Metformin and nausea/diarrhea/cramps

WildflowerMama · 02-10-2008, 07:32 PM

Hi all!

I need some help for my dad. He's diabetic and on Metformin. He's been on it for quite a while - almost 2 years I believe. He has the worst time with diarrhea and cramping and nausea while on this medicine. I know it's a common side effect that is supposed to subside with time but for him, it's not subsided. He feels miserable pretty much all the time.

Does anyone know of anything that might help him? I'm trying to get him to eat full fat, plain yogurt every day to see if the probiotics will help settle his tummy down but other than that, I'm at a loss.

His appetite is terrible, nothing ever sounds good to him and he's just miserable all the time.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

pri17cess72 · 02-10-2008, 09:45 PM

Hi Wildflower. I just started taking this medication for PCOS not diabetes, however I noticed that if I take the medicine in the middle of a meal I dont have any side effects. I am not sure if you Dad has tried that yet, but wanted to share my experience to see if it might help.

I will be thinking of your Dad and hope he finds a solution.

shmabby · 02-11-2008, 04:27 AM

no advice here just my personal experience

while many people apparently don't have those side affects with metformin, i did. As long as i took it, which was for around a year, it ripped my innards to pieces.

one of my joys of lcing is no longer having to take metformin, i'm amazed when people tell me it doesn't bother them.

dreamerdee · 02-12-2008, 09:25 AM

I had your dad's problems with Metformin for a while, and it did get better. My doctor offered to prescrible the time release version telling me it was gentler on digestion, but by then I was pretty much better. If your dad is not on the time released kind, maybe he should ask for it.

LeanLioness · 02-12-2008, 08:37 PM

Yes, I was going to suggest the ER (extended release) or a lower dosage....

Also, taking at the middle or the end of a meal helps a LOT............

Sleepy · 02-13-2008, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shmabby

it ripped my innards to pieces.

me too. i just had to stop taking it cuz it never got better

texasrebel · 02-13-2008, 11:45 AM

I took mine at night right before bed so I didn't really notice and side effects. However, after a couple of weeks my body regulated and now it doesn't cause any problems. I would however have him look into the extended release, as several people have suggested. My doctor said if I was bothered by the side effects then she would prescribe the extended release to help with it. I hope he finds something that will work.

WildflowerMama · 02-16-2008, 06:55 AM

Thank you guys! He is on the extended release. I've talked to him about taking it with food - he's been taking it before meals, so hopefully that will help. It's just so sad

He feels miserable all the time.

LeanLioness · 02-16-2008, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildflowerMama

Thank you guys! He is on the extended release. I've talked to him about taking it with food - he's been taking it before meals, so hopefully that will help. It's just so sad

He feels miserable all the time.

I take mine when I have a couple of bites of food left...........the last couple of bites helps to "wash it down".............

Jim_1970 · 02-23-2008, 07:20 AM

Metformin.....oh metformin, I took this medicine for about 2 years. I really hate this medicine. Let's see... i could never stay regular, caused me to stay bloated all the time, and made my ankles and feet swell. I took it once in the morning and at bedtime. I quit taking it after starting Atkins and I feel so much better. I have just eliminated cards and sugars and my blood sugar numbers are normal. Also, went to my doctor yesterday and my A1c was 5.9%. Which is non-diabetic. Also, my total cholesterol was 104 with LDL being 54. But anyway, I am not a fan of Metformin but I really don't know what to tell you to do about it, I guess if I had to do it a all over again, I would talk to my doctor and tell him I wanted to try type of medicine for for blood sugar. I did try Januvia, which is new on the market, but it broke me out into hives around my midsection. He may want to try it.

JMS1 · 03-02-2008, 10:07 AM

Hi, I'm new to this thread. I've been on metformin for the past 4 years and it still affects me. My last visit to the doctors my A1C was 5.6% but I have a problem with the pre-dawn phenomona. I can go to bed with a 102 reading and wake up with a 111-112 reading if I don't take the metformin and glyburide 1.25 grams. Does anyone know about this? Should I continue taking the meds before bedtime or let all average out?
Juanita

pepperette · 03-02-2008, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleepy

me too. i just had to stop taking it cuz it never got better

[COLOR="DarkGreen"]Same here- and the daily pain increased in intensity and length of time in pain every day![/COLOR]

JMS1 · 03-02-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMS1

Hi, I'm new to this thread. I've been on metformin for the past 4 years and it still affects me. My last visit to the doctors my A1C was 5.6% but I have a problem with the pre-dawn phenomona. I can go to bed with a 102 reading and wake up with a 111-112 reading if I don't take the metformin and glyburide 1.25 grams. Does anyone know about this? Should I continue taking the meds before bedtime or let all average out?
Juanita

It does help to take it before bedtime with a bite to eat. As a matter of fact, it does keep me regulated.

pri17cess72 · 03-02-2008, 10:22 AM

Hi WildflowerMama!

