How long does it take to recover from Metformin Fatigue

Posted by leigha67 @leigha67, 4 days ago

Hi, I'm Leigha. My new endo prescribed Metformin for prediabetes. ) I've been on it a month, and went to ER this weekend with serious back pain and fatigue. I'm just sleeping all the time, which isn't like me at all. The ER doc couldn't find anything wrong and told me to stop taking the metformin. Has anyone else experienced these symptoms? How long did it take to recover from the fatigue? I'm torn between whether to stay on 500 mg dose once a day or drop it altogether. I usually take 1000mg (500 x 2 per day). I will be calling my doctor for an appointment today. Just wondered what others have done?

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Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor | @cehunt57 | 3 days ago

@leigha67 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. All meds have side effects and Metformin is no different. A lot of people have some trouble adjusting to Metformin at first. It is usually gastrointestinal problems. I’ve not heard of back pain and fatigue being associated with Metformin. It is good that you are looking into an appointment with your doctor. Is that the doctor who prescribed the Metformin in the first place? Perhaps your doctor can adjust the dose or prescribe an alternative medication that will be better suited to you.

leigha67 | @leigha67 | 3 days ago

Hi Cheryl,

I hadn't heard of it either until I read the 'if these symptoms arise, stop taking immediately' information on the metformin website. I called my regular doctor for an appointment, so I'm looking forward to meeting with them.