[marissa1987]

i been takeing metforman and it seems to give me the runs n bad stomach cramps, and just not feel soo good dose this happen to you, i take it for diabetes and PCOS

[kmac]

Welcome. Yes, many people exhibit exactly those problems when they first start taking met. I had those symptoms for about a month or so when I first started taking it. I am used to it now and no longer have the problems. Other people complain of bad gas but I never got that.

I have read that the ER version of met is not so bad for upsetting the digestion and have seen it reported that when members here got their prescriptions changed to the ER version they experienced relief from the digestive problems. I just waited and kept up with the pills and eventually I seemed to get used to it. Hang in there!

Kathi

[AngelKitty]

Hi there, I have just started taking Metformin - the slow release version - Diabex XR - and so far have had no side effects.

If you are not coping with the side effects, I would strongly recommend you speaking to your Endo about an alternative med.

[foxl]

Marissa I am sorry, I responded to your other thread (by asking if you are on met ) before seeing this one.

You do not mention the dose you are on, how long you have been on it, or if you are on fast or extended-release.

Which suggests your MD was not very communicative with you ... I hope you can find someone else who is more forthcoming, soon.

[cyberus]

I had a very hard time starting met, the first month was pure ****, I couldn't get very far from a bathroom. Changing from regular to the ER/XR version helped alot but it was 2 full months before I was "comfortable" again.

[Subby]

ER being better for side effects seems to be a common finding. If one has the choice, would it be best to just got for the ER in the first place? I'm also thinking in terms of being insulin dependent, I wonder if met does have an effect for me, would ER perhaps not put me at risk of such grave hypos, is it "gentler" or slower in some way?

[NewdestinyX]

Originally Posted by marissa1987

i been takeing metforman and it seems to give me the runs n bad stomach cramps, and just not feel soo good dose this happen to you, i take it for diabetes and PCOS

Yes, Marissa, I too had a tough journey.. It wasn't until about week 5 that I started to feel a little better and to help myself I dropped from 1000mg a day to 500mg a day for a week to try and get more stable that helped a bit with the stomach and gas pains.. I also started taking 2 tablespoons a day of Benfiber (tasteless, textureless) and from that point forward things got way better. One of Mets effects is to allow carbs to pass thru you pretty quickly and that's what your digestive system is not used to -- of course as you are learning to eat 'less carbs' that will ease the side effects of Met too. Watch 'salads' in the beginning they can be especially 'problematic' and keep you in the bathroom. They did for me. But long about week 7, even if I'd miss the Benefiber I'm no longer having the side effects. You 'will' get used to it - if you give it some time -- most do. Some don't -- and then you have to change meds.. Give it a minimum of 6 weeks as it's the most time tested med out there and most effective for most people. I was ready to give up too - so.. Hang in there! There is a brighter future. Oh.. If you're on 1000mg a day -- try taking the one pill with breakfast and the other with dinner instead of both at the same time. That helped me too. You can also rotate days.. 500 one day then the full 1000 the next day... That can also 'ease your poor gut' into tolerating it better.

Originally Posted by Subby

ER being better for side effects seems to be a common finding. If one has the choice, would it be best to just got for the ER in the first place? I'm also thinking in terms of being insulin dependent, I wonder if met does have an effect for me, would ER perhaps not put me at risk of such grave hypos, is it "gentler" or slower in some way?

This ER version you're talking about.. What's its name? How can I refer to it to my Doc and Phramacy? and at what dose do you take? Same at regular MET? This is the first I've heard of this.

[AngelKitty]

Originally Posted by AngelKitty

Hi there, I have just started taking Metformin - the slow release version - Diabex XR - and so far have had no side effects.

If you are not coping with the side effects, I would strongly recommend you speaking to your Endo about an alternative med.

Originally Posted by NewdestinyX

This ER version you're talking about.. What's its name? How can I refer to it to my Doc and Phramacy? and at what dose do you take? Same at regular MET? This is the first I've heard of this.

Hi New Destiny, refer to my post above.
It is Metformin and does the same thing / same strength, however it is released slower in your system to help reduce GI side effects that are the common complaint with users of Met.
You would take the same dose of the slow release as you what you are already taking (ie dose would not change).

