was having trouble eating. I am 82 now and have been on insulin for 4 years. Still no symptoms.

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queenie2030 | @queenie2030 | Aug 16 3:44am
In reply to @cehunt57 "@ksdm I might be a Dr’s worst patient possible (or a control freak). I don’t accept..." + (show)
@cehunt57

@ksdm I might be a Dr’s worst patient possible (or a control freak). I don’t accept any medication, test or diagnosis without a satisfactory explanation of why. After all YOU are the patient and it is YOUR body and health that you are trying to care of. Ask questions until you understand and can agree to the treatment plan.

Jump to this post

I had an endocrinologist who gave me one answer to my questions, “trust me”. I learned more without asking at my initial appointment with my new endocrinologist. Having some answers gives me so much more peace of mind. All doctors are not created to communicate well. One surgeon I had was outstanding except for communication. He has a great PA who gives all the answers.

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friedrich | @friedrich | Oct 12 3:52pm
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.

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I’m inspired by your experience with with using Exercise to treat your Diabetes and will add more to my current level!

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1 reply
friedrich | @friedrich | Oct 12 3:59pm
In reply to @deb11 "I’m 74yo and have been on Metformin for 20 years. I’ve learned to avoid nausea I..." + (show)
@deb11

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.

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I take two 500mg tablets of Metformin ER with Breakfast and two with dinner. No problem for me. However, within each meal, I take the two tablets about 15 minutes apart, so that they don’t hit my stomach all at once.

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1 reply
naiviv | @naiviv | Oct 12 5:07pm
In reply to @friedrich "I take two 500mg tablets of Metformin ER with Breakfast and two with dinner. No problem..." + (show)
@friedrich

I take two 500mg tablets of Metformin ER with Breakfast and two with dinner. No problem for me. However, within each meal, I take the two tablets about 15 minutes apart, so that they don’t hit my stomach all at once.

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Thanks. Hoping you feel better.

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naiviv | @naiviv | Oct 12 5:08pm
In reply to @friedrich "I’m inspired by your experience with with using Exercise to treat your Diabetes and will add..." + (show)
@friedrich

I’m inspired by your experience with with using Exercise to treat your Diabetes and will add more to my current level!

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Wonderful. It really helps. Be well. Thanks for your input.

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abid | @abid | Oct 13 10:02am

Metformin does cause gastrointestinal side effects but not mood swing, GI side effects can be mitigated by slow release preparation. Even if you are taking it for prediabetes it is still worth taking as it delays the onset of diabetes itself. It is also the first choice among all the antidiabetics available.

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