Metformin for Insulin Resistance Syndrome User Reviews (Page 2)

• Dawn
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 14, 2021

"Reading the ones where folks were "miserable" and had GI issues from it - some people have this from not eating correctly. I immediately noticed a difference in my eating habits. I was full quicker and had more energy. I am bi-polar and am on medications for that but this did help me greatly. I did not want to stop taking Abilify and my doctor prescribed me Metformin and I can honestly say I have never felt better. So please make sure if you have these side effects - try eating better for a few days - more protein and way less carbs. All those carbs turn into sugar etc so that is why you are not feeling well. My doctor told me this from the start and I was like no way...and he was right. I reduced carbs the second week of taking this and have not looked back."

• Miche...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2016

"I started metformin April 28, 2016. The first two weeks I was taking 1000 mg each morning after Breakfast. My doctor then added an additional 1000 mg each morning on the third week. I experienced very mild nausea and stomach upset, going into the fifth week I started having this weird thing to happen...as I took steps in walking I would get this quick catch pain on the inside of my upper thigh to the right of my pubic where the leg connects...and I would be afraid to take long strides. I did lose 9 pounds in thirty days. I'm not craving too many sweets as my appetite has diminished."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 2, 2015

"I was diagnosed with Insulin Resistance and put on Metformin (1000mg twice a day.) I keep hearing that people are losing weight with this medicine; however, I have been taking it for a year and still no weight loss. WHY??? My doctor even stated, "Hum, your not losing any weight". "

• Ren
• October 6, 2019

"Been taking the max dose of Metformin for almost two years now despite being non-diabetic and a young female within a “normal” BMI range. Diagnosed with “prediabetes” by my endo and has never officially crossed threshold for diabetes since being on Metformin. There’s definitely an adjustment curve when beginning this medication; it’s been a while but I remember the first few weeks were full of INTENSE cramping, nausea, gas, loose stools, and strangely enough, back pain. The loose stools don’t really go away but all the other symptoms have pretty much subsided. Despite its unattractive side effects it has really helped me stabilize my weight (I was randomly gaining exponentially) and even curbed cravings. Thinking about talking with my doc to lower the dosage though because I’ve noticed that it’s starting to make me intolerant to alcohol and certain other medications."

• BBBH
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2015

"I'm giving this a 2 because I've lost some weight. To be honest, it's likely that I've lost weight because of the low carb diet I'm now in to "manage" the side effects of Metformin. This medicine is life ruining. I've become a shut in (I only go to work now) because of the constant no-warning need to use the bathroom. I'm trying to stick with it, but it's awful."

• Sadaf...
• May 22, 2017

Glucophage (metformin) "I didn't have such a good experience with it. Whenever I take it after breakfast as my doctor prescribed me, i feel nausea and dizziness. In the starting days I felt severe weakness and pain in my backbone and in my whole body but as the time passed my feelings are getting changed just like I like feel vomiting even during sleep. I feel like my heart comes out, I feel dizziness too much and feel blah. I'm worried about my condition because it is necessary to take this medicine but the side effects are making my life like hell."

• wilson...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2019

"I take this to control my glucose tolerance. I take 500mg three times a day. It has been effective in controlling my blood sugar and I feel better now. Glucose used to make my arthritis worse but that has changed for the better now. As for the side effects, I used to feel shivers and lightheaded at times but the intensity of the side effects has reduced over the one month I have been using it. I don't know how long I will be taking this drug but I will keep updating you on my future progress."

• Gina
• March 2, 2021

"After a year-long weight loss plateau, I saw my doctor and she prescribed me metformin, saying that it's sometimes used off-label for weight loss. I don't have any conditions that would warrant metformin such as PCOS, diabetes or insulin resistance. I've been on 500mg once daily for 1 month and while I believe it has taken effect, it hasn't helped me lose weight. I notice a significant difference in my appetite, which is helping me to remain within my daily calorie budget. And I'm thankful I did not get the severe digestive upset many people report (I got the extended release one). However, in spite of calorie cutting, 30 minutes of exercise a day, making healthy food choices (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, less meat, more protein) and the metformin, I have lost nothing. In fact, I seem to have gained weight because all my clothes fit tighter now I'll give it some more time, but aside from appetite reduction, it has been unsuccessful in regard to weight loss for me."

