Metformin and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "This drug can kill you. One of the worst reactions to a medication that I've ever experienced. Last Saturday, I could hardly walk out of a store as the muscle contractions grew worse and the pressure in my chest increased. An ER visit followed and a week later, I am still weak. It did not get out of my system in 24, 48, or 72 hours. Watch this drug closely when you are given it for treatment, especially if you have already had physical symptoms that are similar to some of its side effects. And yes, I had diarrhea, spasms which ran up into my torso, and nausea but I tried working through it all. I could barely lift my arms last Saturday and I was in pain from my feet to the top of my head. There was no comfortable place."

• Mat...
• March 8, 2012

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Before I took Metformin, I had an unpredictable and agonizingly painful cycle, a bad odor, and was growing facial hair. I was also diagnosed with borderline diabetes. The change between then and now is amazing. My cycle is regular and normal, I don't smell bad constantly, and my face is clean and smooth. The Metformin also controls the diabetic aspect, so I only have to take one medication for two diseases. My biggest side effect is the diarrhea and stomach upset, which is compounded by my Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This is easy to fix by eating a meal before taking Metformin. Despite the gastrointestinal issues, this medicine has changed my life for the better."

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2009

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been using Metformin for 3 months to aggressively treat my pre-diabetic condition. Together with a lower-carb (185-200 mg per day/1700 calories) I have lost 29 pounds. This is about double the weight loss rate I had on the diet alone. The only side effect I have experienced is a loose stool once or twice a week. Definitely a good trade-off! I am a 49-year-old female, moderately active who has had a hysterectomy."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Take with food if you have diarrhea! At first, this medication gave me such terrible diarrhea and other stomach pains, but then my nurse practitioner told me to try it with a meal, and oh my God, it's like I don't feel sick anymore! Also, try to take it with your biggest meal! I've been on it for about 2 months and a half, and with a little diet and exercise, I've lost 15 lbs! I'm 5’3, started at 218, now 203!"

• All...
• November 1, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on slow-release metformin (1500 mg), and since changing away from the regular type 12 years ago, I have had zero loose bowels. You must insist to have a chance to try this much better version if frequently bothered by the standard pills. Even more important, please look up this fairly obscure nutritional cap... PTEROSTILBENE. It has proven to be a near miracle to free me from diabetes symptoms. I still take metformin, and only a doctor can put you on that med. But it works pretty darn well... but if you take metformin along with PTEROSTILBENE, diabetes is largely controlled. Almost like a true cure... except you have to continue both. Pterostilbene is found in the skin of blueberries and a few other plant sources. I take 2 50mg caps daily. Morning and night."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with PCOS at 18 years old. I didn't start taking metformin until I was 20 for 3 years. I took 500mg three times daily. This medication helped regulate my cycles and aided in weight loss. I lost 30 pounds in less than a year. And best of all, I was able to conceive. Now, fast forward to 31 years old, and I'm back on 500mg once daily to manage my symptoms and to prevent the diagnosis of diabetes. If you can get past the diarrhea, it's a great medication that does help."

• Xpu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2023

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "I am overweight and turned out I have quite severe insulin resistance, though glucose, insulin, and the HbA1c were within the normal range. I was snacking all day, being ravenous most of the time and was eating quite a lot, including junk food. I've been on Glucophage XR for a little over three months, with the dose slowly increased to reach 1500 mg a day. Initially, I had diarrhea, bloating, gas, and all sorts of stomach issues, but within a couple of weeks after starting it, things settled down. I feel well now, my blood work results on the third month show a great improvement. My appetite has decreased significantly, and I no longer feel hungry all the time. I stick to three meals a day (about half the amount I used to eat) without any snacking in between. I have also cut down on carbs, pasta, bread, rice, potatoes, and meat. Since starting Glucophage in the end of May, I have lost 9 kg (almost 20 pounds). Overall, I am very satisfied with the results."

• eth...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Have lost 7 pounds in less than a month of taking metformin for my PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). Can see the change physically in my face and stomach, as well as been told it by others, and on the scale. My hormones are also regulating themselves (having a period naturally for the first time in forever). Happy and proud of the results. My body has needed this for a long time, in both aspects. I do have diarrhea as a side effect, but I'd rather deal with that and lose weight."

