Question about starting Metformin- Update

I will be starting Metformin xr soon for PCOS and I have some questions......... *update*

1- For those who take the XR version of it, do you find you get less side effects? From what I hear about the regular one, it seems like EVERYONE has some sort of issue!

2- Were you told to take it indefinitely? I'm basically on a lifetime plan for Metformin

3- Did you have to change your diet at all? (I am not currently overweight - but obviously the insulin resistance is there)

4- Did you lose weight on it? My RE said that's at least a side effect that people usually don't mind

Anything I else I didn't cover that anyone wants to share?


Thanks ladies, sorry for allllllllllllll the questions........... I'm bad when it comes to starting these new things.



Update-

I first want to thank EVERYONE for their responses!! I am so thankful for the LIF boards, I honestly could not put it into words

Here's what's going on though...... I went to the RE with past bloodwork and it was basically clear as day that there was a problem was insulin resistance and I would absolutely need Metformin.

I basically had this all planned out for a week that this would be protocol...... but after recent bloodwork that I just got the results for, it actually turns our my insulin is FINE!!!! So, though I feel bad that everyone took time out of their day to lend support and write a response, it's actually not longer relevant to me.

Thank you again so much ladies!! just thought I'd give the update!

Message edited 1/23/2010 12:41:12 PM.

Re: Question about starting Metformin

I figured I'd weigh in here, since I just responded to your other post

I actually started on the regular Metformin, and was switched to XR about 6 months later. Personally, I don't see or feel a difference between the two.

Sorry to say, I did not lose weight after starting Metformin. I also didn't change my diet much--which in the long run probably negates the fact that I'm even taking the Metformin. I do know that I need to take my situation a lot more seriously...

Like you, I also think I'm basically on the "lifetime plan". That was a tough pill to swallow (literally ), but hey--I guess if it keeps diabetes away for as long as possible, it's a good thing, right?

Re: Question about starting Metformin

I started it 2 weeks ago. For the first week I was on 750mg, then told to up it to 1500mg.

Side effects - major tummy issues. I take them at night with dinner and my stomache is a total wreck in the morning.

I was not told that this will be a lifetime plan for me. I'm sure that there is a possibility but I didn't get that impression from my doctor.

I have slightly changed my diet. But it was more because of a new years resolution to eat healthier than because of the Metformin.

Luckily, I have dropped 2lbs so far. It could be because I am eating a bit healthier or from the pills....not quite sure yet.

I think the only major down side to Metformin is that you are highly advised not to drink on it. Which really suck because I do enjoy the occasional glass of wine!

Good luck and keep us posted on how you do on it.

Re: Question about starting Metformin

Posted by WaterGirl

I started it 2 weeks ago. For the first week I was on 750mg, then told to up it to 1500mg.

Side effects - major tummy issues. I take them at night with dinner and my stomache is a total wreck in the morning.

I was not told that this will be a lifetime plan for me. I'm sure that there is a possibility but I didn't get that impression from my doctor.

I have slightly changed my diet. But it was more because of a new years resolution to eat healthier than because of the Metformin.

Luckily, I have dropped 2lbs so far. It could be because I am eating a bit healthier or from the pills....not quite sure yet.

I think the only major down side to Metformin is that you are highly advised not to drink on it. Which really suck because I do enjoy the occasional glass of wine!

Good luck and keep us posted on how you do on it.

Re: Question about starting Metformin

I just started taking it about a month ago ( had asked my regular MD about it and although I don't seem to have insulin issues, he said he would see if it helped with my PCOS)

It hasn't affected my stomach yet, and it also has not helped my weight any

Don't know what the future has in store for me with it, I think the MD is going to see if it helps any and go from there...

I originally had asked my Gyn about taking it and he told me I would need to have my MD prescribe it ..So in essence I put myself on it

Re: Question about starting Metformin

1 - The XR did help me with the stomach issues. I didn't know about it until many months after I'd been taking it. I complained to the NP at my RE's office about how miserable I was on it and she switched me to the XR.

2 -No, I stopped it when I was 16 weeks pregnant and haven't gone back on it.

3 - I didn't really change what I ate at all, which was probably partially responsible for my GI issues.

4 - No I didn't lose weight, but I also wasn't overweight to begin with.

And to Stacey - the drinking thing - I'll tell you - one night I had two glasses of wine - certainly nothing that could be considered heavy drinking - and I was SO sick that night. I had never, ever, gotten sick from drinking before - even when I'd had A LOT more than just two glasses of wine. Maybe one would have been ok, but I drink so infrequently I decided not to tempt fate again after that.
I actually don't think I've had wine since then, and that was over 2 years ago.

Re: Question about starting Metformin

1- I don't take the XR version but I have no problems on the Metformin.

2- I took it the first time until I got pregnant and then I stopped. I imagine when I get pregnant again it will be the same thing.

3- Didn't change my diet at all and again, never noticed having a problem with eating certain foods while on the Metformin.

4- Just maybe 2-3lbs. No big deal.

Re: Question about starting Metformin

Re: Question about starting Metformin

1- In the beginning my tummy hurt but that didnt last too long.. otherwise no side effects...

2- yea ive been on it for 8 years now...

3-I see a nutritionist... basically I had to eliminate the cards which was my problem (still is actually!)

4- I lost weight from seeing a nutritionist... I dont think the met had anything to do with my weight loss but it may have helped!

Re: Question about starting Metformin

I got violently ill after drinking wine while taking metformin... BAD

I really didnt have side effects when I was on it originally, but now it is causing me to be way bloated.

Re: Question about starting Metformin- Update

Posted by Bops

Posted by WaterGirl

I started it 2 weeks ago. For the first week I was on 750mg, then told to up it to 1500mg.

Side effects - major tummy issues. I take them at night with dinner and my stomache is a total wreck in the morning.

I was not told that this will be a lifetime plan for me. I'm sure that there is a possibility but I didn't get that impression from my doctor.

I have slightly changed my diet. But it was more because of a new years resolution to eat healthier than because of the Metformin.

Luckily, I have dropped 2lbs so far. It could be because I am eating a bit healthier or from the pills....not quite sure yet.

I think the only major down side to Metformin is that you are highly advised not to drink on it. Which really suck because I do enjoy the occasional glass of wine!

Good luck and keep us posted on how you do on it.

Out of curiosity- why can you not have a drink on Metformin ? Thanks !!

Re: Question about starting Metformin- Update

PennyCat- glad to hear the positive update !

And to the ladies that responded about having a drink while using Metformin- thanks for the heads up !!

Re: Question about starting Metformin- Update

so glad to hear the great update!