| Key to ratings for glucophage: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
| | F M | | | | ||||
| Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading. | ||||||||
| 2 | PCOS | Tiredness, very thirsty | I tried this medication for PCOS a couple of years ago and only lasted a few days because of the tiredness. I just tried again and after only one day I feel like I have taken a sleeping pill and am extremely thirsty. I have heard these side effects can go away after a week or two, but I may investigate more natural solutions for PCOS. | F | 36 | 2 days | 11/13/2009 | 4 | PCOS | Stomach Pain, Fatigue, Aches | My doctor told me that if you reduce eating fatty foods you will experience less gas and stomach pain. I have tried to do this and I think this is true. Ive noticed that when I eat less fatty foods, I have less stomach pain. That may help those who are having bad gas or stomach pain. Im on my second week of 500 mg and I am now taking it twice a day and next week I will take it 3 times daily. | F | 21 | 2 weeks | 11/10/2009 | 4 | Insulin Reistance | Taking 1 x 500mg GLUCOPHAGE just before breakfast and again before dinner - no side effects. If I increased to 3 x 500mg or if I took it without food, the side effects were terrible stomach upset and loose bowels. | Energy levels are more 'steady' and weight that was impossible to shift before is shifting (-15lbs in 36 days). I already had low carb diet and gymmed 6x a week - so transitioning to recommend program was not difficult. Only problem now is I've not had my usually regular period. Doc put me on HRT yesterday. I don't want to take it. | F | 46 | 36 days | 11/7/2009 | 5 | PCOS/TTC | Stomach Cramps,Going to the bathroom often and urgently | I love this med. and hate it! It's sometimes a pain literally, but it works. I have been ovulating more frequently, but still long cycles around 35 days. I am just now starting Clomid with this and hoping that works. | F | 30 | 3 months | 10/23/2009 | 2 | PCOS | Extreme bloatness and gas. I was able to go to the bathroom regularly until I started this medicine. I thought this medicine was suppose to make you go the bathroom. I have to take metamucil now and I still do not produce a bowel like I did prior to taking this medicine. | F | 32 | 7 days | 10/14/2009 | 4 | PCOS | F | 20 | 1 years | 10/5/2009 | 1 | Weight loss, insulin resistant | Extreme bloating causing painful abdomen, constipation, gas. | I decided to add my feedback because my experience has been so OPPOSITE of everyone else. My bloating was so severe that I couldn't button my pants. I actually looked like I gained weight on this. The gas was awful too. I stopped taking it on my own because after 3 weeks my symptoms did not subside. | F | 47 | 3 weeks | 9/26/2009 | 4 | PCOS | Stomach cramping, loss of appetite, light headed if I go too long without eating. 500 mg a day. Dr says that those symptoms with go away within 2-3 weeks. | I have been on Glucophage for 5 days. I have already started a period after not having one for 2 months. | F | 29 | 5 days | 9/21/2009 | 1 | weightloss due to lypodystrophy | constant, explosive diarrhea | I have left more pairs of dirty underwear in bathrooms than walmart sells in a month. Chronic diarrhea, explosive and uncontrolable. Constantly looking for the nearest toliet. | M | 38 | 1 years | 9/21/2009 | 4 | type II | on the first three days I felt distant,grumpy, and shakey. Fine now. Some effects could be from glipizide that I also take. | has done a great job at bring down my blood sugar,(from over 400 down to the low 100's. Increased energy, better mood. | M | 40 | 45 days | 9/19/2009 | 3 | Type 2 diabetes | No real GI problems initially, no diarrhoea, mild nausea. Now really bad constipation and gas. Hope the constipation resolves itself. | Can do without the constipation but am somewhat relieved that it is due to metformin and nothing more sinister..........I hope! | F | 47 | 2 months | 9/10/2009 | 3 | PCOS | So far none except fatique | I have only been taking this for about a week now. Hopefully it will help out asap!! | F | 23 | 7 days | 9/10/2009 | 5 | Insulin resistance, PCOS | Update of an update of an update - Metformin works wonder for me, even up to this day. Lost 23 pounds in all. Recommended! | F | 37 | 10 months | 9/9/2009 | 1 | type II | FECAL INCONTINENCE-and it took me months to figure out it was the Metformin. I also have had a lot of trouble breathing and I never made the connection to Metformin. I broke out in a really bad rash, and stopped taking it, the FI went away, so I asked Doc to give me something new. DON'T TAKE METFORMIN! | F | 38 | 6 months | 9/4/2009 | 5 | Weightloss PCOS | diarrhea, heart burn, some stomach cramping, smelly gas | I started Metformin on Monday 8/24/09 - 250mg twice a day, morning and evening. Medication to be taken with food. I need to lose 50 pounds and have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, PCOS. I am 54 years old and have also had breast cancer, DCIS. I am hopeful that this medication will help regulate my PCOS. The first day I felt a bit strange, not dizzy but kind of not right if that makes sense. The second day I had diarrhea, not painful but had go GO NOW feeling. Today, I had 1/2 sandwich on wheat bread and made the mistake of putting a slice of cheese on my turkey sandwich. A few hours later I got stomach cramps and explosive diarrhea that lasted about 20 minutes and have had to visit the potty at least 4 times since then. Other than these episodes I'm doing fine. I see my doctor on September 7th for blood work. If all goes well, she will be increasing the dosage. I am not exercising right now but am pretty active. I'll keep everyone posted on my progress. I think cutting out carbs is the answer to this medication because I do feel much better if I've eaten a lot of veggies and protein. Would LOVE to hear from those who have lost a lot of weight with this drug, how long it took you and what type of diet you were on etc. Thanks so much!! | F | 54 | 6 days | 8/29/2009 | 4 | PCOS | I started taking 500gms once a day for a week, I had diarrhoea for most of the days. I then increased the dosage to 2 lots of 500gms a day. Still had the same diarrhoea problem with this but it was only in the mornings so it wasnt too bad. A week after that I increased the dosage to 3 tablets of 500gms a day. I straight away had quite bad abdominal