Just following up to see how your Dad is. Please let us know.

Thanks!

anneRN · 12-16-2008, 07:46 PM

Hey everyone and Wildflower,

I have been taking Metformin XL since May 2008 and I had such bad intestinal issues, that I told the doctor I didn't want to take it because it was affecting my work. She lowered my dose and the problem went away. I know that it had nothing to do with taking with food or not because I tried to do that. I would always take it in the morning with food but by 12:00, I would have all of the issues. That was when the medication was peaking. This was whether I was eating lunch around that time, or even if I skipped lunch. The lower dose solved that issue, but if I stop taking it for several days and then resume it, it happens all over again until I get used to it. Some people just react this way. I consider this a very adverse side effect for me if it impacts my life and I don't think patients should have to endure this, they should talk with the Dr.

ardawn · 12-17-2008, 07:16 PM

I take mine about 3/4 of the way through dinner. I am on 750mg of the ER. I do get stomach cramps,but I rarely have any other symptoms unless it's time for TOM.

Dooditsglory · 01-03-2009, 05:10 PM

Poor thing,i was on metformin for a while.
I find taking one dose in the morning then one at night works wonders.
Also staying away from very greasy carby or greasy food helps tons.
Have him drink lots of water as well and take it with food.I used to have dinner and eat my whole entire dinner before i took it.
I hope he feels better!

HezzieLee · 01-14-2009, 02:10 PM

I'm on 750mg extended release - I agree, take it in the middle of a meal and split the doses. One or two iffy days in the beginning, but nothing now.

oh, how miserable for him.... my sympathies!

Houston Heather · 01-14-2009, 03:03 PM

And I thought Lithium was bad!

for everyone

Sleepy · 05-23-2010, 12:25 PM

i am on metformin er 750 mg once per day
i was on regular metformin before and lived on the bathroom floor for 2 weeks
this is not much better
4th day and i cannot function, get out of bed, very nauseous and have to be close to the bathroom
this is crap. i cannot live this way.
what other solution is there?

jessienevins0314 · 06-20-2010, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildflowerMama

Hi all!

I need some help for my dad. He's diabetic and on Metformin. He's been on it for quite a while - almost 2 years I believe. He has the worst time with diarrhea and cramping and nausea while on this medicine. I know it's a common side effect that is supposed to subside with time but for him, it's not subsided. He feels miserable pretty much all the time.

Does anyone know of anything that might help him? I'm trying to get him to eat full fat, plain yogurt every day to see if the probiotics will help settle his tummy down but other than that, I'm at a loss.

His appetite is terrible, nothing ever sounds good to him and he's just miserable all the time.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

idk what mg hes on or how often he takes it - i take it for PCOS - 1500mg daily. 1000mg in the morning, and 500 at night. The doctor is supposed to start out at a lower dose then let your stomach get used to it and gradually up it. idk if they can do that with diabetics or not, but metformin plus low carb = stomach problems!! my induction side effects are worse, but they do subside

if he cant take it, ask doc to switch him to another medication.

floridagirl6 · 07-03-2010, 07:20 PM

I have been on metformin for years and still get sick. I take it in the AM and right before bed. My dr. says I just have to put up with the nausea.

srh4jc · 01-12-2013, 09:31 AM

Hi! My name is Sue. I am "new" to this forum while searching for metformin side effects. I was trying to find "wildflower mama" so I can send her an email. She posted years ago about her dad being on Metformin and having nasty side effects but this is for anyone taking Metformin. I am on 500 mg twice a day for Hyperinsulinemia. I pray her dad has since gotten better but I wanted to tell her (and anyone else that might benefit) that taking probiotics and taking mine in the middle of a meal really helped reduce the cramping etc significantly! Specifically I used Culturelle and Phillips probiotics. If I take my metformin before a meal...yup..you guessed it! Side effects. But if I follow this regimen..great results of reduced effects!

