Metformin

Side effects from Metformin can be delayed quite some time after starting the medication. I began taking it about 5 years ago, with good results, for a considerable time. Then I began to have digestive problems with stomach pain and diahrrea after eating certain foods. First to go was hot peppers which I had eaten all my life. I developed GERD and later began having episodes of stomach cramping and diahrrea with no obvious food connection.

My doctor was doing a guessing game... stress?, irritable bowel?, gall bladder?, lactose intolerance? The cramping, diahrrea became more frequent until it occured about 2 times a week. A year ago I had a 3 week episode of diahrrea and my doctor finally said to stop Metformin.

Within a few days I was much better and have been re-introducing foods I previously avoided. I can now eat hot peppers and other foods I stopped. Metformin was the cause.

My doctor prescribed two medications Metformin and Simvastatins. I took the dose as prescribed, and felt as if I had been food poisoned. I had diarrhea, stomach pain and my stomach was constantly grumbling for almost the entire day. Every time I tried to eat, my stomach got upset.

I had other serious side effects like dizziness, fast, racing heartbeat, felt like I had low blood sugar, and I had even tried to take half a dose, but it does not work for me. Not to mention my stomach has not been the same ever since I took the medication.

Do you think that Sea Buckthorn oil could be a better choice?

I've been on Metformin for 10 years. Recently with Teva. A1Cs around 6 and fasting glucose on average 100. I switched pharmacies and now get Metform made by Watson labs. My blood sugars are all over the place. Fasting 161! I feel like I'm "getting" diabetes all over again. I will try to switch back. Is this normal?!?!

I've recently received a "new" generic of Glucophage from Sears Pharmacy (k-mart) and my blood sugars are also sky high (to what they normally are). I've got the pharmacy looking into the new manufacturer, but I'm scared to death. I always had an afternoon blood sugar number of around 110 and now it's near 190!! Anyone else having the same problems? I've even cut out more and more carbs, but it seems like it continues to worsen.

My son had been on Metformin for over 3 years.(500mg 2 x a day) He did well on this until mid January. When we picked up a new prescription. It was manufactured by tiva and looked slightly different than it usually does. He had many side effects; began gaining weight, heart palpitations, stomach problems, acid reflux..the list goes on..After speaking with his Dr we changed him to brand name glucophage and he is doing much better.

I was on Metformin 500mg (3x/day) for PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) and not for diabetes. Metforman can help reduce the raised androgen (testosterone in women) that contributes to PCOS, thereby regulating hormone levels. I had taken regular Metformin for 2 1/2 years with no problems and then when I received a different generic version of Metformin from my mail-order pharmacy, it smelled awful! Like dead fish!

I tried it anyway, but felt progressively worse over a month's time, more fatigued and achy. So, having a left over prescription of Metformin from a retail pharmacy, I switched back to that and have felt great since. But, I'm considering going with the brand Glucophage instead of doing the generic Metformin.

I have been diabetic for a little over 4 years now and taking Metformin. After my mail in pharmacy changed their brand of generic metformin I noticed that my blood sugars are much higher. I do check them 4 times daily and still at the same times. I changed back to a local pharmacy and that very evening they were back to the lower levels that they had been on.

Once again the local pharmacy has changed to Teva and have been trying them again and having the same elevated levels and they also do smell very bad.... as someone said like "dead fish" but I actually think "like dead and rotten fish." I have asked my pharmacy to order the other generic brand for me and they said they will check to see if they can do that.

If not I will be changing pharmacies! I may also send some of these Teva pills to have them analyzed to see what is or what is not in them???

No, my doctor put me on Fortamet which is non generic and I'm back to normal. Sometimes I think bad batches get in the system.

Can Metformin cause depression?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THIS REACTION HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED.

Did not see it as a side effect....but depression has been related to diabetes most recently.

Please, can anyone tell me what the "bad" generic metformin looks like. My husband has just started taking this medication and so has no baseline of effects to refer to. We would like to avoid negative experiences from the start and so are thinking about getting the name brand version.

