Metformin and constipation

[Falkirk Bairn]

Does Metformin cause constipation? Since having my dose increased from 1000mg to 1500mg this week, I have become constipated. Is this there a link?

 

[Kaylz]

I don't remember seeing this being mentioned before, a lot report it causes the complete opposite to what you've asked but side effects will be listed in the patient information leaflet xx

 

[rebrascora]

Have you also changed your diet? I found reducing my carb intake caused me constipation rather than Metformin but that medication is known for digestive upset so it may be that your system is reacting in the opposite way most people suffer with it. It will be important to ensure you drink plenty of fluids and walk if you are able and increase your fibre intake. I use a couple of fibre supplements, psyllium husk and chia seeds, which I bung in a glass of water every morning leave for 5 mins, give a good stir and drink down... I actually add a dash or balsamic vinegar, a dash of Apple Cider Vinegar and a splash of diet cola to make it taste nice.... but I am just weird! This is the equivalent of Fibogel which is often prescribed to older people to keep their bowels moving and regular. It isn't a laxative as such, it just provides a bulk of soluble fibre to travel through your gut and gently push everything through with it.
You could try Fibogel as that comes in flavoured sachets but I am not sure if it has any sugar added with the flavouring.

 

[Teaforme]

I have had this problem too. This is probably too much information, but since starting on the metformin, I have been alternating between liquid and urgent stools (which is a commonly reported side effect) and constipation.
I think I have a reasonable amount of fibre in my diet from fruit, veg, salad and pulses. I haven't quite got the constipation under control, but I try to remember to drink plenty of water, and if I have gone more than 2 days without a bowel movement, I will take a slow release laxative before bed. I got advice on laxatives from the pharmacist.

 

[Grldtnr]

Yes, I get funny guts too, this week I went camping and forgot my meds, mindfull of this I have eaten as little of carbs as possible, I was cycling over 4 days, so it wasn't much of a problem from the BG levels point of view, but Tues evening I had a bowel embarrasment and needed the lav urgently.
It Sunday night and I have had 3 good poo's today, maybe all the fibre I've been eating this week has finally worked it's way through, but at times I tend to have a small one in the morning then ok the rest of the day.
This week I hadn't, 3: days before I passed anything.
I believe it's the Metformin , is on a low dose of 1000 mg ,1 tab twice a day, 2 yrs on my Diabectic journey.
Of course everyone is different, but this week has been unusual for me , maybe because I took a break from my meds ,I can't say

 

[Drummer]

I think after the excitement Metformin evokes that it takes time for things to get back to normal. It was just before Christmas when I stopped taking the tablets and almost a week went by before any sort of normality was restored.