02-10-2008, 07:32 PM	#1
WildflowerMama Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Desperate for Fall Posts: 1,402 Gallery: WildflowerMama Stats: 185.5/143.2/revised to 140 Start Date: Nov 2006	Metformin and nausea/diarrhea/cramps Hi all! I need some help for my dad. He's diabetic and on Metformin. He's been on it for quite a while - almost 2 years I believe. He has the worst time with diarrhea and cramping and nausea while on this medicine. I know it's a common side effect that is supposed to subside with time but for him, it's not subsided. He feels miserable pretty much all the time. Does anyone know of anything that might help him? I'm trying to get him to eat full fat, plain yogurt every day to see if the probiotics will help settle his tummy down but other than that, I'm at a loss. His appetite is terrible, nothing ever sounds good to him and he's just miserable all the time. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. __________________ Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever. Lance Armstrong Losing weight is hard, but being fat is harder. Choose your hard. Don't sit if you can stand. Don't stand if you can walk. Don't walk if you can run. Get Moving!

02-23-2008, 07:20 AM	#10
Jim_1970 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 44 Gallery: Jim_1970 Stats: 440/363/300 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 2-9-08	Metformin.....oh metformin, I took this medicine for about 2 years. I really hate this medicine. Let's see... i could never stay regular, caused me to stay bloated all the time, and made my ankles and feet swell. I took it once in the morning and at bedtime. I quit taking it after starting Atkins and I feel so much better. I have just eliminated cards and sugars and my blood sugar numbers are normal. Also, went to my doctor yesterday and my A1c was 5.9%. Which is non-diabetic. Also, my total cholesterol was 104 with LDL being 54. But anyway, I am not a fan of Metformin but I really don't know what to tell you to do about it, I guess if I had to do it a all over again, I would talk to my doctor and tell him I wanted to try type of medicine for for blood sugar. I did try Januvia, which is new on the market, but it broke me out into hives around my midsection. He may want to try it. __________________ If you want something you've never had before, you must do something you've never done before. 2/09/08- 440 3/09/08- 411 -29 4/09/08- 387 -24 5/09/08- 372 -15 6/09/08- 364 -8 7/09/08- Total= 76 lbs lost 4 Months= 19lbs/month

12-16-2008, 07:46 PM	#15
anneRN Junior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Austin Posts: 1 Gallery: anneRN WOE: increased protein, low calorie	Metformin (Glucopahage) Hey everyone and Wildflower, I have been taking Metformin XL since May 2008 and I had such bad intestinal issues, that I told the doctor I didn't want to take it because it was affecting my work. She lowered my dose and the problem went away. I know that it had nothing to do with taking with food or not because I tried to do that. I would always take it in the morning with food but by 12:00, I would have all of the issues. That was when the medication was peaking. This was whether I was eating lunch around that time, or even if I skipped lunch. The lower dose solved that issue, but if I stop taking it for several days and then resume it, it happens all over again until I get used to it. Some people just react this way. I consider this a very adverse side effect for me if it impacts my life and I don't think patients should have to endure this, they should talk with the Dr.

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02-10-2008, 09:45 PM	#2
pri17cess72 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SF Bay Area CA Posts: 2,824 Gallery: pri17cess72 Stats: 180/in progress/130 5'5" WOE: Atkins/fat head Start Date: Re-start again February 2013	Hi Wildflower. I just started taking this medication for PCOS not diabetes, however I noticed that if I take the medicine in the middle of a meal I dont have any side effects. I am not sure if you Dad has tried that yet, but wanted to share my experience to see if it might help. I will be thinking of your Dad and hope he finds a solution.

02-11-2008, 04:27 AM	#3
shmabby Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA USA Posts: 1,876 Gallery: shmabby	no advice here just my personal experience while many people apparently don't have those side affects with metformin, i did. As long as i took it, which was for around a year, it ripped my innards to pieces. one of my joys of lcing is no longer having to take metformin, i'm amazed when people tell me it doesn't bother them.

02-12-2008, 09:25 AM	#4
dreamerdee Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: central OH Posts: 331 Gallery: dreamerdee Stats: 232/163/140-150ish WOE: Atkins Start Date: 6-14-03	I had your dad's problems with Metformin for a while, and it did get better. My doctor offered to prescrible the time release version telling me it was gentler on digestion, but by then I was pretty much better. If your dad is not on the time released kind, maybe he should ask for it.

02-12-2008, 08:37 PM	#5
LeanLioness Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Belleville, IL (St Louis Metro area) Posts: 5,755 Gallery: LeanLioness Stats: 250/205/130 (-45 since Feb) WOE: PBP / Paleo combined with IF Start Date: Last restart: 02/06/2011	Yes, I was going to suggest the ER (extended release) or a lower dosage.... Also, taking at the middle or the end of a meal helps a LOT............