I was on Metformin and then Metformin ER for about 11 years and just spent the past 10 months with increasing GERD and acid reflux and esophageal spasms. Tried everything... kept getting worse. Stopped Metformin ER and felt better same day.... no kidding.... better by the minute.

Been on glyburides and metformin for over 13 years. Have all the symptoms accompanying type-2 diabetes and aging (metabolic syndrome) --- fatigue, acid reflux (possibly due to hernia also), wt. gain and so on.
One of the known side effects of metformin is mal-absorption of B12; I have had to take intramuscular booster shots every month (1000mcg). Sub-lingual tablets had little effect. B-12 analysis should be part of bloodwork -- since it regulates numerous other functions.

My questions:
1.what do you substitute when you stop glucophage xr?
2. what is a good replacement for omeprazole for acidity and acid reflux (long-term; I do not plan on surgical remedy for my hernia).

Been taking Metformin for 3-4 years now for PCOS and not diabetes. In the past 2 years I have developed food intolerances and allergies. Symptoms started out as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains, grumbling of the stomach. Had my allergies checked and found that I was allergic to foods that I had grown up eating. I'm a vegetarian and being allergic to fruits and vegetables is very difficult. I want to know if there is a way to find out if metformin could have caused the development of food allergies and intolerances.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WE ARE NOT AWARE OF METFORMIN TRIGGERING LATENT FOOD ALLERGIES.

Glucophage was prescribed to me and I instantly got severely sick in my stomach. I instantly developed severe reflux, to the point of being in the hospital several times. The doctors want to put me back on it for PCOS but I know that it contributed to the development of GERD which I am now taking Nexium for. I also have awoken many nights with an inflamed esophagus and feel like I can't breathe from the GERD.

Can Metformin cause depression?

I have been taking met. for just over a month now and recently I have thought that I was suffering from depression. I am lucky to have got early retirement but I do not want to do anything!!! I am quite happy to just sit and watch videos or DVDs all day long.

Today I had to get a repeat prescription so I asked the pharmacist who told me that my body is adapting to the met and that I am suffering from lethargy! That was probably the kick up the backside that I needed as I have been out walking most of this afternoon.

And now I have a nice warm glow on my face from the sunshine. Hopefully this is going to resolve my problems.

I have been on metformin for 10 years for PCOS. It has been wonderful until recently. When I started out I was on 500 mg per day, then 1000 mg, and finally 1500 mg. It helped regulate my cycle, helped with acne, helped me loose weight, and I felt great. I was able to conceive on the first try and with only one miscarriage, had a beautiful, healthy baby.

I did have some minor intestinal issues, but nothing major. The last few times I've had my Rx refilled, the pills from TEVA smell horrid....DEAD FISH--enough to make a person gag. I started getting very ill, nausea, severe diarrhea, itchy rashes, flu like symptoms, and very smelly body odor. It felt like the dead fish smell was oozing out of me!

I took the pills to my doctor after I figured out that it must be these horrid smelling pills causing the problems and she said to stop taking them immediately. I've been taking this drug for 10 years without problems until the last few months. I've had other generic versions without problems. She told me the actual medicine has to be the same, but they can use different fillers with the generic versions.

She wants me to stay off metformin for a couple weeks to let my body settle down and then she's going to prescribe glucophage. It's been almost a week and I feel like a new person! I believe there is something harmful in the TEVA fillers. They are produced outside of the US also, which gives me less confidence in their purity.

I will never take the TEVA metformin again and I'm wondering about their other generic drugs also. I do not have any faith in their products. I would like a lab to test the pills to see what's really in them?

I just started taking metformin HCL ER 500 mg tab (Sun Pharmaceuticals) and started at 1 pill a day with food then last week at 2 pills a day with food because the diarrhea symptoms stopped. Now I have constant burning in my throat and chest, which does not go away with nexium (which I was on before I started it) or Gaviscon or Rolaids. It feels like I swallowed a whole box of pepper.

