@rogerglenn :

I had a problem only after taking metformin the first day, with unexpected “runs”, but after that I’ve never had any of the issues others seem to have.

I would suggest you ask your doctor about the problems you’re having. There may be something else going on that you’re attributing to the metformin. I’ve taken it for almost 20 years, the majority of those on a dosage of 4 (500mg) pills per day. After the first day, never had a problem with it.