New and starting met

[julianyc]

Hello,
I'm new to this board (I was actually directed to this board by my doctor) and I just wanted to know to what the degree the side effects of met had conflict on your life.

I plan on starting the pill on Tuesday (big family reunion on Monday for Memorial day and I'd like to have my last margarita without feeling sick or nervous of side effects). My question is how severe were the side effects in the beginning. I work and wonder if it is going to be a situation where I should pre-warn my boss that I may feel weird, or is it uncomfortable.... but tolerable (mind over matter). I'm sure there are varying degrees among different people, but I just want to get a general feeling.

Thanks in advance!
Julia

[maureenl]

I'm new here too. Welcome aboard! My doctor had told me that the side effects may be severe and that is why she recommended increasing the dose every 2 weeks. For me I feel the worst 2-3 days after increasing the dose. Then I feel fine for the most part. It's recommended you take it with food so the side effects aren't too strong. Good luck!

[fedup]

I was on metformin and I really didnt notice any side affects except diareaha the first couple of days. My doc did also tell me to increase slowly. Take one for two weeks then increase to two and then in another 2 weeks increase to 3. She had me on 1500 a day which is three pills. I stop taking them because of cost and I wasnt sure I wanted to be on them but I think I might start again. I'm hearing women are taking it to get their period instead of birth control so they may get pregnant.
Anyone else hear the same?

[maureenl]

Yes, my doctor told me the same. She has me on it since we are looking to get pregnant. I had also read that Met wasn't necessarily suggested to be used as birth control because it doesn't solve the insulin level imbalance.

[tweety]

Thats is one of the reasons my dr put me on it, to try to get my cycles regular. It hasn't worked. I get induced every month. As far as the s/e give it a couple weeks to a month to subside. Make sure you watch what you eat also. To much carbs and sugar can make the s/e worse.

[Gen224]

Also for any of you newbies who will be starting met: you can take one immodium caplet with each dose of met and this will help mitigate your gasto-distress symptoms. My RE approved this for me when I was starting out on met and it worked well. The typical dose for immodium (loperamide hcl) is 2 caplets per; half the dose doesn't "block you up," but does seem to help with the diarrhea and/or loose stools. :oops:

[WeAreReady]

Like most people, I took 500mg for 2 weeks, increased to 1000 mg but had to stay on longer than 2 weeks b/c of s/e. My dr did not talk to me about changes in my diet. I had to call the nurse many times and she was very helpful. She worked with me on increasing the protein in my diet. This worked wonders on the s/e! Then, after about 3-4 weeks on 1000mg, I was able to increase to 1500mg. Every time I increased, I got sick. I didn't have the intestinal problems that others report, I was horribly exhausted and nauseas. It's b/c my blood sugar went too low. So, by increasing the protein in my diet and taking phenargan, I was able to get through it. My advice is to not hesitate to call your dr/nurse when you have questions or don't feel right. Good luck!!

[julianyc]

Also for any of you newbies who will be starting met: you can take one immodium caplet with each dose of met and this will help mitigate your gasto-distress symptoms. My RE approved this for me when I was starting out on met and it worked well. The typical dose for immodium (loperamide hcl) is 2 caplets per; half the dose doesn't "block you up," but does seem to help with the diarrhea and/or loose stools. :oops:

Good to know.... I was wondering the severity of the bathrroom issues (like will I have a chance to run home.... I live up the street from my job), but that will nipit in the bud with half the does of immodium. So I take it after dinner along with my 500 of met to start?

[Gen224]

So I take it after dinner along with my 500 of met to start?

yep, that would be my recommendation. :) GL!