pains, back ache and headaches. On the plus side tit seemed to bring back my periods which I havent had for 4 months. Which I think is why I had the abdominal pains. Overall as it has brought back my periods it is well worth taking if you can handle going to toilet few times a day. | F | 21 | 3 weeks | 8/29/2009 | 5 | insulin resistance | F | 54 | 90 days | 8/27/2009 | 5 | PCOS/Trying to Conceive | I began the metformin about 5 weeks ago because I had been diagnosed with PCOS and clomid alone was not working for me. | I struggled to get a period after stopping birth control in order to get pregnant. After about 6 months of trying to get pregnant (realistically it wasn't going to happen without a period) my doctor told me to go on metformin with clomid. I began the metformin about 5 weeks ago. I started out on 500 mg once a day, increased to 500 mg twice a day during week two, and 500 mg three times a day during week three and from there out. The first 3 weeks were rough... I had horrible diarhea many times a day and couldn't hardly take it. But I lost about 10 pounds in those weeks and my acne cleared. I have not had hairloss at all on my head like some others have reported. I have since found out that I am pregnant and that my levels are looking good so hopefully it can work for everyone else too. I totally 100% recommend it. If anyone has questions or concerns, feel free to email me! | F | 22 | 45 days | 8/14/2009 | 1 | First time script for Diabetes II | Nausea, dizziness, smell sensitivity to wanting to vomit, flu-like symptoms | Don't even remember the dosage, probably low. Within 10 days, as it increased daily, I felt like I had the flu plus a few other symptoms. I had to leave work early, go to bed and hope I felt better in the morning after the drug had left my system. Doctor didn't change dosage. | F | 52 | 10 days | 8/10/2009 | 1 | Type 2 Diabetes | Diarreah, joint pain, nausea, weakness, weight gain, peripheral edema, blood disorders, High triglycerides, kidney and liver problems. | I took it for a year and 1/2 and now all my health is messed up. I've got organ damage because of Metformin, Januvia and Glucotrol. Please, check always about allergic reactions to medications before taking them so you don't end up like me. Now I am allergic to all Diabetes Oral medications. Good Luck! You may email me if you need further info. | M | 40 | 1.5 years | 7/28/2009 | 4 | Insulin resistence-hypothyroidism | Started 500mg 1x day for 2 wks increasing to 2000mg. was told to take it at dinner. threw up 4 nights a week. Split the dose taking 1000mg in am and 1000mg in eve. MUCH BETTER!!!! I don't care if it said XR. I couldn't live like that. Diarrhea and vomiting all the time. Now that that I split it, I just am sure to take it with food. Now I am constipated - lots. Can't win but... and this makes it worth it, I have lost 25 lbs in 3 months. It is just a question of managing the side effects. I have respect for how miserable it can make me if I abuse carbs. I also take lots of B vitamin supplements. Helps with mood swings, lethargy, depression, and malaise I was experiencing. I will continue to take it, just carefully. | F | 47 | 4 months | 7/17/2009 | 3 | PCO | The 1st few days, taking just 500 mg/day, I only felt mild tiredness (maybe b/c my blood sugar dropped?). Then, since increasing to 1000 mg/day, I have had AWFUL heart burn and I had diarrhea for several days (even taking w/ food). My appetite has changed, no desire WHATSOEVER for candy or chocolate. I seem to be hungrier for small snacks, and not for large meals. | I am hoping this will regulate my periods, and get me on the path to fertility. I also hope it will clear my acne, and help me maintain a weight loss. After 2 weeks, all I notice is side effects. | F | 28 | 2 weeks | 7/9/2009 | 3 | PCOS | light headed to the point that I have to lay down, a loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, and feeling overall very tired. | I am mostly concerned about the dizziness because it is making it hard to function day to day. If anyone else has experienced this and has any pointers please email me. | F | 28 | 8 days | 6/30/2009 | 1 | Type II diabetes | nausea, hair loss, vomiting occasional, hair loss didn't know why, constant constipation, gasss, bloating, light headed, dizziness, no weight loss what so ever | I HATE this medicine and have been ignored by my VA doctor of my complaints, she thinks I'm crazy! I've been taking this stuff since early 2000, open for better suggestions to relate to another doctor | F | 54 | 11 years | 6/16/2009 | 3 | diabetes | M | 6 years | 6/15/2009 | 4 | weight gain from anti-psychotics | Diarrhea the second day. Occasional light headiness, some days super tired (fell asleep even after taking Adderall), just one mild headache, mouth tastes weird, more thirsty | I take 500mg twice a day. Definitely take it with food or you are more likely to experience stomach issues. Don't go too long w/o eating or you get light headed. Overall, the side-effects have been mild and short lived. Like it so far (lost 3 lbs the first week) | F | 27 | 14 days | 6/14/2009 | 4 | PCOS and Infertility | Dizziness, nausea, and muscle pain for the first month, soft stool thoughout entire time taking meformin, pain and acheness in upper back, and recently began noticing that I am losing hair (on my head) - now my hair is only about half as thick as it use to be. Does anyone know if hair will grow back after stopping medication? | Other than the hair loss I can deal with all of the other side effects. I was really hoping that this med would work because my husband and I really want to have a child however I do not want to contiue taking it if I am going to loose all of my hair. | F | 27 | 3.5 months | 6/11/2009 | 4 | for my insuline resistance | actually my side effects are unlike most of the other patients who are experiencing diarhea, am experiencing constant constipation! and very bad nausea and tiredness! | F | 33 | 30 days | 6/10/2009 | 1 | Type 2 | Very sick. Throwing up, Naseua bad cramps, continued diarrhea bad | M | 55 | 3 weeks | 6/10/2009 | 5 | PCOS | Bad GAS | I like this drug, but I fart like crazy. Can anyone give some good advice about that. I'm a young lady, but I'm farting like a big brute! The smell is out of sight too! | F | 30 | 2 months | 5/19/2009 | 5 | PCOS | Gas, Gas, and more Gasssssss! Shooo WEEEEE! | F | 30 | 2 months | 5/14/2009 | 4 | Insulin Resistance / PCOS | terrible diarrhoea, nausea, lost all desire to eat, gas | I have lost 11 pounds in about a week, I have cut my carb intake to under 75 grams a day and I also eat 25 grams of fiber a day. I can only eat lean meats or I get very ill. The thing I miss most is butter. But PCOS was dominating my life, well no more. I take 1000mg a day 1 500mg am with FOOD (and 10 mg fiber from food not supplament) and 1 500mg pm with food (and fiber from food not supplament). I have energy again. Stick with the med and know your limits as far a diet and you'll be amazed with the results. Eat the fat and sugar and pay later! | F | 28 | 2 weeks | 5/4/2009 | 3 | high blood sugar | none noted. hard to tell due to the girth of other meds due to brain tumor. | Metformin does not work yet Glucophage does. | M | 61 | 10 years | 5/3/2009 | 5 | pre diabetes | sometimes a little acid stomach which is remedied by eating a small protein snack, nuts or something. Loose bowels once in awhile, no big deal. Smellier gas, but so what. | My glucose readings have improved a great deal. I have lost no weight despite eating little and exercising regularly. But having better readings is great. So far haven't experienced hair thinning. Have been on it for about 6 weeks, 500mg extended release. | F | 63 | 6 weeks | 5/1/2009 | 5 | Type II Diabetes | Mild nausea | starting dose was 500 and I also take synthroid for hypothroidism and between both health issues I was having difficulty losing any weight. I work out 3-5 times a week at a high intensity and nothing changed. Doc upped dosage to 2000 a day and so far so good, no side effects and I'm losing weight | F | 45 | 1 years | 4/22/2009 | 3 | Type II Diabetes | none so far | Just started taking metformin today..starting to feel bubble guts but no diaherra..was diagnosed yesterday and my a1c number was 12.8..i guess that's really bad..all this is new to me..also my blood sugar was 235 after only eating a sandwich and a couple vitamin water bottles..i need all the advice i can get | M | 31 | 1 days | 4/21/2009 | 3 | Diabetes type 2 | Doc started me on 1000mg Glucophage x 2 a day, i.e. 2,000mg a day. Within a week my blood glucose (on a low-carb, almost no-carb diet) started dropping to almost normal levels. But also, then came the gastro-int. effects everyone mentions -- and then I noticed the hair loss. This was devastating as I have babyfine hair. I lost 12 kg which was really enough. I cut back to 1 x 500mg tablet per day. The GI symptoms went away, my bs went up! The hair loss, after taking $$$$ of supplements, slightly reversed itself after 12 months!!! But my bs went up. | Unfortunately, because my last A1C came back as 6.1% (on the edge of normal) I decided to add back another 500g Glucophage ... One tab in the morning, one at night. I've been back, therefore, on 1000mg a day -- and after 5 days my blood glucose has dropped ... and so is my hair: falling out again!!! I'm between a rock and a hard place: either I risk the higher blood sugar, or I keep my hair. I'm a woman. The choice is simple: I'd rather keep my hair, which is thin and soft enough. Yikes. (By the way, I am now on the XR (extended release) tablets. There seems to be no diff. between the 2 types). | F | 67 | 15 months | 4/12/2009 | 2 | I.R. | I am haveing alot of bathroom problems..i always always have to know where one is or my chances of haveing an accident are high. I feel constantly sick to my tum. Before I started taking this med. i had regular periods...but now mine is missing?? I dont know if this is a normal side effect or not? | F | 25 | 2 weeks | 4/7/2009 | 1 | Type 2 diabetes | Diarrhea. | Don't believe anyone who tells you that you might experience episodes of diarrhea which will go away as "your body adjusts" to this drug. In my case, it was the opposite -- no problems at first but gradually over a period of many months I started experiencing episodes of diarrhea. Eventually it became almost a continuous ocurrence -- I had to always be aware of where the bathroom was everywhere I went. It got so bad that I even ended up taking Immodium as a precautionary measure every time I got on a plane or took a long car trip. I began to wonder if I had Chron's disease or IBS. Never related it to the Metformin since I hadn't had problems to begin with. Then I saw a gastroenterologist who suggested I try stopping Metformin. Within 48 hours I was totally cured! And have been normal ever since. This is a horrible drug. | M | 60 | 2 years | 4/1/2009 | 5 | insulin resistant | really bad gas...and occasional diarrhea....other then that this pill is a miracle!!! | where do i begin...after not having a period for 3 months i went to my doc for some blood work and found out i was insulin resistant so she prescribed metformin. i take 500 mg twice a day with meals...i have totally changed my eating habits and along with walking every other day i have lost 20 pounds in 3 months! and not to mention my periods are regular again. i have so much more energy...and it has also cleared my acne....its a miracle pill!!!!! | F | 22 | 3 months | 3/27/2009 | 2 | High A!C and Dysautonomia | Gained 15 pounds first 30 days. A1C dropped first 6 months then increased to highest ever next 6 months (2 full points from 6.0 to 8.0) | F | 65 | 1 years | 3/17/2009 | 5 | newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic | The first day I took the meds I had explosive episodes in the bathroom. I went to the bathroom 14 times in one day with bad cramping and well, you know. If I did not get to the toliet in .98 seconds, I was in trouble. I had read all the posts prior to taking the meds to prepare myself and thought to myself, oh boy I am in for a ride with these meds. HOWEVER, the next day I had NO side effects and I have not had any side effects whatsoever since that first day ( I am using the time release XR version) | It's been 16 days and I am very thankful and pleased to report that I guess the drug does not produce severe side effects in everyone. My sugar level has come down very nicely together with radically changing my diet and incorporating excersise into my life. Over all I have no complaints and would encourage you not to get overwhelmed by the various reactions because it may not affect YOU the same way. | M | 39 | 16 days | 3/13/2009 | 4 | PCOS | QUESTION: I have taken two of these