starting metformin

[~RENEE~]

I tried posting this in the women's section no answers.

So I'm putting it here.

Doc put me on metformin yesterday for the PCOS.

I was wondering those of you that take it for the same thing. How do you take it.

And what kinda effects does it have on you.

 

[Katryna]

Hi Renee,

I started metformin about six months ago; my endocrinologist started me on 500 mg. and slowly raised the dosage to 2000 mg. a day. I find if I drink too much Diet Coke (my favorite beverage), I get severe heartburn... and diarrhea is common, but it was common for me before the metformin and is still so.

From what I have read on the web, these are common responses; it's best to take metformin with food, and one doesn't see much benefit from the metformin until they are at the 1500 to 2000 mg. level.

I was diagnosed with PCOS way back in 1982, when all PCOS was was an infertility diagnosis; it wasn't until about 8 years ago when I got internet connection and did a little research out of pure curiosity that I found out PCOS should be treated for the patient's lifetime for health concerns. I had extreme difficulty finding a doctor in my area that had any knowledge of this; I tried family practitioners, gynecologists, and endocrinologists. Most of them just gave me the "duh" look and told me I was fat because I ate too much and didn't exercise enough, and metformin wasn't going to help me. My triglycerides are high and my blood pressure borderline high -- typical of PCOS women; and at 50, it's a wonder I'm not diabetic at my age/weight. I had to drive 85 miles across state lines to a young female endocrinologist to get help. Six months on the metformin now, and without any change in lifestyle, I have lost ten pounds and my blood pressure is down 8 points (probably due to the weight loss). I can't wait for spring, when I can get out and walk and be more active, and actively lose more weight!

Oddly, my family practitioner could NOT admit to being wrong about the metformin; said it must be causing severe diarrhea that causes me to lose weight (NOT) or I have made lifestyle changes (NOT again!) or --- am I extremely tired? sick? (NOOO!!) It sure makes me uneasy at the least and very angry at most to think I have to research my own medical treatment and actively seek my own help against the advice of several doctors! The consequences of not treating PCOS are staggering (as well as life threatening!).

 

[Mrs. Luther073082]

I take 500mg twice a day: after breakfast and after dinner. I have no problems unless I do not eat enough with it, in which case I get really nauseous a few hours later.

 

[lozzie]

Hi Renee!

Hows the metformin going?

I need to get back on it. I kinda stopped taking it because i accidently missed too many doses.My gyn was impressed with me, lol. But I've put on more wieght since then because it was helping to regulate my insulin levels. I might go and get my prescription fileed today. But I take diabex which is the extended release form of metformin, and means that I take 1500mg once a day. Well... once I work up to it I'll be taking that!

 

[~RENEE~]

Hi Renee!

Hows the metformin going?

I need to get back on it. I kinda stopped taking it because i accidently missed too many doses.My gyn was impressed with me, lol. But I've put on more wieght since then because it was helping to regulate my insulin levels. I might go and get my prescription fileed today. But I take diabex which is the extended release form of metformin, and means that I take 1500mg once a day. Well... once I work up to it I'll be taking that!

Seems to be doin good. I'm on 500mg a day. I accidentally took one extra one evening with out food. I learned my lesson.

 

[lozzie]

lol yeah. It can be harsh on the bowels.

 

[scraparcs]

Just try it after having a gallbladder removed