• Anonymous
• March 28, 2012

Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes "I had diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and muscle pain. It did not control my blood sugar either. I never want to feel like that again. But, on the other hand, my husband is able to take it with no side effects, and it keeps his blood sugar between 90 and 130."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 6 weeks ago. On Metformin twice a day for 4 weeks, carbs not over 130 per day with meal plan & snacks according to MyPlate guidelines. I keep a daily diary, recording the date & time of meals, content with carb counts. I'm doing this to help me see how what I eat translates to blood glucose levels which I was taking frequently the first two weeks, now once AM fasting. As a 65-year-old woman, VERY obese, never had a high blood sugar until this year. My highest blood sugars were in the 300s and an A1C of 9.8. With changes in diet and Metformin, my last fasting blood sugar was 104. I've lost 20 lbs, with no diarrhea or stomach upsets at all, but dramatic disinterest in eating, portions seem too big now. I sure needed benefits Metformin is giving!"

• Ash...
• April 17, 2017

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I am 26 and have PCOS. I use this medication when trying to conceive. I have been TTC for 12 months and nothing was happening, so my doctor prescribed me Metformin 500 mg in the morning and 500 mg at night. I only had to take the medication for 2 months before I was pregnant. The medication does give me diarrhea at the beginning of starting it, but I suffer from chronic constipation, so I sort of don't mind that side effect in a weird way. I do notice I am losing a little bit of weight as I take this medication as well."

• Sky...
• October 24, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been taking metformin 500 mg since 3/2016. I'm 4'11, about 168 lb. I was diagnosed this year with PCOS after having been misdiagnosed years ago. I haven't had a regular period since I was 11 years old, and I didn't think anything of it. I would go years without having a natural period. Most of the time I had to be put on Provera to bring down my periods. I'm 24 now. The metformin is okay. I have a system with it - I will eat and take it before 8 pm - if not, you will wake up vomiting or worse, diarrhea. Around 3 months into taking it, I lost 25 pounds, which is okay. I am eating healthy salads, apples, cranberry juice - that's just some of the light things. It's been progress, so just take your time, ladies, and let the pills take their course. Have a good day."

• exc...
• April 28, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I've been on this for about a year. I experience diarrhea, but eating natural yogurt helps a lot. I now have a 7-8 week cycle, previously, it was 6 months. I have loads more energy and a normal appetite, previously, I was tired all the time and always thirsty and hungry despite eating and drinking too much. I lost heaps of weight, and my mind is clear. 10/10."

• Was...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2020

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I am 27 and I have PCOS and endometriosis. I was told to lose 20 kg before I could be operated on to remove the endo. My doctor prescribed me Metformin 500 mg for the first week and thereafter increased it to 1000 mg a day. It's my 9th day of being on Metformin and I have lost 2.25 kg in this time. My goal is to get to 55 kg and I'm currently 71 kg. I haven't really experienced the awful diarrhea, however, I have been getting crazy heart palpitations. Also, when I increased the dosage, I found that within the day I would experience some bad stomach cramps, but that's about it. Hoping to achieve my weight loss."

• geo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 5, 2017

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I got my first period when I was 11 and was regular up until I was 14, and then they stopped. Fast forward to 2015, and I hadn't had a period at all for 5 years. I decided to finally do something about it, I was actually enjoying the lack of periods, to be honest! I had some tests done, and the diagnosis of PCOS was confirmed. My doctor put me on metformin 500 mg twice a day, and I hated it. I was so nauseous for the first two weeks, frequent diarrhea, and lots of dizziness, but it all passed. After that, I began to have more energy, and my period came back. It makes you feel really gross at first, but if you can survive the first few weeks, you'll be all good!"

• dob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was prescribed Metformin for prediabetes 4 months ago. Month 1, I experienced awful gastrointestinal issues, to the point of opting to eat only at night when I was home because 20 minutes after eating required me to be in the bathroom for an hour. Months 2-4, I took Metformin extended release (which was not covered by our drug plan), no changes whatsoever other than worsening bloating/stomach pain and liquid diarrhea. Then my hair began falling out by the handful. Even my husband was noticing my hair all over the bathroom floor when I brushed. This is an awful medication, and all the alternatives seem to have terrible side effects too."

