[dlife]

As I have posted earlier, I am feeling very low, sluggish, lot of body pains and dizzy from a few months and it has increased from the past month. Newly added is rapid heart beat and shortness of breath. At times I wondered if it is cardiac related also. But last night I didn't take my metformin 500mg which I have been taking twice a day from the past two weeks. And amazingly, I felt soooo better in the morning, no usual pounding headache or dizziness, so I skipped metformin at noon too, just to see what's going on. And I feel great with my normal energy levels and no headache or pains. I even had a pecan cake and mango juice high in sugar and carbs in the evening. Even then the bg levels are normal and no other symptoms.

So could all these symptoms be the side effects of metformin?? If so, what should I do..I know I have to talk to my doctor but before that should I discontinue using it? And what would be the alternative if I can't take metformin? Or does all this mean that the metformin is actually working?

[huskerdaughter]

I had very simular effect the metformin made me very dizzy and sick to my tummy. I talke d to my Dr. and she said the dizzyness is from your sugars dropping at a quicker rate (same with the insuline if your on that too) The Metformin is working just has a few unpleasnt side effect but check with your dr about the heart it could be masking something that could really be wrong.

[dlife]

I guess the metformin is working afterall. Today my FBG is a lil higher than usual. I need to get checked with the cardiologist as you said just to be sure. My doc wants me to change to Janumet for no specific reason. I am still in a dilemma about that.

[Subby]

As a general comment, just remember it is quite possible for a medication to work, but at the same time have side effects. Often it's a case of tossing up between whether the benefit is worth the side effects.

Ask for a specific reason for the Janumet. It might be a good idea, but you'll never know unless you know

[Barberian]

Metformin takes a week or more to take full effect on blood sugars. likewise it takes a several days to wear off. You may notice a difference in your intestines the next day, but for blood sugars it's a dif story. I looked up metformin and some of the side effects are (from drugs.com):

Originally Posted by Drugs.com

Metformin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting. Stop using metformin and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

swelling or rapid weight gain; or

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

headache or muscle pain;

weakness; or

mild nausesa, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

I wouldn't even have the cahonees to try and suggest an alternative med., best to leave that up to the doc with the 8 yr degree.

[dlife]

I should talk to the doc immedietely then. I have most of the symptoms. Yes, Subby I'll talk to him about the switch in medication too.

[Catlover4]

As has been said, metformin can cause some unpleasant side effects, but so can having a normal sugar level when it has been elevated for some time. Also, sometimes one medication is not enough, so instead of increasing the dose of one med, they add another one. Kind of an assault from two flanks. Anyway, convey all your concerns to the doc, but be sure to test whenever you feel off, maybe that information that will help them in treating and diagnosing you completely. Good luck and hang in there.