• flicka
• May 25, 2014

Glucophage (metformin) "I have been on this tablet for 6 months for my polycystic ovarian syndrome and I am now getting period every 28 days on the spot! But 6 months into it I am starting to feel something like a blockage and feeling nausea and vomiting, this normally happens after my dose after dinner time. I am on 1500mg a day and doctor tells me no way it could be the tablet so now have to go for a scope. "

• Tigerkc
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2018

"Dr said I was pre diabetic and prescribed Metformin 500 once per day. I take at night and the next morning I have severe uncontrollable diarrhea. I'm 50 male and had sudden cardiac arrest with no heartrate for over 40 minutes, only CPR. While in ICU unresponsive for 19 days, they now believe I also had a stroke. The metformin causes diarrhea so forceful, if not near a toilet, well I'm embarrassed to say, I end up with a stinky mess. I'm not taking this stuff anymore."

• Jillyn
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2019

"My PCP prescribed this after I've had fluctuations in my A1C for a couple of years, despite diet changes & weight loss. It definitely has decreased my appetite & helped me lose a few pounds. Some issues I have with it are increased fatigue (I already have CFS (Chronic fatigue syndrome), so didn't need this), diarrhea (I already have mixed type IBS, sooo...) & increased muscle pain (I already have fibromyalgia, etc, so didn't need this either) . I'm going to try to stick with it, but, not sure for how much longer."

• SIRS
• October 14, 2015

"I have been on this medication about 3 years up until recently no problem it helped me to lose weight and manage my insulin resistance well. Then I got rare serious side effect lactic acidosis which occurs in 1 out of 10,000 people. unlucky me. now after being treated for the lactic acidosis I try to take the medication again and it makes me feel really unwell and ill. I miss being able to take it. Maybe I will be able to take something different instead because I can't leave my Insulin Resistance uncontrolled."

• Beth
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2019

"I've had type 1 diabetes for 35 years, since age 5, but developed insulin resistance after being on steroids and subsequently gaining weight. My endocrinologist decided we could try metformin off-label to see if it would reduce my insulin requirements and help me lose weight after I lost nothing on a 1200 calorie low carb diet in four months of strict compliance. I was having blood sugar spikes during the night from 100 to nearly 400, likely due to my liver releasing glucose. That disappeared after my first dose and I woke up at 102. I'm reducing insulin daily so I should lose some weight finally. I'm only taking half a dose right now but will increase it soon. Stomachache is pretty much constant since I started this medication."

• Trizzy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2023

"Metformin made me beyond exhausted. I'd sleep 16 hours a day and the rest of the time was too tired to get off the couch. All my hormone and vitamin levels were perfect, so no issue with low B12, low iron, low thyroid, etc. It was 100% the Metformin. Within 2 days of stopping, all of my energy came back. Even though it's not a 'common' side effect, there are TONS of reports like this from other patients. I tried to stick it out and stayed on it for 3 months, but the fatigue never lessened, so I had to quit. My life was being destroyed by the immense fatigue."

• Maggie
• April 20, 2021

"I have been on Metformin 500mg twice a day . I have taken it for almost 2 years now. I am also a 5 bypass heart patient with 4 Stents. I have high Cholesterol and I am a Diabetic with Psoriatic Arthritis. I started off at 170lbs dieting, exercising every day. Since I started the Metformin , I have gained all my weight back. I am miserable and now I’m at 193lbs.I am getting depressed. I don’t know what to do now."

