Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes User Reviews (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2016

"Fasting sugars still high. Even at an increased dose of 1000 mg/2x day. From day 1, I had diarrhea, which did not abate. Ended up with excruciatingly painful fissures and had to have surgery. Recovery time was awful. All due to metformin."

• Eve...
• July 19, 2021

"My aunt Evelyn had a terrible reaction to Metformin, with confusion and hallucinations. This was the diabetes medication that was changed at the Long Term Care Home. Told the nurses to put her back on her old diabetes meds, and she returned to normal. She later went into the hospital and was put on Metformin for her diabetes. She started hallucinating again. Once again, I asked the charge nurse what had caused her to start hallucinating (again). The charge nurse told me, POA for personal care, that the only change was to Metformin, “the wonder drug for diabetes.” Again, I told the charge nurse to stop the Metformin, read her medical records to see that she has had adverse reactions to Metformin twice before. I then requested that my aunt be put back onto her old diabetes medication. My aunt returned to her normal self in less than 36 hours. Metformin may be “a wonder drug” for some people, but it is not good for all people with diabetes."

• Ruf...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 11, 2019

"Originally started taking metformin 500 mg full strength. I suffered from diarrhea. Told doctor she prescribed metformin 500 mg extended-release doses. Worked perfectly, been taking them for years and extremely satisfied with results."

• Sky...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 22, 2020

"I was put on metformin ER 500 mg once a day. My doctor told me to raise it to 1000 mg (two) in the morning and two in the evening. I told her about my stomach issues, so I decided to do 500 mg in the morning and 500 mg in the evening. The other day, I started to have very bad stomach pain. I woke up at 2 in the morning with very bad cramping and stomach pain. It felt like I wanted to throw up, even when I took it. I had a bad aftertaste, plus it made my nose bleed again. This medicine is not good at all."

• plb...
• January 26, 2017

"I took this for years, and it was effective. Then I started getting very short dizzy spells. I knew something was not right and ended up fainting and in the hospital - my blood pressure dropped, and I had sepsis in my bladder. I am 'allergic' to this medicine, so be very careful! If you don't feel right, go to the Dr.!"

• No...
• April 1, 2017

"I experienced severe increases in my blood pressure. Had anxiety and panic attacks. Had a small ischemic stroke. Had weakness, numbness, and tingling in muscles, muscle cramps, bad taste in mouth. Headaches and confusion."

• Ult...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 6, 2014

"Metformin is very good at maintaining blood glucose levels, but the diarrhea has been a problem for me since taking it 3 times a day, 1 pill per meal. I found that eating a fresh green salad with no-fat salad dressing a day, and a dose of Imodium loperamide, made for the 'trots', cuts down that problem. I have a tremendously bad problem with morbid obesity and have not noticed any weight loss, but perhaps I'm glad that it can! I am very limited in physical exercise due to a spinal cord injury, degenerative arthritis in my spine, several problems with my legs, broken bones, etc. I used to hike a lot, but can't now. Hypothyroidism doesn't help. Hard time."

• nan...
• January 17, 2011

Metformin "This medicine helped me control my eating and to lose weight and bring my sugar down without dropping it too low. I was on another medication, and it would drop my sugar too low, and I was always having to take the sugar tablets to bring it back up. At first, it upset my stomach, but after a few weeks, that was gone. It has worked very well for my husband also and has kept both of our sugars at a normal rate."

• Tar...
• August 4, 2015

"Metformin helped to lower my A1C. I have had several of the side effects: dizzy, metallic taste, dry mouth, and nausea. Having one side effect that I feel should be mentioned: kidney functioning at lower levels, being sent to a specialist. Please have kidney function tested."

