Metformin for Diabetes, Type 2 User Reviews (Page 3)

• GirlW...
• May 9, 2017

"Been taking Metformin for type 2 diabetes for more than 10 years. Over the last five years my memory has gotten so bad that I almost can't function at work, I am dizzy, anxious, cold, and often confused. My doctor said it was not due to the Metformin. I lowered my dose myself and the coldness stopped and other symptoms improved slightly. A year later they were even worse. I cut my pills in half to reduce my dose again, and most of the symptoms went away. Now that I have been on this reduced dose a while, the symptoms are slowly coming back. I won't be taking Metformin any more. It is a terrible way to live not ring able to remember what someone just said to you, where you left off counting, or how to get to the store. I am only 44."

• Trissy
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 12, 2012

"I take 500 mg twice daily. Initial gastric symptoms passed quickly. No help in weight loss. Some help in lowering blood sugar. Main side effect is extreme tiredness and fatigue. Never feel like exercising. Stopped taking metformin a few times due to fatigue, but when sugar levels escalated to higher than before starting it, I got back on it and just put up with the tiredness. "

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

"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 balling 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 was too much to handle. No thanks."

• 99Ban...
• September 9, 2016

"On Metformin near two years. In Canadian terms my blood sugar is in the fives, this am 5.1. I take 500mg per day and have lost about 25 lbs since being diagnosed. Now I believe that comes from the pill, daily gym sessions and a drastically changed diet. A hamburger bun is now a piece of lettuce, spaghetti now comes from zuchiinni, mashed potatoes are now mashed cauliflower and fiber based cereal is pretty normal for breakfast."

• Grumpy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2021

"Worked ok but horrible GI side effects and weight gain. Hours after taking it in the morning I had the feeling of a bowling ball in my stomach, sometimes accompanied by cramping. In the 3 months I took it I gained 20 Lbs which came off when discontinued. I know this is the most popular med for type 2 but the side effects are worse than the symptoms."

• aquadur
• January 18, 2017

"I have diabetes type 2. My doctor prescribed 500mg two times a day. After the fourth day, I noticed my heart was racing, sometimes at 90 beats a minute. My heart had NEVER done that, as I am in excellent shape, a power walker/jogger. I knew that the metformin caused it because as I sat with wife over supper, I took the 500mg pill half way through the meal. Within a few minutes my heart was pounding almost out of control. My blood pressure monitor showed normal blood pressure, but a pulse of 101. I stopped the drug right away. The problem is that it takes 4 days for this damn drug's effects to leave the body. So now I am taking a sedative which lowers the heart rate, while I wait for these 4 days to pass. I am a 67 year old male."

• 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."

• Cheer...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 15, 2013

"I have been on the max dose for many years, I also am on insulin. I am not very healthy, I tire easily and have a lot of stomach problems. The more I read about the side effects,the more I realize that metformin is not that good for a person."

• FootMan
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2016

"Sugar still 170 ish , Taking 250mg 2x /day with food and plenty of water , was supposed to exercise also but can't due to stomach pain very bad, achey joint , blurred vision and did i mention stomach pain very bad. If Dr don't call me back today , Im off this crap . I feel worse now than I did 2 weeks ago. Several times worse."

• Tony
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 23, 2018

"Put on metformin 2012 when I weighed 281lbs, and obese. Told had T2 diabetes & prescribed 500mg tablet twice a day. Lowered my A1C. Lost 31 lbs couple years later, dose dropped to (1) 500mg tablet and did very well on this dose for several years keeping my A1C around 6.1 - 6.4 - In May/2018 rushed to ER in AFIB at 245 lbs, 59 years old. Ejection Fraction at 21% in bad shape. 5 days in critical care unit. Released heart medications & told to lose much weight. Slowly started exercise up to hour per day. Suffered severe side effect lactic acidosis thinking had a heart attack 9/18. Underwent another heart CAT for nothing at 210lbs, having lost 35 lbs since May/2018, I had overdosed on the Metformin 500mg I was taking. My fault not checking BS daily!!!. If you use it, be careful, check blood sugar daily should you change your diet, exercise, and weight. Blood Sugar now within normal ranges without metformin."

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

Glumetza (metformin) "I've been taking Glumetza ER (500mg) 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 keep 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, 180lbs, 5'3" and a mother to two beautiful girls."

