Metformin and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Pen...
• May 15, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I started taking metformin in March. I've gone from 500 mg to 1500 mg, and this week I got my period. I haven't had one since December 2014. I've had very little side effects, just a little nausea and an unsettled stomach. I'm really hoping my periods will regulate now. I have also lost 9 lbs since 20th March."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2022

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I found out I have a cyst on both ovaries and was diagnosed with PCOS back in August 2022. I started metformin (1500 mg) on November 5th, 2022, and so far I am disgusted. Literally, I have diarrhea, which is relieving because I get stopped up a lot. Also, I get burping, and I am sick to my stomach, the nausea is horrible. I’ve lost 7 lbs already. I don’t like taking them at all, but I’ve decided to keep going and see if my body would adjust."

• Wif...
• September 19, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "My estranged husband was sent to the ER twice 5 days ago. The 1st time, they sent him home after 3 hrs. Then his friend brought him back at 3 am the next night, as his friend thought he looked so bad! He got sick on a Sun and got progressively worse over the next few days. Awful nausea, couldn't eat, was so weak he could not get up. They did all sorts of tests, and his ER doc said it wasn't metformin as his blood work didn't show lactic acidosis. But after reading reviews from other people who had similar effects, I am convinced the metformin is to blame."

• Mol...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 26, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking metformin for years, but I'm finding that different generics not only are less effective but give me more acid and G.I. problems. Teva was good, but they stopped making it. Sun Pharmaceuticals/Cacaro was also good at controlling BG, with no side effects. But I find the pharmacies are carrying cheaper generics, particularly with the Medicare drug plan insurance. I'm finding that my blood sugar is not as well controlled, and I'm having more problems with nausea and cramping, though no diarrhea. I may have to switch to something else, I'll see what the next A1C is like."

• Ham...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 21, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "First off, after reading several reviews about the need to eat right before taking this med, I’ve done just that and avoided stomach issues like diarrhea. I only get a little nausea when I go up in dose every couple of weeks. I’m taking Metformin (not the extended release) for PCOS and insulin resistance, and it’s already helped me to lose weight just three weeks in! I don’t crave sugar and my appetite is lessened. Also, for the PCOS symptoms like acne and irregular periods, I seem to be benefiting greatly from the Metformin! The acne has really calmed down, and my cycle was actually normal this month."

• Jen...
• September 1, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have PCOS and was struggling to conceive because of my irregular periods. My Gyno/OB started me on Metformin 500 mg. However, he told me to start slowly, taking one tablet in the morning and one at night, then once I had adjusted to that, one tablet 3 times a day. He told me that it makes you feel nauseous, he was right. I did feel quite sick, so I would recommend staggering the dosage and working up to three tablets a day. It worked for me. It also gave me diarrhea every now and then, but it wasn't that bad, more like loose stools, not explosive. I was on Metformin for a few months, my periods were semi-regular, and then I fell pregnant. Didn't really lose much weight, just a couple of kilos, which I think was because I felt sick from the tablet."

• cho...
• April 21, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, mostly suffering from acne, without weight and period issues. I started metformin 2-3 months ago and recently increased the dosage. It has helped dramatically. No side effects, except for some days in the beginning when I had nausea, etc."

• Sop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2019

For Female Infertility "I have PCOS and had a successful pregnancy with Clomid 2 years ago at 150 mg after taking Clomid for 5 months. I started Clomid again, 150 mg for 9 months with no success this time. I did ovulate every month, though. My ob-gyn referred me to a fertility specialist, and after doing more lab work, decided to put me on a dose of metformin, 850 mg, 2 tabs per day of metformin. I took 1 tab for 1 week and then 2 tabs on the second week. The first week I had diarrhea, nausea, headache, but it was tolerable. I also got my period 6 days after starting metformin after not having one for almost 6 months, so that’s a plus. On the second week of metformin dosage of 1700 mg, my side effects got worse. I still have diarrhea, lightheadedness, stomach pain, and also vomiting. I take it at dinner time once I get home since I work in the daytime. Hope this works with all these side effects, lol. When I was on Clomid, I did not have any side effects. I’ll update you ladies and see if I ovulate."