I have severe Acid Reflux to the point of leukoplakia on my vocal cords which was going away until this constant burning started (which is nothing like the GERD symptoms I had). I do not see this burning as a side effect anywhere. Am I reading your posts correctly in that there are different types of this drug? Which one works the best? Should I ask to be put on Glucophage or is there really a difference? Thanks for your help.

I have been on metformin and glyburide for probably six years. The last few months, I have given up coffee and drink green tea throughout the day, five bags brewed in a pot of water in the morning. I have lost ten pounds over the past few months with about forty to go to achieve the ideal weight.

I recently developed diarrhea, nausea, weakness. I am considering the potential causes and wonder whether it could be the metformin?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: DIGESTIVE DISTRESS IS COMMON WHEN STARTING METFORMIN, BUT IF IT OCCURS AFTER MANY YEARS AS IN YOUR CASE IT COULD SIGNAL A SERIOUS COMPLICATION, LACTIC ACIDOSIS. PLEASE CHECK IN WITH YOUR DOCTOR PROMPTLY.

My mother has been taking metformin for years, and just last year we noticed a change in the way she behaves. She is in her early fifties, and has a really hard time speaking, putting sentences together, finding her words, and driving among others -- on a daily basis. She was perfectly healthy before this, and we thought that maybe she had a silent stroke due to the doctors not being able to find any reasons why she had this behavior. Recently, I have heard that metformin can cause this in an individual, and I was wondering if anyone has any more information on this? Your help is much appreciated!

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: YOUR MOTHER'S DOCTOR SHOULD CHECK HER LEVEL OF VITAMIN B12. METFORMIN CAN LEAD TO GRADUAL DEPLETION OF THIS VITAMIN, WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR NORMAL BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM FUNCTION.

Sorry, I forgot to include this information, but my mother has been receiving a B12 shot every month due to this fact, but it's still not working in making her any better, in fact she seems to almost be getting worse. Is there anything else that could possibly help this?

Does metformin cause hair to fallout in hand fulls?

I started using Metformin and had diarrhea so severe that I could not leave the house. I used to not drink or eat on any road trips. There was running to the bathroom sometimes even during a meal. I was so ashamed of myself having accidents. One time on the way to my car with my grandkids. But they did not know, I covered up the smell and sat on a sweat shirt in the car. Then after a 11/2 years of this a new shape metformin had stopped almost all of these episodes.

Then, one day I decided to use up the few old ones and bang, the old symptoms back. Hurry, get to the bathroom and oops I've had a accident getting their. Now, after reading all the info out their, I plan on getting info from my pharmacy. What Hell this has been. Test, after test. Then I came across the Habba syndrome on t.v. and thought this is me.

With my gallbladder out, now at least I can bring up the name of the medication Welchol to help this dangerous disease from keeping me down. Thanks everyone for your info, it is greatly appreciated.

Just started with Metformin and I used to be lactose intolerance and now I can have milk with no problem. Is that unusual? No problems. Feel great. Thanks

Hi! I have to comment on your post... I have become extremely ill with the same symptoms... terrible burning in my throat and chest, extreme, nothing like any typical acid reflux that I have had in the past... I always take in my med list to the many doctors I have consulted, but until a visit with my endocrinologist, no one said that metformin could be the problem.

I told her I was having extreme distress, just constant pain and burning and she told me I may want to try to stop taking the metformin (I was taking it for insulin resistance). I pray that stopping this helps. I just looked for more info and found this site. I also checked the bottle of metformin and noticed that mine was also manufactured by TEVA USA.

I have been so ill, not just the burning but vomiting and stomach pain also. I have been on metformin for probably about two years, but stopped taking it yesterday. anyway, I hope you find relief, and I pray that this helps me because the burning is about the worst thing, and I have been through some really bad health stuff.

After reading other commentaries on this topic, I have to say that I am shocked to find people that have been on meds for close to a DECADE are experiencing serious metabolic symptoms - yet still believe the prescription will save them. Does anyone suspect that Rx manufacturers may have a problem with control? Does anyone suspect that the Docs prescribing these meds really DON'T KNOW much about them - other than what the manufacturer has claimed? Does anyone suspect that BIG PHARMACEUTICALS don't really care about your health, and that BIG PROFIT is the name of the game? No? Do your research.

