Embarrassing side effects of Metformin

[Catnip]

I'm suffering from some of the more embarrassing side effects of Metformin. You know the ones... The ooey-gooey ones that nobody likes to talk about! Also gas and bloating... *blush*

I got to thinking... Has anybody tried something like Pepto Bismuth for these symptoms? Think it would work?

[impatient]

I never even thought about that. I have had a couple days of it each time I increased the dose. I usually just wait it out and it finally stops.

Wouldn't hurt to try.

[Catnip]

I decided to go ahead and give it a try. What would it hurt? It actually seemed to help a decent amount. I didn't have those "certain issues" during the day after taking a regular dose. I still have problems with the side effects, but now it looks like I have something I can do on days I can't be home near my own bathroom. Yay!

[Kevin Marshall]

Every drug or medicine has some side effects. As with Metaformin, many does not have any kind of problems with this drug. This drg is easy to tolerate. But in some cases there are some very tangible side effects, this effects do not need attention or can be cured by a little care. The side effects are Weakness, Vomiting, Head ache, Indigestion, diarrhea. This type of effects are some times very embarrassing in front of people.

[dawndalebout]

I too have had those horrible side effects of Metformin. I noticed that the higher the dose, the more side effects (until they ware off anyways) I'm on Metformin ER (extended release) and I've heard alot of ladies on this site say that Metformin ER isn't as bad as regular Met. I haven't tried the other kind my doc put me on ER the first time. Anyways like I had mentioned I did too have the same side effects, mine lasted for about the first month, and then they faded away, thankfully! Every once in a while I get those side effects, but no where near as bad! I did take Pepto and it did help a little bit, but not much. Those side effects I think are just too strong for those kinds of meds! But hang in there, they'll go away sooner or later!

[TaleofGenji]

I was having horrible gas and on and off diarrhea, my nutritionist recommended I take a pro-biotic which is available at The Vitamin Shoppe. Worked like a charm. I started taking one a day for a few months, when symptoms returned I went to the max dose of two a day. No diarrhea and the only time I have bad gas now is when I eat to much refined carbohydrates.

[sedivy_gal]

Metfomin's side effects can usually be controlled with a Low Carb Diet. The idea behind Metformin is to flush that carbs out of your body.. Hence if you eat less carbs you will be spending less time in the bathroom.. I have found that following a low carb diet, reduced Headaches, Diarrhea, Nausea, and stomached.

However, usually during the first week of a new dose of Metformin your body will illuminate these side effects until it gets used to it. Normally your doctor will prescribe you a small dose to start and have you increase your dose over a period of 2-4 weeks.

[beckiaz2010]

Hello, My doctor just gave me a prescription for Metformin 500mg twice a day, and Spirolactone 25mg twice a day. I am a little worried about starting these after reading some posts. The pharmacist said that I would have some side effects for about 10 days with the Metformin. I already get nausea and gas when I am stressed. I am wondering if this will make it worse? I don't want to feel horrible on Christmas Eve when I am having my family over so I was thinking of waiting until Christmas day. Is it instantaneous or delayed? I am new to having to take anything other than BCP and Anti-Anxiety meds. I also will be off work until after the new year so hopefully I will be better by then?

[bret68holt]

I have been on Metformin for about 2 weeks now with no indication of any side effects whatsoever.I haven't really eaten anything unusual or different and my exercise routine is the same as it has been for a year.

[pjs3902]

beck- wait til after the new year! the side effects usually start within the first few doses.

some women do and others don't have side effects, and once your body adjusts to the med most of the time the side effects go away. the Extended Release does seem to cause less problems with side effects, but it's not for everyone, but you can always ask your dr about it if you do have problems with side effects. if you start with a low dose and slowly build up to your dr's recommended dose- it'll help!

cat- the pepto may help, but it's not going to be a permanent fix and shouldn't be taken long term. i don't really know of anyone who has used it.

[beckiaz2010]

Thanks, I started them on Christmas Day. I was nauseous in the evenings and had a headache for a while. But I am feeling much better now. One thing is my dad is on Metformin 1000 twice a day. He used to be on the 500 and his were capsules and mine are tablets. I read in previous posts that different manufacturers could have different effects. Maybe this is why I have had a different reaction?