pills, yesterday at three and this morning at eight and I don't have side effects yet. Can any of you tell me when you first started having the SE's? Thanks! | QUESTION: I have taken two of these pills, yesterday at three and this morning at eight and I don't have side effects yet. Can any of you tell me when you first started having the SE's? Thanks! | F | 27 | 2 days | 3/12/2009 | 5 | P.C.O | lol @ farts, Glucophage has what I call trigger foods, certain foods will add to the um smell or amount of em. You learn to kinda play with when to take it (ex. dont take it right before eating pizza lol, you'll regret it, well ok the ppl in the room will lol) | Not sure if ask a patient will allow this link, but this was a story they did on my weight loss with glucophage in our local paper AJC. Glucophage / Metformin can be a pain in the butt to get use to but Trust me yall, its worth it !!!! http://www.ajc.com/services/content/health/stories/2009/03/02/weight_loss_success_Powell.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=9 | F | 31 | 2 years | 3/11/2009 | 5 | Type 2 Diabetes | Diarrhea the first few days; other than that, no side effects | This has been a wonderful medication for me! In addition to losing 28 pounds with very little effort, I have much more energy now than I did before taking metformin. | F | 50 | 120 days | 3/3/2009 | 4 | Diabetes Mellitus | Severe diarrhea and some cramps that do not subside over time. I also have moderate hair loss. Sometimes I feel lightheaded. Still it is the only drug that works better for me. I take 1000mg twice a day with Amaryl 4mg | I used to take the XR but the reaction was too bad and now take the regular pill. The drug also made me loose weight I had gained when taking Avandia, it was a dramatic change in very short time. | M | 58 | 2 years | 3/3/2009 | 4 | PCOS w/IR | I presently feel really good. I have only experienced 2 negative side effects- 1 being gas that is more prevelant approx. and up to 9 hours after taking. I fill a little bloated but nothing that is effecting my clothing. 2nd would be becoming extremely hungry if I don't eat something around every 2 hours. The further away I get from taking the pill the less prevelant it is, which I assume is because the meds are working out of the body. On a happy note this is day 4 and show a 5 pd weight loss already. | I am overall pleased with my bodies response to 500 mg once a day. My dose will go up after 7 days then again after 14 days. I only have one concern and that is how quickly the weight is coming off. I have noticed a lack of desire to eat sugary or starchy foods. I don't have a problem eating meals I am just making healhy choices when I do. I did loose weight from 2002-2004 (60 pds) but it was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I worked hard labor and exercised a minimum of 1 hour a night with a 1200 cal strick diet. I am now praticing 1500-1700 cals a day low fat healthy carbs little to no sugar. I haven't started exercising yet and will add slowly so I don't overwhelm myself. | F | 31 | 4 days | 2/27/2009 | 5 | PCOS | The Usual GI symptoms listed in the other ratings IE. Farting, Diarrhea, cramps | In spite of the Loud Gross Farting (My Husband asked if we were living in FARTVILLE)LOL, Diarrhea and cramps...I must say this is worth it for PCOS. Anyone have tips for the embarrassing/stinky Flatulence? I have never farted so much in my entire life! Still worth it though! | F | 32 | 3 months | 2/26/2009 | 5 | t2 diabetes | first 2 weeks experienced diarrhea no cramps it then subsided over a 1 week period | I take 500mg 2x a day it has done wonders for my blood sugar and my 6mnth a1c is now a steady 4.5 - 5.0 down from a 7 when i first started taking it 2 yrs ago. I see people with positive experiences on here saying keep on taking it even though it makes you wish you were dead. Um not so much. What good is living if the meds you take make you feel really really bad, or worse. My doctor has always told me if a cure makes you feel worse than the condition, then we need to find a different cure. you and the doctor should be on the same team (team you). You and the doctor should actively participate in your recovery not just the doctor. If you feel this is not the case you should change doctors or become more active in your recovery if your not already. Just my opinion. | M | 39 | 720 days | 2/23/2009 | 3 | PCOS & Insulin Resistance | Hair loss, Diarrhea, Thyroid Issues. | Explosive diarrhea, Loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, hair loss, no real change in blood sugar levels even on a strick diet. Occasionally get extremly tired after taking metformin. My thyroid levels have been abnormal since taking this medication. Not sure if it's from the medication or not. I also noticed that I wake up with dry mouth and tend to be thirsty more. | F | 40 | 180 days | 2/22/2009 | 4 | PCOS | A little bit of loss of apitite and I am drinking more water than I used to (but I drink a lot of water already) | This is my second time starting this medicine. The first time was a year ago and it was the extended release version. I quit after 1 month because of the stomach cramping. After my sister who also has PCOS got pregnant using it I decided to give it another try. This time around I am on the non extended release at 500mg 2x a day. When I went on it the first I had done a lot of research before ever taking it so I knew what kind of side effects the medicine has. With both times starting out I also took it along with and anti-diarrhea pill. This combination keep me from the dreaded diarrhea side effect. This second time around my doctor gave me and anti-nausea pill to take the first two weeks until I get used to the medicine. The combination of the three medicines has keep me side effect free. | F | 33 | 7 days | 2/20/2009 | 5 | insulin resistance | I have had none of the side effects described here. None of the intestinal problems, headaches, nothing. In fact, I have more energy and feel better than I have in a long time. The best thing is that my appetite has decreased, and I have lost ten pounds since I started taking metformin. Also, my cholesterol dropped by 11 points. I take 1000 mg. a day. One in the morning, and one in the evening. | I can't say enough good things about this drug. For me, it has been a miracle. | F | 50 | 2 months | 2/10/2009 | 4 | PCOS | I