I was just Dx with Type II 1.5 years ago. I was diagnosed with lactose intolerance a couple of months ago. I began a Statins one year ago, and Metformin 8 months ago. I was never lactose intolerant until 8 months ago - the same month I began Metformin. I have been a lacto-ovo vegetarian my entire life - I am a 50 yo female. Hmmm.

After eliminating dairy in my diet, I have lost 35 lbs in 3 months and feel better than I have in months. My blood sugars started registering in the 90s - I believe because of the elimination of lactose. Regardless of whether or not Metformin pushed me over the edge to lactose intolerance, I am experiencing better health because of it. I took myself off the statins and the metformin and am beginning to feel like myself again. I don't eat all the foods that I used to eat, but I eat all the foods that are needed by my body.

Please please please begin or continue to be your own advocate. Do your research. Ask questions. Listen to your body. Find a doc who is not a pharmaceutical parrot. Develop a relationship with a Nutritionist. Most metabolic disorders can be treated or managed through food - your fuel - and without dangerous medications.

I have been taking metformin hcl for type 2 diabetes prescribed by the family doctor for several months. I was seen by the doctor for glucose check and it was at 246 still high. Then my doctor told me to increase the dose to 2 tabs a day 500mg each. I never felt so sick all over my body like flu symptoms, nausea, frontal headaches, upset stomach.

This medicine is horrible period. I have been feeling these symptoms everyday since increasing the dosage. It sounds like metformin is a great drug to treat for type 2 diabetes but I totally disagree. I will inform my doctor that I do not wish to continue to take this awful drug.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: METFORMIN CAN BE HARD TO ADJUST TO, BUT ONCE YOU HAVE IT IS HELPFUL. IF YOU START TO GET STOMACH SYMPTOMS AFTER YOU HAVE ADJUSTED, THOUGH, SEE YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY AS IT COULD SIGNAL A SERIOUS REACTION.

Hi! I took metformin for a year due to PCOS. But due to side effects like vomiting, I stopped for like 6 months. Now I'm back to metformin again. It's my 4th day now and I'm still experiencing this side effects. Last night I vomited 3 times and was craving for foods. I also felt terrible depression and cried for hours while my husband tried to cheer me up. Is that normal? I'm not pregnant. I'm taking 1000 mg a day, should I decrease the dosage? thanks!

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT DOSING AND SIDE EFFECTS!

GERD (acid reflux) can be cured by drinking apple and potato juice on an empty stomach every morning. Please try.

I too had these same symptoms. They tested me for heart and stroke problems. As a last resort they sent me to a neurologist who put me on Lamictal because he believed I was having mini-seizures in my sleep. Within two hours of the first dose, my head cleared and I was back to myself. That was over two years ago and the symptoms have not reappeared.

I was SHOCKED to hear of people reporting "bad" products from Teva! A couple of years ago, my pharmacy started carrying Clonazepam (by Teva Pharmaceuticals). I took the stuff, as directed, and then began experiencing severe benzo withdrawals (Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine). I wound up hospitalized. To make a long story short, I got "bogus" Clonazepam!

I switched pharmacies, and all was well (for a year). Then my new pharmacy switched to the "bogus" stuff, by Teva. Wound up in the hospital again. Found out that almost every pharmacy in town was carrying the crap by Teva! Switched to a NEW drug altogether. The hospital confiscated the "bogus" Clonazepam and sent it to the FDA (a year ago).

I'm shocked to hear that nothing has changed. My doctors, and a bunch of pharmacists thought I was NUTS (because I made the claim that this drug wasn't the real thing!) Makes me wonder how many more of their products are fake?

Well I'm about to join the crowd here!... just started glucophage 3 months ago...now my life is almost 100% terrible stomach pains, throwing up or feeling like I'm going to (or would LOVE to) sometimes for 5 or 6 hours ever morning... tried to figure out if all of a sudden I'm lactose intolerant sure enough I cut out all lactose for 3 days and feel better (but not perfect) and YES losing weight (I'm not hungry and even smells of food make me a bit gaggy)...BUT here's the problem also..I'm TIRED ALL the time... worn out completely and yet I'm not doing any more (and now for sure LESS) and I feel like I'm exhausted from doing hard labor!!!