• Mimi
• July 12, 2021

"I have been on metformin 500 mg since 2015, weighed 212 pounds at 5 foot 2. I was exercising at a gym 2 hours a day 5 days a week.This was pre-pandemic, I kept a food, weight & exercise diary. Dr prescribed a dose of three 500 mg tablets of Metformin a day, 1 pill to be taken with each meal. I don't eat 3 meals a day, I only eat when my tummy growls. I eat protein, salad with oil & vinegar. Absolutely no wine or alcohol. I eliminated carbs with exception of fresh fruit. Experienced extreme gas, bloating, & felt terrible since 2015. I have lost 72 pounds and my doctor wishes for me to continue taking one meformin 500 mg a day. I declined and haven't taken it for the past 3 days & my husband noticed I was happier, perkier, had more energy. I never felt this suppressed my appetite, this medicine made sick with diarrhea, the most vile gas, bloating and most recently throwing up bile. I live on salads alone with my own homemade dressing of balsamic vinegar and oil."

• YoUo
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2018

"I found out I had PCOS and insulin resistance last year. I tried to lose weight naturally and without success. Started on metformin 500 twice a day after food and had terrible stomach problems plus depression. My husband noticed I was terribly low. Then doctor recommended 1000mg slow release and have felt fantastic for the last 3 months. Cravings gone, don’t feel lethargic after eating and have much more energy. I have lost 5kg of fat and been able to build muscle easily with a good meal plan. Very happy but wondering if I should go back to check my glucose tolerance again and if I can or should increase."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2021

"I’ve been taking metformin 1000mg for 2 weeks. I’ve dropped 10 pounds! I’m afraid to eat sugar lol so I don’t get the poops. I have also noticed I’m not hungry as I once was, and my portions are smaller. Also am not waking up in the middle of the night starving and eat a midnight snack. Usually it was sugar . My energy is up, but so is my anxieties since taking this. And I feel it gives me insomnia"

• Nanel
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 3, 2016

"I took Metformin Hcl ER 500 mg 2xday, for 2 years. I never felt quite well w it, especially the constant fatigue. So I stopped. Now , 11/16, I was prescribed it again, & almost immediately became lethargic, weak, plus experienced extreme muscle pain & stiffness in quadriceps (frontal thigh muscles) which caused my legs to become so weak & stiff, walking was difficult."

• Beth
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 22, 2022

"Pill form metformin was very hard on my stomach, even the ER form. Enter topical metformin, which has been a godsend. No more stomach issues, and the med is working beautifully. Around $50 at my local compounding pharmacy."

• Cary
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 10, 2019

"Started taking Metformin ER 2 years ago for Insulin Resistance but found out later I also had PCOS. First time taking Metformin I had severe diarrhea that was uncontrollable. Now I always take with dinner and this seems to have resolved that issue. To be honest, not sure if I physically feel any different. My numbers look better from blood tests but I don't feel a difference when taking it."

• Majeva
• December 7, 2017

"I've been taking Glucophage 750mg slow release for almost 2 months to regulate my insulin resistancy and 15 kg weight gain after giving a birth. Since then I have lost 5 kg which is really great since I am trying to lose weight for 5 years. I don't feel food cravings. The problem is that I have serious heart palpitations - arrythmias like skipping every 2nd 5th 10th beat. Sometimes I feel dizziness from palpitations. I stopped the medicine for 3 days and symptoms were almost gone. Then I started again med and Palpitations are back. I don't know what to do since I really need to treat my insulin resistancy. I have in my family diabetes, stroke and heart disease and I am only 40 now."

• Petal
• June 12, 2022

"I have just entered menopause and have been absolutely packing on the pounds. I had gestational diabetes, which I was able to control with diet. I am currently pre-diabetic with all of the weight gain. I have been on Metformin for over a month. It has been awful. My quality of life has plummeted. I tried to stick it out. Feeling sick all of the time, sweats, nausea, I was beginning to get severely depressed. Not worth it. Just going to go low carb and do my best to get steps."

• I...
• December 22, 2016

"In general I have loose stools, but while on the drug, a sneeze or cough and I would soil myself. This became such a problem I didn't want to leave the house. I never lost any weight during my time on this medication."

• Donna
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2023

"I have type 2 diabetes. My blood sugar levels were always high and I was constantly feeling hungry. My doctor put me on Metformin 850mgs, three times a day. I have been on this dosage for 3 months and my blood sugar has stabilized, my appetite has decreased, and I am slowly losing weight. I do have diarrhea, which I control with medication. Overall I am happy with metformin."