experienced stomach aches when initially taking it and still do occassionally if I don't eat enough food before taking it. It seems to help if I eat half of my meal, take the medicine, and then eat the rest. | I started taking Metformin at the beginning on January to help with my PCOS. I am taking 1000mg twice a day. I still haven't had a period and was wondering how long it takes to regulate? I have taken pregnancy tests and they are negative. Any suggestions? | F | 27 | 1 months | 2/4/2009 | 4 | PCOS | Nausea, Light-headedness, stomach cramps follwed by diarreha that comes on very quickly within minutes of cramps. | When I first started taking it I felt horrible for the first few weeks. I would feel fine and then would have to lay down and close my eyes due to the light headedness and nausea. Just felt sick. Dr. recommended taking entire dose at night after a good dinner which worked well. I still get light-headed and am dealing with the cramps/diarreha. My periods are still not regular, my cholestrol has come down significantly. I have lost 30 pounds and do experience severe light-headedness if I miss a meal. | M | 34 | 1.5 years | 1/28/2009 | 5 | P.C.O. {polycystic ovary syndrome } | Update of a update lol. Ive came here a couple times over the years. So far 130 pounds weight loss, regular periods. I still swear by glucophage / metformin. It has helped me with P.C.O so much. I still ever so often get the lose bowels or constipation but not no where near as often when you first get on it. I take 1,000 mg x 2 a day. | Your welcome to email me any questions. There isn't anything I haven't experienced or been thru on it that I get ashamed to talk about lol. I wish this site had been around years ago when I started lol | F | 31 | 2 years | 1/27/2009 | 3 | PCOS | loss of appetite, nausea, light headedness (if I go too long without eating) | Hoping it will regulate my cycles, reduce facial hair growth, and help with fertility later on. Still no sign of my period, so I'm hoping it'll eventually help with that. Taking 500mg 2x a day right now. Need to get updated hormone levels this week to see if I need to increase dosage. | F | 30 | 4 weeks | 1/27/2009 | 4 | Type 2 Diabetes | Explosive diarrhea 15 minutes after taking-Was on 1000mg 2x day but now better with lower dose of Metformin XR. Have lost 26 pds.Bloodd sugars are normal. | F | 54 | 3 years | 1/26/2009 | 5 | Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 | for the first week of taking metformin i had bouts of diarhea. but that faded with continued usage. | Apparently i'm very responsive to this drug. Blood sugars are averaging out to 102 in the am and 87 in the pm. Its working great. Especially once the initial side effect of diarrhea wore off. | M | 36 | 25 days | 1/24/2009 | 4 | Possible PCOS, Insulin resistance | Stomach upset (with sugar), flatulence, some nausea, and loose stools (depending on the amout of sugar I've ingested). | This is a great medication as long as I control the amout of sugar I take in. I've been on it since August '08, however taking it consistantly since the end of Novemver. I've lost 15lbs since November. I've noticed I'm not quite as hungry. i take 2 500mg twice daily. | F | 25 | 6 months | 1/23/2009 | 3 | Insulin resistance & PCOS | HAIR LOSS, HAIR LOSS, HAIR LOSS! I experienced the same side effects as everyone else, but over time, the hair loss worsens. | My 2nd month on Met-It worked wonderfully for my PCOS & my period resume the 1st month I was on Met. The side effects has lessen but weight loss stopped (I lost 14 pounds in 1st month,with no excercise) Hair loss is very evident now. | F | 37 | 2 months | 1/20/2009 | 5 | PCOS | Embarrassing Fart Attacks, smelly GI attacks, etc. | Hello Everyone-This has done the trick to help out my PCOS. However, I have experienced the horrific Flatulance. My goodness you would think I'm some nasty old man :-( Overall I am pleased with the results for PCOS...Just need some perfume for my stinky butt! | F | 32 | 3 months | 1/19/2009 | 2 | PCOS | Diarrhea,loss of libido,severe PMS,mood swings | I have been taking Metformin for about a year now and I have had pretty much the same side effects as everyone else.I have also noticed that I have severe acid reflux recently. I still have horrible diarrhea and I have to urinate constantly. I just do not feel emotionally like myself. As for my periods they are better than before but they are still not regular. I already have two wonderful children and we are not trying for more so I am not taking for any other reason that to help with my hormones. I am going to get my yearly liver, kidney, and hormonal tests done and depending on what the tests say I will more than likely quit taking it. I feel I have given it a fair chance and all the side effects are not worth it for me. | F | 29 | 1 years | 1/19/2009 | 5 | PCOS | F | 31 | 3 months | 1/16/2009 | 2 | PCOS, weight loss | Bad gas, rumbling stomach, vicious diarrhea, tiredness, headache, dizziness | I just started taking the drug yesterday, and after three doses (500mg each) and reading this board, I think I'm going to have to stop. Right after I took the first pill I got bad gas, and then had insane diarrhea when I got home. I'm already on a high protein, low carb no sugar diet, so I don't know what else I can do on that end. I feel like crap. And I've already got thin hair -- don't need to lose it. :( | F | 28 | 2 days | 1/14/2009 | 2 | Type 2 | Extremely tender and inflamed joints, also muscle pain | At 750 mil/day, it was enough to drop my sugar from 124 to 103, however, the side effects were unacceptable. Although others claim a weight loss, I actually gained 15 pounds in the four months that I was using it. I could have lived with this, but the joint pain in my knees and hips was so severe that it even hurt when I was trying to lay in bed at night and I could no longer exercise in the morning. I dropped the dose to 250 mil/day and most side effects have disappeared with sugar now at about 115. This is about as close as I can compromise. | M | 56 | 4 months | 1/12/2009 | 5 | Type 2 Diabetes | weight loss, Loose BMs & Excessive flatulence | Let me say that overall I am very please with this drug. it brought blood sugar levels down for my doctor to be happy. MAKE SURE you buy some Febreeze,GLADE, or AirWick Deodorizer though. I FART like crazy and it stinks BAD!!! It's embarrassing at