• McC...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 24, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "So the side effects of metformin. I was at a birthday party with a bunch of friends a few months ago, and I had to poop so bad. Like a bad one. And someone was in the bathroom, so I left my boyfriend at the party and went to McDonald's next door. Didn't tell my boyfriend I was leaving. I left my phone at the party because I was in such a rush. The three guys outside the bathroom definitely heard what I did. They laughed at me. My boyfriend panicked, and everyone at the party wanted to know where I went. It was an awful time, I never want to go back. Metformin gives me the runs, but it helps regulate my periods. Takes away the awful feeling I get emotionally and physically during my period and helps a lot with weight management. Just make sure you eat right on it so you don't get shamed at McDonald's."

• Ell...
• October 16, 2013

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 18 years ago. My experience has been horrible. Very irregular cycles, ranging from massive bloat, extreme flow, severe cramps, night sweats, and facial hair. I maybe have 3 periods every 2 years. Finally, my doctor put me on metformin. The side effects for me are pretty bad, mainly stomach pain and diarrhea. I work through it because I know my body will adjust. I've heard great things about this medicine, and I'm willing to go through a little discomfort to improve my irregular cycle."

• Ren...
• October 6, 2019

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "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 the 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."

• Cal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2017

Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Glumetza ER (500 mg) for three weeks now, and so far, so good. My levels came down to 85-115 within the first five days from 230. I take it with breakfast, but I'm thinking about changing it to dinner time because my numbers always go up while I'm sleeping. I sometimes get a slight headache about five hours after I take it, and right about the same time, have loose stools. It doesn't bother me as long as it keeps my numbers down. I've lost a total of 11 pounds since finding out I'm type 2 and using Glumetza ER. I'm 32, 180 lbs, 5'3", and a mother to two beautiful girls."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on 500 mg of Metformin twice a day since Nov 1 for T2 diabetes. Today is Feb 8, and to date, I have lost over twelve pounds without feeling like I've even tried. It not only helps reduce my appetite, but I also feel full sooner. I haven't had any terrible side effects, some mild diarrhea, but that's it."

• Pau...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 26, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on Metformin when I was first diagnosed with type 2. It had no effect on my A1C or my daily levels. I tried it for 2 years. I ended up with diarrhea all the time. They tried switching me to Metformin ER (SR), and that didn't help either. I then was switched to glyburide 5 mg, 2 times a day. The first dose dropped my blood sugar into the 50's. I called the Dr, she switched it to 2.5 mg twice a day. My A1C is down to 5.6, my daily levels are back to normal. Just because a drug is effective for one person, it may not be for another. Don't be afraid to ask questions."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2011

Metformin for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "This medicine has definitely improved my quality of life. Within the first 2 weeks of starting metformin, I lost 8 pounds (where before I struggled to lose weight). Now I am in a healthy BMI for my height group. I experienced no nausea while taking this medicine (I took it in the middle of a meal). I did experience some intestinal side effects (gas/diarrhea) for the first week, and in the first week, I increased my dose."

• Anonymous
• August 22, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "25 years old - diagnosed with PCOS at 16. Always have been overweight, abnormal hair growth, and irregular periods. I'm 'pre-diabetic' with diabetes on both sides of my family, so taking Metformin as a preventative measure. I've been on Metformin for 10 days and have already lost 3 pounds with no significant diet change and got my period on my own without having to take medication for the first time in years. Less hungry, especially at night. I did have terrible diarrhea the first few days, but that has resolved. Today started with a horrible metallic taste in my mouth, which I'm hoping will subside soon because I feel pretty good otherwise! My advice - don't get discouraged with the stomach issues in the beginning - push through!"

• Jca...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 24, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm on this for T2 diabetes and PCOS. Yay me? -__- I've been on Metformin since I was about 10 years old. I'm 27 now, it always worked well for me. But I had been off it for a long time due to insurance and income issues. It never caused this explosive diarrhea back in the early 2000s! Thankfully, that side effect has subsided. I learned from some Cysters' (PCOS sisters) to take Metformin late at night, in the middle of a full meal, and drink a full glass of water. Imodium also helps, but I hardly even have to take that now. So, it lowers my A1C, aids in weight loss, gives me my cycle back, and helps with the facial hair some. I take the 1000 mg once a day. Fellow Cysters taking this for PCOS, I recommend you join a PCOS support group. It's blessed me greatly. :)"