02-13-2008, 11:45 AM	#7
texasrebel Junior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Texas girl stuck in Alabama Posts: 2 Gallery: texasrebel Stats: 215/184.5/140 WOE: SB and Exercise Start Date: January 2008	I took mine at night right before bed so I didn't really notice and side effects. However, after a couple of weeks my body regulated and now it doesn't cause any problems. I would however have him look into the extended release, as several people have suggested. My doctor said if I was bothered by the side effects then she would prescribe the extended release to help with it. I hope he finds something that will work.

02-16-2008, 06:55 AM	#8
WildflowerMama Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Desperate for Fall Posts: 1,402 Gallery: WildflowerMama Stats: 185.5/143.2/revised to 140 Start Date: Nov 2006	Thank you guys! He is on the extended release. I've talked to him about taking it with food - he's been taking it before meals, so hopefully that will help. It's just so sad He feels miserable all the time.

03-02-2008, 10:07 AM	#11
JMS1 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 41 Gallery: JMS1 Stats: 175/178/135 WOE: Atkins Start Date: February, 2008/restart 1/2/2010	Hi, I'm new to this thread. I've been on metformin for the past 4 years and it still affects me. My last visit to the doctors my A1C was 5.6% but I have a problem with the pre-dawn phenomona. I can go to bed with a 102 reading and wake up with a 111-112 reading if I don't take the metformin and glyburide 1.25 grams. Does anyone know about this? Should I continue taking the meds before bedtime or let all average out? Juanita

03-02-2008, 10:22 AM	#14
pri17cess72 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SF Bay Area CA Posts: 2,824 Gallery: pri17cess72 Stats: 180/in progress/130 5'5" WOE: Atkins/fat head Start Date: Re-start again February 2013	Hi WildflowerMama! Just following up to see how your Dad is. Please let us know. Thanks!

12-17-2008, 07:16 PM	#16
ardawn Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 949 Gallery: ardawn WOE: gluten free,low carb,whole foods Start Date: Gluten Free,Sugar Free as of Aug.2009	I take mine about 3/4 of the way through dinner. I am on 750mg of the ER. I do get stomach cramps,but I rarely have any other symptoms unless it's time for TOM.

01-03-2009, 05:10 PM	#17
Dooditsglory Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Nashville,TN Posts: 531 Gallery: Dooditsglory Stats: Highest 198!184/pregnant/145 WOE: For two! Start Date: 08/01/2012	Poor thing,i was on metformin for a while. I find taking one dose in the morning then one at night works wonders. Also staying away from very greasy carby or greasy food helps tons. Have him drink lots of water as well and take it with food.I used to have dinner and eat my whole entire dinner before i took it. I hope he feels better!

01-14-2009, 02:10 PM	#18
HezzieLee Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mid-Michigan Posts: 1,174 Gallery: HezzieLee Stats: 37yrs old 5'4" 190/187.5/155 WOE: Eating better food for better health Start Date: September 2010	I'm on 750mg extended release - I agree, take it in the middle of a meal and split the doses. One or two iffy days in the beginning, but nothing now. oh, how miserable for him.... my sympathies!

01-14-2009, 03:03 PM	#19
Houston Heather Guest Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 9,854 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/166/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	And I thought Lithium was bad! for everyone

05-23-2010, 12:25 PM	#20
Sleepy Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 11,269 Gallery: Sleepy	i am on metformin er 750 mg once per day i was on regular metformin before and lived on the bathroom floor for 2 weeks this is not much better 4th day and i cannot function, get out of bed, very nauseous and have to be close to the bathroom this is crap. i cannot live this way. what other solution is there?

07-03-2010, 07:20 PM	#22
floridagirl6 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Treasure Coast, FL Posts: 1,034 Gallery: floridagirl6 Stats: 200/145.6/130 WOE: ME/Scarsdale/Low Carb Low Cal	I have been on metformin for years and still get sick. I take it in the AM and right before bed. My dr. says I just have to put up with the nausea.

01-12-2013, 09:31 AM	#23
srh4jc Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 1 Gallery: srh4jc	Hi! My name is Sue. I am "new" to this forum while searching for metformin side effects. I was trying to find "wildflower mama" so I can send her an email. She posted years ago about her dad being on Metformin and having nasty side effects but this is for anyone taking Metformin. I am on 500 mg twice a day for Hyperinsulinemia. I pray her dad has since gotten better but I wanted to tell her (and anyone else that might benefit) that taking probiotics and taking mine in the middle of a meal really helped reduce the cramping etc significantly! Specifically I used Culturelle and Phillips probiotics. If I take my metformin before a meal...yup..you guessed it! Side effects. But if I follow this regimen..great results of reduced effects!