I don't care WHAT anyone says... it's FAR TOO MUCH of a coincidence for both to have happened at the same time!

I was put on Metformin SunPharm 500mg x2 daily took it for a month a bit of stomach probs but no real side effects. Doctor decided to increase dosage to 850mg x2 daily and I just took them twice they were made by TEVA got abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

Can it be the TEVA brand? I will try to switch to different generic brand. Yes the TEVA ones smell like dead fish.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IT MIGHT BE THE BRAND, OR IT COULD BE THE INCREASE IN DOSE. DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS ARE COMMON AT THE OUTSET OF METFORMIN USE, BUT GENERALLY DECREASE WITH TIME.

I switched to Target for my Metformin and then the trouble began. My regular deodorant failed me. Deodorant hadn't changed. Switched a few times, but still had problems. My mouth tasted funny and I would wake up having to brush and use mouthwash at 2-3AM. My urine was darker all day even though I drink 10-12 glasss of water daily. My urine had a rotten fish type smell. Loose stools and cramping every morning. I was getting scared wondering if I was getting really sick. Teva was culpit! Changed to old pills (not by Teva) and all my strange symptoms went away within 5 days. Why do pharmacies deal with this problem producing company?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE:

Of course we have no way of knowing whether the Teva product is to blame. It could be pure coincidence. Nevertheless, we do appreciate you reporting this problem. Please report it to the FDA via their MedWatch program at:

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/medwatch-online.htm

My doctor, who is new to me, took me off metformin. I went to him because he perscribes armour, natural thyroid medicine. He said my hormone levels where good, blood pressure 120/80, cholesterol 210, which he said was high.. I am worried though he is having me take half my dose of blood pressure medicine and took me off my metformin said my insulin was 120.

I just wondering if everything was good because of the medicine. I go back in a month how will I feel if my body really needs metformin to function correctly?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IN A MONTH YOU WILL HAVE A BETTER IDEA OF HOW YOU ARE FEELING. IT WILL TAKE A FEW WEEKS TO FIGURE IT OUT.

Only your doctor can tell you how much Metformin and how many times a day you need to take. Do not take more or less of it than what your doctor has prescribed. Metformin controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take metformin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking metformin without talking to your doctor.

Not everyone who takes metformin is a Type 2 diabetic. Metformin may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor for more information regarding this.

It depressed me. I cried all the time yelled at everyone and wanted to die. And that was on top of the cramps, the awful cramps. I couldn't leave my bathroom. And they even tried slow release it was worse. I am on it for pcos.

I have been on metformin 2 times, the reg one and the slow release and both times about 4 days in I get horribly depressed and I cry uncontrollably. I think of death, I don't want to get out of bed, on top of all I that I am SUPER MOODY!!! I say really bad things to people who I love I am hateful, and my tummy hurts so bad that I cant move. Also I have to LIVE in my bathroom taking Imodium with a pepto chaser!

Is it ok for me to continue taking Metformin since I had my gall bladder removed?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THIS IS A QUESTION FOR YOUR DOCTOR, WHO WILL PROBABLY SAY THE GALL BLADDER DOESN'T AFFECT YOUR NEED FOR METFORMIN.

Seems that since I was switched from actos to metformin my depression has suddenly become worse. Also gastrointestinal problems have become worse. I'm not waiting will stop tonight and go back to actos and see how I feel. Also issues I have with pain have become like an all over my body now and its my suspicion that it is the metformin. I've learned to be my own advocate since most doctors don't hear what you are saying and don't think any big pharma product could be bad.

90 year old mother prescribed metformin - not in excellent health - glucose reading 117 - so many side effects unsure if safe for her - your opinion? thanks

I have taken 500gm Metformin 3 times a day for the past couple of years with no problem at all. 4 weeks ago my Doc upped my dose to 850gm 3 times a day, and I've had a problem ever since (severe pain, indigestion, tiredness, watery stools). The new metformin was from Teva, so I'm assuming I have a problem with this make. I'm going to switch back to the 500gm until I can a prescription filled with another make.