times, because I think of myself as a proper lady, but the med has been worth it for my diabetes | F | 27 | 4 months | 1/6/2009 | 5 | PCOS; insulin resistance | a little loose bowels at first; subsided, with no other symptoms. | Miracle.... an answer to my prayers. I lost weight, gained energy, and started having a regular period. All the symptoms of the PCOS cleared up... amazing. I take a fairly high dose (1000 mg, 2 x a day), yet I have no problems. Severely insulin resistant; glucophage is the only thing that has ever tackled it. It does upset the stomach in the beginning, start out slowly, build up as needed. I would suggest, for those who have major gastro issues, there is a possibility one's diet interacts with this medicine; the more sugar and carbs one takes in, the more likely, I think, one may have some continued gastro grief. It makes sense, this med does modify food. | F | 33 | 9.5 years | 1/2/2009 | 5 | Diabetes | Flatulence, Nausea, diarrhea | This medicine has greatly helped with my diabetic condition. However, I have Explosive FARTING spells. The flatulance is much stinkier than normal which is embarrassing for a woman my age. I have an understanding boyfriend though.... | F | 28 | 1 months | 12/30/2008 | 3 | PCOS | Very acute nausea, acidity, diarrhoea and after taking it for 8 months i realised that my hair has thinned down to 1/3rd of what they used to be. In the earlier 6 month period i did lose 8 pounds but gained back after i stopped. Started again after a period of 2 months but not lost any weight this time around. | I am on 1500mg everyday for past 8 months...After taking it for 6 months initially my cysts cleared however they appeared again after a break of two months so i was on metformin again...same dose.However, i have noticed a great deal of hair loss and i am wondering whether it is any way related to metformin though i have read that there is no proved linkage scientifically. but hair loss is more pronounced now and it is making me very anxious.This medicine does work for PCOS. | F | 26 | 240 days | 12/28/2008 | 5 | Diabetes Type II, PCOS, Insulin Res | I rated 4 weeks ago abt Met-I started off on met on 22 Nov & everything stabilises by 25 Dec & my period showed up today! Am trilled as my period are rare & Met helped greatly! I dont feel well the first 2.5 weeks until it kicked in. | The nausea feel are always there but it showed results and improvements. My weight dropped 14 lbs in 5 weeks and my health got better. Anyone who felt ill on Met, dont give up! Just hang in there!! | F | 37 | 4 weeks | 12/25/2008 | 1 | Type 2 diabetes | sudden and urgent need to have bowel movements; nausea, stomach cramps--felt increasingly unwell. | When dosage increased, symptoms increased, and occurred daily, and often several times a day--was afraid to go anywhere...didn't realize just how sick it was making me, until a wellness nurse suggested I contact physician, and ask to discontinue...was completely back to normal and feeling so much better in days!!! | F | 52 | 2 years | 12/22/2008 | 5 | diabetes type 2 | for XR: excessive farting, stinkier flatulence, mild nausea (~2 weeks), mild diarrhea for non-XR (1.5 weeks and counting): nausea, bit of soreness, loss of appetite, extremely smelly flatulence, diarrhea | The XR I started off at 500 mg/day in the evening and had initial flatulence and nausea and would improve after 2 weeks until I cranked up the dosage again up to 2000 mg/day. The flatulence then got to the point where it was extremely embarrassing even though my glucose control was pretty good as long as I was reasonably disciplined (ie, usually stayed below 160 as long as I didn't decide to eat a whole bowl of udon noodles or a big chunk of cake). Then I went off Metformin and tried Januvia, which allowed people around me to breathe easier but sent my A1C up to 7.6 (got my A1C to around 6.5 or so in a few months from a 9+ on the Metformin originally) Now I'm on JanuMet with the non-XR Metformin for a week and a half and feels like the side effects are worse this time around but I've heard that the XR is a lot easier to tolerate. So far I'm back to 115ish fasting instead of the "please let my fasting be below 140" ritual with Januvia. Let's hope my digestive system get | F | 29 | 10 months | 12/18/2008 | 5 | Diabetes Type 2 | I started taking it 2 years ago. Initially I experienced diarrhea but I was losing weight so I put up with the diarrhea, eventually it went away. | I have lost 40 lbs. over the past 2 years since I started taking Glucophage. My A1C is now normal. | F | 55 | 12/10/2008 | 3 | pcos | I have been on this for 4 months now at first i was getting diaerha a lot then i read up on the insulin resistance diet (kinda like low carbs) and it has subsided a great deal. i am gassy still sometimes though. I have not lost any weight but i have not gained any either. i was dissy a lot. i talked to my aunt that is a rn and she said i need to check my blood surgar because it is most likly low if i am getting nausa and dizzy. so now i make sure i have some hard candy with me all the time. | i was taking Glucopauge and another drug i can't remeber how to spell it something like sprolatine (waterpill) to get my acne and hair growth under control. since ttc i have stoped taking the spro. and just metiformin but i have not had a period since taking them. I now have to take provera to get that started. i am not sure if the metformin is doing the job that ob/gyns want it to do for me and hlep make me ovulate. seeing i have not had a period i am not ovulating. but i will see what happens now that i have stoped taking the other drug. we will see in three months. | F | 24 | 4 months | 12/10/2008 | 3 | PCOS and Insulin Resistance | More Hungry, sligth body malaise, hair loss, sweaty | I am taking the medicine for two weeks now and I noticed that I grew more hungry than before (I wonder why cause it should suppress you to eat more right?) I feel more tired and some gas is there after eating rice/bread/potato. I wonder why is this happening. Hair loss became worst and I feel tired and I feel that I lack sleep even though I sleep for 10-12 hours. | F | 27 | 2 weeks | 12/8/2008 | 5 | pcos | a little diarrhea and gas the first few days, a little difficulty concentrating, but that was all | for some reason, it helped me loose weight. i began it 9/6/08, and have lost 14 pounds. it also helped