[AngelKitty]

Originally Posted by Subby

ER being better for side effects seems to be a common finding. If one has the choice, would it be best to just got for the ER in the first place? I'm also thinking in terms of being insulin dependent, I wonder if met does have an effect for me, would ER perhaps not put me at risk of such grave hypos, is it "gentler" or slower in some way?

Hi Subby,
This version of Metformin is called Diabex XR in Australia.
If you are prone to sensitive stomach with meds/foods then this would definitely be the way to go. In my opinion, if there is a version of the same thing available that is likely to have less side effects - I would want that.
As to you question of Metformin putting you at risk for grave hypos - this is something that you are going to have discuss with your Endo.

[NewdestinyX]

Originally Posted by AngelKitty

Hi New Destiny, refer to my post above.
It is Metformin and does the same thing / same strength, however it is released slower in your system to help reduce GI side effects that are the common complaint with users of Met.
You would take the same dose of the slow release as you what you are already taking (ie dose would not change).

Oh --oh... SILLY ME... I thought you meant a version they gave you in an EMERGENCY ROOM. I've been on the 'Extended Release' version of the MET since the beginning... I refer to it as 'XR' and the 'ER' threw me. I'm so embarrassed.. But most docs prescribe the XR/ER version first.. I still had 6 weeks of H€LL on the ER/XR version!!!

[AngelKitty]

Originally Posted by NewdestinyX

Oh --oh... SILLY ME... I thought you meant a version they gave you in an EMERGENCY ROOM. I've been on the 'Extended Release' version of the MET since the beginning... I refer to it as 'XR' and the 'ER' threw me. I'm so embarrassed.. But most docs prescribe the XR/ER version first.. I still had 6 weeks of H€LL on the ER/XR version!!!

That's okay!
I think you got confused because Subby referred to it as "ER" .
I only know it as XR (it may be called something else in other parts of the world, but in Australia it is called Diabex XR, Metformin Hydrochloride (500mg))
Sorry to hear you still had problems on the XR, did the symptoms start immediately, like in the first couple of days, or was it more a cumulative effect? And is it better now? How long have you been taking it?
Sorry for all the questions, am new to taking Met XR and am curious - thanx!

[NewdestinyX]

Originally Posted by AngelKitty

Sorry to hear you still had problems on the XR, did the symptoms start immediately, like in the first couple of days, or was it more a cumulative effect? And is it better now? How long have you been taking it?
Sorry for all the questions, am new to taking Met XR and am curious - thanx!

Several of the answers to your questions are in my signature.. but -- started it on 7/15.. and from day 2, well, let's say I spent a "lot" of time in the bathroom, luv. .. Started to feel a bit better in the 5th week... back to near normal by the 6th week.

Then had one 2-day problem again that was probably unrelated to the Met.. So it was just terrible for 4-5 weeks. Never 'nausea' but that feeling MUCH lower of cramping and having to get to the bathroom quick. Even now -- in the early am when I wake up (as many men do in their middle age.. to...... well you know... I still feel like my 'lower region' is not what it was before I started the Met. I look forward to the day when I can get off it. But that day is still a while away. Thanks Angel Kitty!!

[AngelKitty]

Thanks for the reply Grant.

Hope your GI issues sort themselves out entirely, and fingers crossed for me that I won't be in the same, er situation! LOL!

[Subby]

Originally Posted by AngelKitty

I think you got confused because Subby referred to it as "ER" .

And I was just following Kmac and Cyberus's lead and how I've seen it referred to here before... a regular game of chinese whispers. I guess most medications have a few alternative names.

I was mainly wondering what the difference is practically, from those who've gone between the two, as before it seems people have been directed on the forums to going from the non extended version onto the extended, as if the non extended was a preferable default by the doctors. I guess it could be that the extended is a little newer or something. Thanks for the headsup about the local version you are on. I completely agree on starting on an alternative that is less likely to be upsetting to the stomach, if it's just as viable.

As for the hypo possibilities, still hoping someone might share if they found a difference in whether the xr/er acted a little slower to act or build up compared to the normal... and I can draw my own conclusions about the ongoing effect on my BG/ dosage needs.

[dinosaurfood]

Metformin completely messes up my digestive tract. I am looking for a different medication but don't know what's out there. I won't be able to a see an endocrinologist for three weeks and my feet are burning.