I'd see my Doc, but its quicker to get a new prescription filled!

My husband has been taking metformin for about five years. He's has a loss of appetite, and problems with sleeping. A couple of weeks ago I refilled his prescription and I think he got a bad batch. He's experiencing intestinal cramping, loose stools, and for the past ten days or so his glucose readings have been going higher and higher, though he hasn't changed his eating or drinking habits.

Usually, on the weekends his glucose readings go down into the low 100's, but now they seem to be rising every day (he takes it first thing in the morning). After reading this discussion board I'm going to call our pharmacy - we use Costco and ask if they recently changed vendors. Several years ago I had a bad reaction from a generic drug that landed me in emergency! So I can see where there can be bad batches out there. This is a great website. So glad I found it. And of course, we will talk to our doctor about these problems.

Lately for the past year of so, he can't stand eating eggs over easy or poached - he says the texture etc. turns him off - he use to always eat his eggs that way for years and year. Has anyone had the same experience?

I've just switched from TEVA metformin back to my usual brand, and the horrible cramps and diarrhea have gone. Not sure if this was a bad batch, but I won't be taking this brand again!

I started Metformin last year and after a week I started to feel depressed. My doctor said he never heard of that side effect. I know what depression feels like. Been there, done that and once I started feeling it after giving it two weeks on these meds I immediately quit. And just to make sure it was the drug and not a true bought of depression I gave it another test 6 months later (not on any supplements or other medications either time) and sure enough after 5-7 days I felt blue. No met for me. :)

I just started metformin 1500mg daily last week. I know exactly what you are speaking of. I do not believe it's depression, more like a mopey I do not want to get out of bed type of attitude.

I had been on metformin three years ago and I went through the exact same thing for about 3-4 weeks. It went away for me and I am already starting to feel a little better this time around. Best of luck to you!

I have been on metformin for a year and a half. I was fine up until about a month ago then I started having trouble with the worst burning sensation in my stomach and throat. Yesterday it made me so sick that I could barely function so I quit the metformin it has been a little over 24 hrs since I took it and I feel better already. I still have a little bit of the acid feeling in my throat and stomach but nothing like the other day so I am crossing my fingers hoping that I will not have anymore problems.

Hi there, I suffer from biPolar disorder and have been effectively medicated for about 7 years now. I started Metformin about 4 weeks ago and at the drop of a hat I get irritable and cranky. I also lack motivation and yes, have a brain fog too. I have decided to drop back down in dosage to see if this combats it, though I have also been informed that it is temporary until my body regulates... so who knows what to believe really.

I feel horrible. Stomach Gas Pains, Cramps, Diarrhea without warning, Constipation, heartburn.... I have no appetite, and the only thing that makes me feel better is chicken broth and crackers, and cereal. I take 500 mg twice a day...BLAH is all I can say.

My husband has been on Metformin for about a month and a half and I'm not liking what I see. He is very depressed has "given up" and doesn't seem to be living except to go to work everyday. I'm scared and not liking this one bit. I think I will be calling his doctor to find out what to do about this. He also experienced the stomach problems. And I don't think it is really helping his sugar counts that much. They are still in the 200's. They did seem better at first, but not anymore.

My son is 23 and taking metformin as part of a weight loss program. For the last 3 days he has had stomach pain and dark green to almost black green diarrhea. I haven't given him any medication since Sunday night. Have a doctor's appointment next week and have spoken to a pharmacist. Pharmacist doesn't seem to think there's anything to worry about. Need to know if anyone else has experienced not just diarrhea but dark as well every time there is a bowl movement.

Feb. 14, 2012
First off, thank you for your comments. It's inspired me to write this to help others as I found help on this site.

I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes for years. Recently, my sugar levels rose dramatically and I was put on Metformin. My doctor said try the free pills at publix. I did. The heartburn was severe. I looked on the net, and it appeared the long acting had less issues with this. However, my blood sugar levels were all over the place.