• dia...
• June 2, 2009

"I started this 1 year ago. The first day I couldn't leave the bathroom, after that, it was okay, but it gives me gas and cramps really bad, and it still does. If I eat, it goes away. No gain or loss in weight on this drug. I'm not fat. I do crave carbohydrates on it, though. My A1C usually is in the sixes most of the time. I have it checked every three months. I was fighting this disease on my own, but for me, I gave up after three years because I was very limited to what I could eat. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with a starting A1C of 13. I got it down to 8 with no medicines, but that is when I gave up because the lifestyle is just not conducive to normal life."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2019

"I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. I'm on metformin 1000 mg twice a day, but the diarrhea is so bad I take the full 2000 mg at once at night with food, and I am up at least four times in the AM going to the bathroom. So I can't take it early because it keeps me going to the bathroom, and I wouldn't be able to work. It's been about a month. I get my blood levels checked again in two more months. I hope I am able to keep taking it that long. I wonder if the diarrhea is why people lose weight on this, because during the day while at work I am afraid to eat."

• Gin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2020

"I took metformin 1000 mg in a combo for several years with no problems. 45 days ago a new doctor started me on a new medication plan. I started Rybelsus with Farxiga and 1000 mg metformin. I had an immediate reaction of headaches, nausea, and extreme hunger, and my blood sugar skyrocketed. The doctor had me stop the metformin, and the side effects stopped, but my blood sugar remained very high. After a few weeks, she had me add metformin back in at 500 mg twice a day. My side effects returned and now include constipation, but I'm trying to tough it out. I have been nauseous randomly for several days. I can't enjoy a meal or activities. The doctor keeps telling me I'll get used to it, but I'm not seeing it yet. My blood sugar has gone down but not to normal ranges. I sure hope things settle down soon. So far, the benefits are not outweighing the side effects."

• cco...
• December 8, 2011

"I was put on metformin in April 2011 when I was diagnosed with diabetes. First, I was taking 2 x 500 mg once a day with the evening meal. Now (December 2011), I am taking 4 x 500 mg twice daily. The main side effect has been horrible diarrhea throughout! So I am regularly taking Imodium to cope with it. My A1C has gone down 1%. So for me, it is a toss-up, yes, blood sugar has gone down, but now I have to take diarrhea medicine plus use diaper rash ointment. I would like to try something else so my butt could heal!"

• Pat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 7, 2023

"It lowered my blood sugars, but had some serious side effects. Diarrhea, explosive and uncontrollable. I have also had problems with my legs feeling like they were lead weights, did not go away after discontinuing treatment."

• sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2015

"This medicine does wonders with making my blood sugar lower; however, I had extreme diarrhea and I felt nauseous for a while. My doctor put me on slow release, and while it helped me with diarrhea, my blood sugar would always be higher, so I switched back to the regular kind, and I am still having extreme diarrhea. Other than that, this medicine is great."

• Dib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2014

"Newly diagnosed with diabetes type 2 from a HbA1c. No symptoms. Good kidney function, etc. My full blood glucose was 5.3/5.7 in the morning. Took half a 500 mg Metformin XR with my meal. 1 hour: tightness of throat/breathing, slight, but enough. Then a migraine aura like I've never had in my life. Followed by the worst dehydration headache ever for 24 hours, despite drinking plenty. Extremely thirsty and frequent urination, even at night. Diarrhea the following morning. Took another 250 mg, half a tablet the following day with the main meal. Next morning: pain around lower ribs, ache to liver & kidneys. Overlying muscles felt torn/pulled. Continued kidney/liver pain and loss of kidney function by urine test. Increased blood sugar readings duration of meds lactic acidosis."

• SAS...
• August 27, 2009

"I was found to have type 2 diabetes early in pregnancy. I was previously on a low carb diet that had worked well for me but was advised by my diabetes clinic to increase carbs and whole grains because it would benefit the baby. As soon as I began eating bread, rice, and pasta, I began to swell up and started having headaches. I was given a glucose test which was very high, and my doctor was preparing to put me on insulin. I was convinced that it was the high intake of sugar (carbs) that had got me into this situation, so I asked for a week to try and sort it out myself. I cut down on carbs and I improved within 2 days. I now take Metformin 500 mg twice daily but cannot eat bread, sugar, white rice, or white flour."