me regulate my hormones, which helped anxiety, but unsure why. | F | 36 | 3 months | 12/7/2008 | 3 | to reduce belly fat | gas, diarrhea, but no nausea. type II diabetes in my family, so wanted to prevent onset; waiting for benefits; waistline of pants looser after just 2 days! | M | 48 | 4 days | 12/7/2008 | 4 | Diabetes Type II, PCOS | I instantly felt very lethargic and needed over 12 hours of sleep. In the first week, I had body ache all over, slight diaarhea if I ate fried foods, Feeling queasy all the time, & bloating. | The good side : it drastically improved my sugar level from 300 down to 99-108, under a week of being on the medicine. Weight went down 2kg under 2 weeks, with no excercise at all. Recommended! | F | 37 | 12 days | 12/3/2008 | 2 | diabetes | didn't help blood sugar that much | F | 77 | 3 months | 12/2/2008 | 2 | PCOS | Explosive Diarrhea and nausea. So far having extreme hunger as well. | I was on this off and a few years ago for over a year. 2 different doctor's put me on it. It made me so sick and miserable, especially each time they increased my dosage, that I quit taking it for the past few years. I also never lost any weight on it. My OBGYN put me on it yesterday, so I could give it another try. I have been losing my hair since I was 15 and have always had trouble with my weight. I was able to lose 40 lbs off of the meds and kept it off for over 2 years, but have gained almost all of it back in a very short amount of time... despite training for half marathon during this time. I took it for the first time again last night and was up from 3am until 7am with massive cramping and diarrhea. I am starting out just 1 500mg tab a day and then add each week. I hope I don't have to go through this for a long time again. It's unbearable for any length of time. Most of the posts I've read said that they lost hair, but all of my endocrinologists said it would help me get some | M | 29 | 1 days | 11/20/2008 | 5 | PCOS | diarrhea first week, slight stomach pain | Taking 500 mg 2x daily...got my period back within one week of starting the medicine...have already lost weight and seen my pants get looser. Only downside is not able to drink and fatty foods upset stomach. Keep to a low carb, healthier diet and will work great! | F | 20 | 1 weeks | 11/16/2008 | 2 | Type 2 Diabetes | extreme nausea and diarreha and some head aches and heartburn | I was put on metformen for Type 2 Diabetes becuase I am insulane resistant. I hope this passes because I can't keep going with this nausea every day. | F | 38 | 5 days | 11/11/2008 | 1 | borderline diabetes | Depression within a week of taking metformin. | Doc said that was very unusual, but to stop taking it. Then a friend of mine told me that it suppresses TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). I have no idea if that is correct, but I am hypothyroid. If it suppresses TSH, I would think that the doctors would know that and not prescribe it for someone like me. Has anyone else ever heard this or had this experience? | F | 62 | 1 weeks | 11/4/2008 | 1 | PCOS | My hair started to come out in chunks! I had thinning all over and lost a great deal of hair at the temples. I had really thick, beautiful waist-length hair and I am devastated. | I was prescribe 1000mg per day for PCOS. After 6 weeks I started to see lots of hair loss from all over my head. In particular my hair has now receded at the temples by about 2 or 3 cm. I stopped taking the drug about a month ago and the hair loss has stopped all over but I am left with the receding hairline at the temples. I am hoping it will grow back, but it doesn't for men when they have male pattern baldness. | F | 33 | 60 days | 11/3/2008 | 1 | Diabetes Type II | I had no side effects at a low dose, but as the dosage was increased to bring down my blood sugar, I developed chronic diarrhea! I lost 12 pounds in six weeks and couldn't leave the house without taking a dose of iodium. I was planning my daughter's wedding during this mess! | I was very angry with the doctors for not believing me when I said it was the glucophage causing the diarrhea! THey made me take stool sample and other tests for three weeks before everything came back negative for intestinal bleeding, worms, or other infections. As soon as I went off the glucophage, it all stopped! Proof enough for me. Apparently this is a very rare side effect. I know my body and it told me something was very wrong. | F | 56 | 7 months | 11/3/2008 | 3 | PCOS/ Insulin Resistance | consitpation originally then an increase in bowel movements along with occasional nausea | feeling better overall, only been on it a short while, despite numerous discussions with both GP and endocrinologist. we shall see how it goes, i reamian optimistic | F | 38 | 5 days | 10/27/2008 | 2 | insulin resistance | more frequent bowel movements slight decrease in BS increased liver function | I have been disappointed that I have not seen any weight loss at 2000mg dosage. I have not had any discomfort or really negative side effects so far, but after 6 months I expected to see some more positive effects, especially with my 1200-1500 calorie low carb diet, and 40 min workouts 4-5x a week. I also have bilateral lymphedema and am concerned that the met may be negatively effecting that and the lymphedema may be limiting the positive effects of the met. Like most MDs, my endo appears to know little or nothing about lymphedema. | F | 59 | 7 months | 10/26/2008 | 5 | PCOS | loose stools/GI symptoms during first 2 months Weight loss | This is a miracle drug for me. Gained lots of weight over 4-5 months due to PCOS. First 3 months on metformin and I lost about 25lbs :) I was already on a controlled diet (1400-1500 calories) and working out (1-1.5hrs 5xweek). It's like metformin just helped make those efforts actually count for something. Yes, it was uncomfortable when I first started taking it. Stick with it. You'll be happy in the end. I take 1000mg 2x day now, but started with just 500mg 1x week and ramped up over a 4-5week period. This greatly reduced symptoms. Initially, i was given the xr version at 1500mg a day (straight off) and couldn't handle it at all--threw it right back up. Careful introduction of the regular (non xr) version has been great | F | 25 | 1 years | 10/24/2008 | 3 | PCOS & insulin resistance | Diarrhea, pain in muscles, joints, gut. I had some success fighting