• Anonymous
• October 31, 2008

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been having issues since I first got my period at 13 years old. I've had horrible weight gain, infertility, and my cycles are never the same twice. I've been on Metformin for almost a month now and just had my first 'normal' cycle. I had a bit of a problem with nausea when I first started taking this, and I've learned I have to eat right away when I get up from feeling sick, but am getting used to it. I definitely have to take this medicine with food or I get sick."

• Anonymous
• July 28, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I used metformin for about 3 months and only had nausea and heartburn after a greasy meal. This made me change to the metformin ER. It did help me lose about 20 pounds, which is great because with PCOS, it is hard to lose weight. I only used this to lose some weight and make me ovulate (which only took about 3 weeks). I do not have insulin resistance. Overall, this is a great drug for PCOS!"

• Lar...
• August 18, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with PCOS in June. I started taking metformin 3 weeks ago, and I've noticed a big difference in my appetite. I'm not hungry as often. I have been getting diarrhea and nausea, but I have a very sensitive stomach, so I'm not surprised. No other changes yet. I'm 4 months late, so hopefully it'll bring my period."

• Tim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Back in March, I went to see my nurse. I wasn’t informed that they switched my medication from Janumet to Metformin. I took it for 30 days. I had begun to experience nausea, heartburn, vomiting, bloating, dizziness, lightheadedness, and headache. I quit taking it and I went back to Janumet. Metallic aftertaste in my mouth. I will never take this medication again because of the negative side effects it causes."

• PCO...
• April 28, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I started 850 mg Metformin twice per day for PCOS, and at first, it made me nauseated for about 1 week or so, and then the nausea stopped. I feel better now after being on it for approximately 4 months. I have more alertness, and I'm not in so much pain with my ovary like I used to be. I still have pains from time to time, but not daily like before. I do not get bathroom problems, and I've always been on the bigger side."

• Kar...
• May 19, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was finally diagnosed with PCOS about 3 weeks ago after going through years of irregular periods and horrible nausea problems. I finally went to an OBGYN because it was getting out of control, and she prescribed me metformin and birth control (Microgestin). My period started within two weeks. I have experienced extreme nausea mainly, and I feel sick constantly and throw up at least 1-2 times a day. This is only my first week on it, but I have already lost 5 lbs and feel more energized. Hopefully, the nausea will go away soon."

• sma...
• August 4, 2017

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I've been on Metformin off and on for years. I had no idea it was supposed to help with weight. Honestly, when I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2009, my doctor made it sound like I just needed to lose weight and it would go away. I was also 21 and had no idea how to advocate for myself. When I walked out of the doctor's office, I thought I was informed on everything I needed to know. So as I'm reading these posts, I'm shocked! I've been sitting at 220 lb for years. I do CrossFit, I eat well, and my job is very active. I naively got off of Metformin because of the nausea and bowel discomfort I was experiencing. I've never given it more than a month. I started taking it again 3 days ago, 850 mg twice a day. I'm encouraged and hope to see some changes."

• Kei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I am 29 years old, was diagnosed with PCOS a year ago. I've always had irregular cycles and have been trying to conceive for a few years. My primary care doctor referred me to a PCOS specialist after my blood work showed I had insulin resistance and was prediabetic. She first started me out with progesterone because I wanted to have my cycle. At my next visit, I informed her I did want to try to have a baby, which means I needed to ovulate to do so. She prescribed metformin 500 mg twice daily. When I first started the meds, it made me sick, nauseous, caused occasional diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Those side effects eventually subsided. I just had a check-up today, and she is prescribing me 500 mg four times a day. I'm praying for a BFP. Wish me luck."

• RyR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2018

Metformin "Diagnosed with PCOS at 30 years old after years of struggling with irregular periods. I was constantly exhausted and sick feeling. My family doctor ran test after test and had zero results for me. Food would make me sick, and I felt terrible all the time. Finally, I went to a gyno instead of my family doctor and had answers within a month! PCOS with insulin resistance. I am on week 2 of Metformin extended release 1500 mg a day. Day 1, I felt a little sick to my stomach, but after the first afternoon, I felt AMAZING!! I feel better than I have felt in years. I have so much energy all day, and my muscles aren't fatigued like they used to be. I hope it keeps up!"

• RKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I’ve tried every dose of metformin, and it all caused horrible side effects for me (nausea, sometimes vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, etc.) I’m now on metformin 500XR once daily for two weeks, and it’s like magic! No side effects!"

• Dar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 25, 2020

For Female Infertility "Partner and I were trying for a baby for (at the time) 3 years and no luck, got diagnosed with PCOS. Doctor prescribed me Metformin and Clomid. Took it for about a year/year and a half. My periods were more regular, but then for a good month, I had bad stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. Luckily, the side effects went away in the second month, but it (Metformin and Clomid) never did any good in getting pregnant. Going on 5 years with zero luck."

• E D...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 23, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on this medication for about 14 years. I am multiply disabled, with PCOS and Diabetes type 2, being the reasons why I was on this drug. It's an excellent drug, one that I was comfortable taking for many years, but recently was having issues with it. It started making my GERD get really bad. Also, the smell of the pills themselves made me want to puke daily."

• Bbl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with PCOS and endometriosis at 14. I had surgery to remove the cysts, but I'm now 19, and I still don't get regular periods. I started metformin 3 weeks ago and am on 1500 mg a day, but no weight loss and no period yet. Side effects I have are loss of appetite and nausea, which gets very bad, especially at night, and I've broken out in spots. I really hope it works, I've tried everything. 11/05/15 UPDATE: Ok, so I've been on metformin for over a month now. My side effects have calmed down, my appetite is still lacking, but I'm not as nauseous, and my skin has calmed down, although it's very dry. I haven't had a period since December 2014, and it's still not come, but I'm still hoping it will soon. Also, not lost any weight."

• Lon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2022

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Started metformin over 7 weeks ago now. Starting from 500 mg worked up to 2000 mg. I did have side effects the first 3-4 weeks, feeling nausea and upset stomach. But they went away. I've lost over 14 lbs in less than a month even though I wasn't overweight to begin with, but my weight has been stable now. Only problem is I haven't had a period since starting them. My period is usually between 43-45 days. I'm nearly at 60 days, never been without a period this long! I'm starting to become quite uncomfortable. Good points are my spots I have on my chest and back have cleared up, and I haven't ever had a clear chest nor back. I was diagnosed with PCOS at 13 years old, and I'm 29 now. My hair growth has slowed down. I also feel less tired. Before, I used to have heavy eyes and felt tired throughout the day, I don't even have that problem anymore. Only negative, which I wanted most, is I've had no period. Tips: Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty, and eat with medication, it does make a big difference in side effects."

• Fru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2013

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have had diagnosed Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome since 1991. Years of problems. I tried Metformin the first time around 1995, and it did nothing. I had weight loss surgery in 2010 and got to just below 200 lbs. Hormones actually got worse with weight loss, and a year later to the day, I had a full hysterectomy. Six months later, my only ovary started kicking into overdrive. Crazy hormones, cravings, and of course ruptured cysts... all the time. Doc decided to try Metformin and said it could be different this time. After a week, I noticed great results. Two weeks in, I got so nauseated that I thought I had the flu. Then the headaches. They tried to diagnose me with migraines at the age of 42. It was the Metformin."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 10, 2024

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I've been on metformin for 6 months now. The first two months were horrible. I had diarrhea all the time, and I was so nauseous for a few weeks. It all subsided within that 2-month time frame, and now I get diarrhea rarely. I got my period for the first time in 8 months after a few weeks of taking it. It lasted for 3 weeks. Since then, I've had a few periods that would last 1-3 days. It helped me lose 20 lbs in a matter of 3 months. Overall, I like it besides getting used to it in the beginning."

• she...
• April 26, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I am 21 years old and have always been morbidly overweight. I was diagnosed with PCOS 2 months ago when I was 3 weeks late with a negative pregnancy test. I have the normal signs of acne, overweight, hair on my face, and I now take 1500 mg of metformin every day. I do not have a gall bladder, so the diarrhea does not bother me, but the nausea is dreadful. I will be so hungry to the point of starving, and when I try to eat, I'm so sick to my stomach I can't touch food. I also have had a headache every day for the last 3 weeks. I have absolutely no sex drive, and my self-esteem is shot. Feeling very depressed lately... do not know if the metformin is affecting me differently because of my bipolar disorder, but I cannot feel like this forever."