• Bam...
• August 22, 2016

"Pre-diabetic. Placed on Metformin. The first day, severe diarrhea, but after that, nothing. I take 500 mg twice a day at breakfast and dinner. Don't crave sweets as much, which is great, and when I do eat, I feel full fast. Don't know about any weight loss, but I do feel a lot better since taking Metformin. But I have only been taking it for two days. Other than having diarrhea the first day, I have no other reactions. I drink plenty of water and sparkling water too. I'm also getting in the habit of eating healthier."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2018

"I was prescribed Metformin for type 2 diabetes. Just newly diagnosed with the condition. At this point, I have only been on the medication for a little less than 4 weeks. I have a scheduled appointment in three months for a follow-up blood test to check its effectiveness at lowering blood sugar. I am combining this medication with a more plant-based, low-fat diet, coupled with regular exercise. I will update my review when I do have my follow-up check and report blood test results. But I thought I would go ahead and write a review now to report side effects: The side effects for me are negligible. Almost ZERO. Very, very slight digestive change, absolutely nothing severe as other people have reported to have suffered."

• Dar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2016

"Besides the diarrhea, my experience has been great! I was diagnosed in July with an A1C of 11.2! I self-diagnosed, called the doc, and told her I thought I was diabetic. Keep in mind, I never knew what an A1C was until that day, I was pissed! When I asked my doc what my A1C was in December, she told me 6, never, ever saying, 'Hey, you're pre-diabetic.' They tried to also put me on insulin, and I told them to kick rocks. Three months later (two days ago), my A1C is down to 6.7! Down 4.5 points! I'm hoping in three more months I can get it down to 5.5. That's my new goal."

• luc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 8, 2019

"Gave me very bad stomach issues, caused me to develop a heart problem, and I stayed in bed the entire year and a half that I was on it. Metformin is a horrible drug that should not be on the market at all. Made me very weak, tired, caused dehydration due to not being able to keep anything at all in my system. After taking it, I developed IBS and other issues aside from CHF."

• Wal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2021

"No issues with metformin at all, no side effects. On 500 mg twice daily for T2 diabetes, it is lowering my blood sugar, it does work. It will only give you a boost with weight loss if your diet is clean and you are exercising also. It is no miracle drug, I'm losing 4 lbs a week, but I exercise hard and eat no junk or sugar. I have 6 stone to lose, but I'm certain I'll get there."

• Lor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2017

"Diagnosed with T2 diabetes Nov 14, 2016. Sugar level is 300, A1C is 12. After a month of taking Metformin 500 mg twice a day, by December my blood sugar is 250. Did not take another A1C as the doctor plans to get another one by March 2017. Our goal for A1C is at least 7 and blood sugar is 100. So, been trying hard to get 150 off. But, recently been skipping meds as we moved to another house, and the holiday season and full-time job... it's not easy. Been getting dizzy, cramping is way too much for me that I just don't want to move at all. Yes... losing weight is good because the doctor said I weigh from 165 to 138 and I need to lose at least 20 lbs more. Seriously, the right food to eat is what I am still searching."

• Ral...
• October 29, 2016

Metformin "Intestinal effects were greatly reduced by substituting name-brand Glucophage XR for generic metformin (various manufacturers), and a lower dose of Glucophage was sufficient to achieve a similar BG effect (daily dose reduced from 2000 mg to 1500)."

• ras...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 8, 2017

"I was started on Metformin ER 500 mg, 1 at bedtime. Increased 1 week later to 500 mg in a.m. and p.m. My A1c was 6.7. Dr. would not increase my dose, so I did on my own. Having been type 2 diabetic for 18 years, I was previously on Actos for 10 years, and my A1c was always 5.4 or 5.5. I now take the Met ER 500 mg three times daily, 1 every 8 hours, and my numbers are great. I researched Met ER and learned it loses most of its punch 8-10 hours after a dose. I've had no problems at 3x a day, and my numbers are great!!"