the diarrhea with fiber (psyllium husk) supplementation. I just stopped using glucophage because I got scared reading about lactic acidosis because I have been a heavy drinker and now am moderate, still working on cutting it out altogether. However, I think my symptoms were common and not related to lactic acidosis. | I take a heaping tablespoon of PSYLLIUM HUSK twice a day mixed in water. It was difficult at first, until I purchased a $20.00 little milk frother (it has a motorized mini wire whisk and is battery operated) at Linens & Things (like Bed & Bath) and it mixes the fiber and water FAST so I can chug it before it gets all lumpy and nauseating (think drinking ground unflavored oatmeal). Increasing your fiber reduces all the stuff I'm working on: obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietary_fiber Let me know via posting if it helps. | F | 42 | 10/18/2008 | 1 | Type 2 diabetes | No side effects on 500 x 2 other than weight gain and it worked just fine with keeping my blood glucose in check BUT ------- you people need to be aware that this medication will affect your kidneys. | I have now been taken off this med due to problems with my kidneys and started on Januvia (which is doing absolutely nothing for the blood glucose levels). Make sure you have labs drawn at least every 6 months to check kidney function (3 months would be better). | F | 69 | 3 years | 9/28/2008 | 5 | Impaired Glucose Intolerance | Slight headache the first day. No other side effects so far. No problem with diarrhea or abdominal pain. Decreased appetite. | I noticed that my appetite has decreased. I couldn't finish a sandwich. I have alot more energy. I didn't have to take a nap today. I had energy to exercise 30 minutes on the elliptical. I was able to keep up with my 7 year old son..usually he wears me out and I have to lay down. Now he is sleep and I am up. If appetite reduction and energy stay the same then I can see why so many people lose weight. I need to lose 40 lbs. I will post again with further results. | F | 41 | 2 days | 9/27/2008 | 4 | Weightloss/PCOD | No serious side effects, only a little diarrhea. I am only taking 500mg per day. | I feel like I have more energy, also, I feel full very quickly and do not eat more than I need as a result. | F | 50 | 14 days | 9/25/2008 | 2 | Type 2 Diabetes | DID curb appetite, however blood sugar reading SHOT UP! I was not adversly affected with the intestinal ailments some people complained about ... noticed a slight change, but nothing that hindered my everyday life. | I was previously very well controlled with Glucotrol+Actos - however kept gaining weight ... today Dr added Januvia to the Metformin, so maybe I can lose weight and have good readings. | F | 53 | 28 days | 9/18/2008 | 3 | Insulin Resistance | Diarrea and weightloss (1 lbs in 3 days). I am afraid I will get dehydrated. I am going to start taking vitamins asap. | I've only been taking this medicine for 3 days and I have had diarrea every since the first evening I took it after dinner. It's hard to work and worry about having to run to the restroom on a dime! I am still learning about my Insulin Resistance. I also have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (Hypothyroid). I suppose this is pre diabetes and I do not want it. I am trying to do all I can to prevent it including diet change and exercise. Again it's hard to exercise when you have diarrea! haha so I can't win there. | F | 29 | 3 days | 9/11/2008 | 2 | insulin resistance | some nausea - mostly initially, cool tingling on the skin of my legs, | I have actually gained 2 lbs., when a typical side effect of this med is supposed to be weight loss. I also have noticed lowered energy levels, and feel quite tired and nauseated IF I eat low carb, as I am supposed to. When I eat a higher carb meal, I feel normal. I am not due to have my A1c rechecked until late October, and am not on regular self testing so I don't know for certain, but am beginning to wonder if my blood sugar is being kept TOO low. My A1c was only 5.6 to begin with. I am taking 1000 mg slow release each day, with dinner. | F | 42 | 38 days | 9/7/2008 | 2 | Diabetes 2 | Where do I began--so much anxiety, and "brain fog". Lost over 50lbs in 5 months. | F | 50 | 6 months | 8/26/2008 | 2 | insulin dependent diabetis | Started Glucophage last Nov. Caused gastic upset as the dose was increased to 1000 twice daily. Cut back to 1500 daily. By Dec began to have periods of extreme weakness. I also have heart desease so went back to Cardioligast and family doc. They found nothing abnormal in tests and blood work. Extreme weakness continued. Returned to diabitis dr. who didn't think glucophage was a problem. Started eliminating other drugs in a trial and error method. Still could hardly get out of bed. Talked with 2 different pharmacist who said glucophage could be the problem. Stopped glucophage 3 weeks ago - doing insulin coverage for elevated blood sugars. Change in activity has been amazing - not ready to run a race yet but can play with my grandchildren again. Seeing endo dr. on Tues. Will ask for a change in meds. This is the only reason I can see for extreme changes | Will not take again | M | 61 | 10 months | 8/23/2008 | 4 | PCOS | Diarrhea in the first 2 weeks, then started body pain and general weakness | I have started taking enough water, Gatorade, Centrum multi-vitamin and Nutricap and I am just feeling much better. With the component they have, the hair loss is getting better and the body pain is gone. I guess it was because of vitamin B12, B6; D and calcium. Anyways, I recommend everyone a complimentary nutrient intake. By this way you can minimize METFORMIN side effects. | F | 28 | 30 days | 8/22/2008 | 3 | Diabetes Type II | stomach pains, diarrhea, general not well feeling | M | 44 | 6 months | 8/19/2008 | 4 | Insulin Resistance | Initially I had a bit of diarrhea and cramps with the metalic taste but the doctor said to take it after a meal and no more problems and he also started me off on a low dose. | What I have found though is I have become constipated and lots of hair loss which I never put down to the Glucophage...can it be? I have now started on Antagolin and wondered if it's okay to take with my meds...I'm on 1000mg twice a day. Is it safe to take on long term? | F | 46 | 5 years | 8/14/2008 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
