Metformin and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ins...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "When I was first diagnosed, my doctor gave me Metformin. After I took the very first pill, I had severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. I spent hours curled up in the fetal position, bawling my eyes out. I didn't care if it took time to adjust to the side effects. I tried one day's worth of the medicine and tossed the rest. My doctor went on to prescribe Amaryl. I'm sure Metformin is a great drug for some people, as it works well for other family members, but the stomach pain and vomiting were too much to handle. No thanks."

• Sad...
• May 22, 2017

Metformin for Insulin Resistance Syndrome "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 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."

• Jon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was newly diagnosed with DM2 (diabetes mellitus type 2) in February this year. Been taking Metformin since then. I have daily nausea and no appetite. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It has dropped my A1C from 10.9 to 7.1 in the first month. I have also lost 30+ lbs from 265 lb. I am going to try taking the med at evening meal, eating half of the meal, take med then finish eating. I am on 2000 mg daily. Overall, it works, but the side effects suck."

• REQ...
• December 5, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with PCOS late. I am 49 years old, but didn’t know I had PCOS for quite a few years. I just thought it was early menopause. I gained 100 lbs in 2 years. I started at 285 lbs. Here is the key: Whatever the doc prescribes, start the first week taking only one 500 mg pill per day and take it after you have had a few bites of your meal, then eat the rest of your meal. Then, the second week, add the 2nd pill per day, etc. It's all about gradual adding. Per this smart doc, if you allow your body to get used to it the first week and take it with food, you will be less likely to suffer the nausea, etc. Using it, I have finally had a period and my energy level has increased. I am looking forward to the weight loss and other benefits."

• cla...
• August 19, 2014

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been on metformin (the regular one) 850 mg once a day at night since May 2014 for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The first day I took it, I had the worst explosive diarrhea. I persisted with it, and it was giving me bouts of nausea, stomach cramps, poor sleep, and diarrhea. It has been 3 months now, and the symptoms have stopped. I think if you persist at it and definitely take it after a meal, it will be okay! My periods are still being artificially controlled with norethisterone daily, so I can't comment if metformin has regulated my menses, but I am hoping to stop the norethisterone soon!"

• Tar...
• August 4, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

• fli...
• May 25, 2014

Metformin for Insulin Resistance Syndrome "I have been on this tablet for 6 months for my polycystic ovarian syndrome, and I am now getting my 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 dinnertime. I am on 1500 mg a day, and the doctor tells me no way it could be the tablet, so now I have to go for a scope."

• Pet...
• June 12, 2022

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "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."

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I'm 21 and I was diagnosed with PCOS two years ago. I had gained around 100 lbs and was miserable. I found it impossible to lose weight - I was eating a bowl of lettuce a day and working out for two hours a day, and I still either gained weight or maintained. My doctor put me on 500 mg of metformin three times a day. I was worried about side effects, but the only things I have experienced are acid reflux and slight nausea - but the nausea makes me less likely to snack on things, so it's actually kind of a good thing. I've been taking it for around 3 months, and I only started losing weight on it last week. Since last week, I've lost a pound a day without even trying!"

• Jay...
• July 23, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was prescribed this about two months ago for PCOS (my doctor gave me the option to treat the symptoms or treat the root cause, and I chose the latter). She started me out on a low dose and worked up to a full dose, which helped a lot with side effects. I felt mildly nauseous all the time until I started focusing on really eating right. If I eat a good, healthy dinner right before I take the pills, I don't feel sick at all. Another side effect, I've lost all interest in alcohol because it makes me feel terrible immediately. This has forced me to change my lifestyle, but in a good way. I've lost some weight and just generally feel better."

• Alv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I got diagnosed with PCOS on 7/15. Started metformin HCL ER 1000 mg mid-August for a week and then bumped up to 1500 mg the next week. I am 5'4" and started at 197 lb. Now on 10/7/15, I am at 184, so a 13 lb loss. I did get diarrhea when I first started, but that resolved itself after a week. I find that I have very little appetite for greasy foods. If anything, when I eat unhealthy food, I get nauseous, so I'm avoiding it now. I go to the gym every once in a while and still managed to lose weight! Meeting my doctor next week to see if weight loss pills are an option!"

• TNi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Grade 9, I was given birth control (BC) to regulate my periods as I could not naturally create them on my own. On and off BC for a few years, testing to see if naturally I would get it - no luck. Advised to remain on BC until I wanted to have children, as this would keep my PCOS symptoms and hormone levels regulated. I am now 30 and needed to stop taking BC because of excessive weight gain and mood swings. I was prescribed Metformin from my family doctor on Feb 16th (gradually working up to 1000mg, 1/2 pill increase weekly). February 26th, I got my first natural period since Grade 9. AMAZING! Side effects: stomach pains, diarrhea, and nausea, manageable with a good diet - hope to have success with weight loss like others I've read below. Good luck!"

• JRe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2021

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "5 ft 3 in and my highest weight was 220 lbs. I've been struggling with PCOS since childhood. Always struggled with weight up and down. Had joined a gym, changed diet, and struggled to get the weight down and stay down. Carb cravings were really bad and worse with emotional eating with no shut-off. Doctor put me on 500 mg twice a day. I started off with once a day because I wanted to step up to the full dose. 1 week in and I'm amazed. Bloating is decreasing. Weight is dropping. Cravings are pretty much gone. Before, the strong craving for carb food was like walking down a tunnel with a light on guiding me, and now the cravings are almost gone, but like in a fog, so not really noticeable enough to act on them. I love this medicine. 1st day was fine. 2nd day was a little nauseous. 3rd day had some bathroom issues. 4th day everything seemed to start to level off. I'm having to make sure I eat enough calories now because my appetite is nowhere near where it was before."