• Anonymous
• January 27, 2012

Glucophage (metformin) "It works very well and there are few side effects. My blood sugar will get low but it does not drop like insulin can do. I watch what I eat and maintain exercise and my numbers are always good. I recommend this medication."

• dobrmum
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2019

"I was prescribed Metformin for prediabetes 4 months ago. Month 1 I experienced awful gastro intestinal 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."

• Dibbles
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2014

"Newly diagnosed 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 500mg 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 250mg, half a tablet the following day with main meal. Next morning: pain round lower ribs, ache to liver & kidneys. Overlying muscles felt torn/pulled. Continued kidney/liver pain & loss of kidney function by urine test. Increased blood sugar readings duration of meds Lactic Acidosis"

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

"I've been on 500mg of Metformin for 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."

• Liz
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2019

"Been taking Metformin 750 extended once a day ! Diet exercise for 6 months by now My a1c was 13 now is 6 ! With supervision of my Dr and keeping strict life time changes this drop was possible ! Side effects sometimes creates Gas ! I feel tired but I try my best to stick to my exercise program some back discomfort! Mentally I want to eventually not take the medication anymore but I am not a dr I need to wait for her directions ! People need to check their blood sugars levels daily so they know if treatments are working ! Most important research what you put in your mouth when it comes to your diet it makes all the difference !!!!"

• Queen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2017

"A few days ago after being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, I was prescribed Metformin 500 mg that my doctor wants me to take twice a day. Before taking this medicine ,my fasting blood sugar levels ranged from 140-320. My blood sugar levels were very erratic ,not to mention once my blood sugar got as high as 596, and 375. Plus, it felt like I had a stomach bug that wouldn't go away, because my blood sugar constantly measured at high levels. After been on Metformin for only a few days, my blood sugar levels have started to stabilize, and my fasting range is now between 85-120. I genuinely feel a lot better because my blood sugar for the most part has started to stay in the normal range. Metformin has been nothing short of a miracle drug for me"

• Paulak
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 26, 2017

"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 glyburide 5mg 2 times a day. The first dose dropped my blood sugar into the 50's. I called the Dr she switched it to 2.5mg 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."

• claudi
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 27, 2018

Glucophage (metformin) "was diagnosed with type 2 diaberes in 2005. I tried metformin and it made me deathly ill. I practically lived in the bathroom for the month I tried it the first time. After that I checked the internet and found 2 other manufacturers of metformin. Both caused same reaction. The Doctor then tried the "real" brand Glucophage. I haven't had any problems since then. I am able to control my sugar . However I haven't been able to get the "real" Glucophage in over 3 months. It is on long term back order and not expected for3or 4 more months. I will die if necessary before ever going back to the metformin."

• Jambo
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 3, 2019

"I have been taking metformin 500 twice a day for 4 years with no side effect and with consistent blood sugar level. Eating whole foods, exercise, drinking plenty of water, and drinking light tea will help me avoid some of the side effects."

• Anonymous
• March 3, 2010

Glucophage (metformin) "My husband and I are both on this medicine. He takes 1000 mg morning and evening. I take the max at 850 mg each meal. We have to keep a packet of desiccant in the bottle to absorb the horrible fishy smell. We both have the side effect, even years later, of bloating, gas, and flatulence. We call this pill our "gas" medication. But it lowers our blood sugar with few other side effects. If we're out, we take it on our return home if possible to prevent inflicting our flatulence on others."

• Jcano
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 24, 2020

"I'm 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, aided in weight loss, gave me my cycle back and helped with the facial hair some. I take the 1000mg once a day. Fellow Cysters taking this for PCOS, I recommend you join a PCOS support group. It's blessed me greatly. :)"

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

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

• NO RXS
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2019

"I had a heart attack and once they checked me over completely I was prescribed 1000mg of metformin twice a day. I was also told to exercise - how does one exercise and enjoy life while strapped to a toilet all day long! The metformin side effects are diarrhea, gas, stomach pains and my Doctor just says those are the side effects there is not much he can do!!!!!!."

• Jonwpb
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2019

"I was newly diagnosed with DM2 (diabetes melllitus 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 first month. I have also lost 30+ lbs from 265lb. I am going to try taking the med at evening meal, eating half of meal, take med then finish eating. I am on 2000 mgs daily. Overall, it works but the side effects suck."