I saw an endocrinologist who gave me a month's supply of Glumetza 1000ER. When I got home, I looked the drug up and was perplexed as it's still metformin. So I asked the Publix pharmacist, who explained the following:

Within 9 days on the Glumetza, my blood sugars stabilized. In addition, it was suggested I call the local hospital and get in a new diabetics class - which I got a prescription for. I had already seen a dietician, but the diet she put me on actually was too high in carbs, according to the endocrinologist.

A lot of "new" things are out there for information. Unfortunately, it takes time, and patience, which most of us are low on when our sugar levels soar and drop w/ no rhyme or reason. I will take the classes.

If you do not stabilize w/i two weeks of any drug or see some continued improvement I would go back to your doctor and get a NON Generic formula to try. What a huge difference!

I have pcos and I've been but on 850mg of metformin to help see if it helps me to have a bleed. I've notice every time I drink milk neat or have it in tea or coffee I feel sick, and my lips go numb and tingly. I've stated drinking lactofree I don't have them symptoms. Now I'm scared to have anything with milk in in case I feel ill again.

I have been on metformin for 4 years. I have taken it with no problem until about 10 days ago when I started having terrible dizzy spells and a funny woozy feeling in my head. After reading these comments, I looked at my prescription bottles and see my drug is made by watson labs. I started a new bottle close to when these symptoms started. I am going to try a different bottle and see what happens.

I've been taking metformin for about 10 years now. Not for diabetes but for PCOS. For many years metformin seemed like a miracle and in many ways still does. I had about as many symptoms of PCOS as you can have including no menstrual periods, facial hair growth, crops of skin tags, aggravated carpal tunnel and acanthosis nigracans (a skin condition related to insulin resistance) which all resolved within 6 months after starting the metformin.I did have some gastrointestinal side effects for the first few weeks that involved spells of intense nausea but these went away after a few weeks on the medicine.

The last year or so however I have been having increasing levels of gastrointestinal issues that my doctor has classified as irritable bowel syndrome and have been having trouble with food intolerances. My diet and activity has not changed so I didn't know why I was having these issues. I've recently added more lactase supplement for my known lactose intolerance as well as an acidophilus supplement and this seems to be helping tremendously with the gastrointestinal problems. I've also read that long term use of metformin causes vitamin B12 deficiency so I'm going to start supplementing that and see if it also helps.

I had acid reflux like yours... used to wake up feeling it surge up into my throat... remember running or more like staggering around the house trying to get breath.

I took drugs for it and they helped. Then I lost my health insurance. On a forum about that I learned about Aloe Vera Juice for acid reflux. Walmart and about $8 a gallon. Hand trimmed is mild and easy to drink... machine trimmed is horrid.
Trader Joes, the other inexpensive source, switched to machine trimmed.
Walmart has the good stuff.

Anyway my gosh it worked. I drank it before bed, about 6 ounces and it all went away after awhile. I was in an area where it was not available for a price I could afford and I stopped for the time I was there... about 7 months... it did not return so I am an occasional user now.

A recent test showed that the hernia is just tiny now, after being big enough that it needed surgery.

I had to stop taking it due to physical depression, crying and wanting to blow my head off, I am normally a happy up person, but I seem to have all of the side effects: vomiting, watery, black diarrhea, head ache, cramping, insomnia and well, all of them, I just looked up to see if depression was a symptom, I guess it is, I am stopping this stupid medication and will call my dr first thing on Monday... it is great that it works for most, but it sure is no fun when a person gets side effects so severe they can't leave the house.

I have taken Metformin in varying doses for 7 years. The only side effect I have had is diarrhea - about once a week. I have struggled to figure out what triggers it off, and have self diagnosed myself with irritable bowel and lactose intolerance. I strongly doubt it is either of these, but rather specific food at specific times. I now believe it is either coffee or milk (my favorite Trim/skinny Flat White!) taken in the morning that seems to trigger the diarrhea.

Does anyone else have similar experiences?