• Jor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2021

For Female Infertility "I was prescribed the extended-release metformin - can’t recommend it enough for female infertility! After hearing so much about the bad side effects, I don’t feel like I’m really having any/much on this? I hadn’t had a period for 6 months prior to starting, and 2 months after, I’ve had a period! I’m taking it in addition to aldactone for my PCOS. I’m considered “thin PCOS,” I guess. So far, with these, my excess hair growth has slowed, and acne has improved. Once in a while, I have mild nausea or bloating, but I feel full a lot faster, and I don’t think I’m eating as much anymore. We’ll see if this is enough to get pregnant or if we have to add clomid!"

• Anonymous
• February 11, 2012

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Have been taking half dose for 2 weeks and have increasingly felt horrible. Had nausea, dizziness, hot flashes, headaches, anxiety, depression. If you've never tried it, you should try it for yourself, but my body is extremely sensitive, and it did not work for me."

• Kar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been off and on birth control since 2011 to regulate my period. After being off birth control for 6 months, I went to the doctor for refills, except this time he prescribed birth control and metformin. I have been taking 500 mg a day for the past 5 days, and it has been absolute HELL! I feel bloated and weak all day. I feel nauseous all the time, which also discourages me from eating. And when I do eat, I get stomach aches and occasionally diarrhea. Also, I already had a sleeping problem, but now it's cramps and tossing and turning all night. But I think the worst for me is the bloating, I constantly feel like I just ate a whole cow! It's so uncomfortable! Eventually, I'll have to take 1000 mg. Hoping the side effects decrease."

• Ciz...
• October 31, 2008

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "For over 10 years, my doctor had no clue what was wrong with me. So, he just kept telling me to take birth control to regulate. I was finally diagnosed with PCOS about 2 years ago and was prescribed Metformin. It has helped so much. I did have a few side effects for about the first few weeks. Nausea and tiredness mainly, but it wasn't that bad. I feel better, and I have lost quite a bit of weight."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "At first, all went well with metformin. The 2nd week, I was told to take 2 tablets, and that is when the severe stomach pain and nausea began. After putting up with that for several days, I went to the ER. I had pre-pancreatitis. I wouldn't take this or any med with metformin as an ingredient."

• LMS...
• September 1, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with PCOS about two years ago with my lack of energy, weight gain, and irregular periods. I started on 500 mg/day, then slowly upped the dose to now taking 2000 mg/day. I have been on 2000 mg/day for over a month now and still feel awful side effects. I am always nauseous, burping, indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, reduced sex drive (due to previously mentioned side effects), joint pain, loss of appetite, weakness... the list goes on. I am already low weight, so feeling ill and not having an appetite is concerning. Also, my period has not become more regular and, in fact, has become worse. When I was on just 500 mg/day, I felt fantastic, so the doctor kept increasing the dose. I think I will go back down to a lower dose or stop."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2012

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on metformin 1,000 mg in the morning and 1,000 mg after dinner. Since starting this medicine, I have been having morning sickness-type feelings 24/7 with nausea and vomiting every day. I don't know if it's my Ortho Evra birth control patch or if it's the metformin making me sick. I've only been on the patch for 2 months with no side effects except for this month. I'm also on phentermine 30 mg 1x daily for a month so far. I've been eating healthier, small meals daily and exercising 6 days a week and have not lost a pound. When I go back and see my endocrinologist next month, I will report back if she changes my medication and checks my blood levels to see if there is a change. Thank you for all of the comments on here, it's helped me a great deal."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2017

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I'm 28. I was diagnosed with PCOS at 27 after no periods for 4 months (usually regular). GP prescribed Metformin and told me to lose weight. I’ve been taking Metformin since late November 2016 (about 8 weeks now), and my period arrived (with a vengeance) the first week of January 2017, so about 6 weeks after starting. Can’t tell if it was the pills, but I like to think it helped. Metformin makes me nauseous sometimes, I snack less. I occasionally have an upset stomach and diarrhea. I make sure I’m near a toilet before eating a proper meal. I drink lots of water and don’t take any other pills. It’s hard not to worry, but follow the plan and take it easy on yourself. I’m glad I was given Metformin and will continue to take it. All the best xxx"

• Sou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Horrible. Continuous diarrhea with nausea, bloating, and flatulence. The side effects do not go away, they will always be there. I lost 12 pounds in 10 days, not because Metformin is great, but because it is bad. It makes you dislike food completely and feel nauseated when you even think about eating. It is cheap and somewhat effective. That is why doctors and insurance push it first and foremost. I could not even tolerate 500 mg daily."

• Mer...
• April 28, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on Basaglar, Victoza, Farxiga, glimepiride. With all that, my A1C was 13.8. Dr. put me on metformin 500 mg twice a day. I started and was nauseous, I told my dr, and he said, 'that's how you lose weight,' and upped it to 1000 mg twice a day. It has lowered my A1C to a 9.4, still high, but it is slowly coming down. Started having gastrointestinal issues along with headache, nausea, vomiting, and eye problems. I am on another medication for another problem, and the side effects are the same as metformin. So I'm not sure at the moment which, if not both, are causing my problems."