Metformin Newbie, side effects question

[Krafty sue]

hi there, Newbie diagnosed. Last week I was given my diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, and given metformin. On day one of taking tablets I had to make a hasty dash for the ladies but since then (now day 4) I have not been able to go to the toilet (very unusual for me). Is this a usual side effect? Backache and a general feeling of lethargy too. Yep I am drinking and oddly still feeling hungry, had some shaky moments too. Other than that I feel fine, trying to keep smiling.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

On day one of taking tablets I had to make a hasty dash for the ladies but since then (now day 4) I have not been able to go to the toilet (very unusual for me). Is this a usual side effect?

Yes, those sorts of things are known side effects. (It's worth at least skimming the leaflet in the box. While they'll include rare side effects, in this case metformin does cause some disruption to digestion in most people.) Usually that settles down after a while, especially if you're careful to take it with food. There are slow release variants which might be worth asking about. It's also possible that metformin doesn't work for you, so certainly don't worry about mentioning any problems you have to your GP.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I believe some members find there are fewer side effects with the slow release version. And also if you limit the amount of carbohydrate you are eating alongside them.

 

[Eddy Edson]

I think that often people find that things settle down after a few days - did for me.

 

[Krafty sue]

The leaflet info did mention diarrhoea, nausea but not unable to go to the loo. Trust me to be different.
A visit to docs today to ask for advice.
Thank you for replies. Helpful already.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

The leaflet info did mention diarrhoea, nausea but not unable to go to the loo.

True, I don't remember hearing that as a possible side effect. That might not be directly related: lots of things are changing (your diet, presumably, general level of sugar is going down (one hopes)) and maybe you're inadvertently not eating as much fibre as you were, or maybe it's just a change. (Or maybe this is some less common side effect of metformin.)

But you're right, the usual effect of metformin is extra gas at both ends, which tends to have the opposite effect. (For most of us that subsides.)

 

[Krafty sue]

A trip to the pharmacist and hoping her solution works.... I am smiling and taking this in my stride..... but still I will be glad to talk to diabetes nurse next week.... so many questions about d

 

[Drummer]

The constipation might be as a result of dehydration after the first day.

 

[SueEK]

I had a bit of an upset tummy but strangely also constipation but that is a bit of a norm for me. Now my body is used to the new diet all has settled. I was extremely nauseous but making sure I took the Metformin with the biggest meal cured that. Give it some time.
In the meantime any questions you have just ask as it is all very confusing to begin with x

 

[rebrascora]

@belugalad and myself both struggled with constipation but I believe it was down to the dietary changes (mostly cutting grains from our diet) rather than the metformin. We had a discussion on a thread entitled "Constipation" and found a combination of psyllium husk and chia seeds plus plenty of fluids worked for us.

 

[Eddy Edson]

@belugalad and myself both struggled with constipation but I believe it was down to the dietary changes (mostly cutting grains from our diet) rather than the metformin. We had a discussion on a thread entitled "Constipation" and found a combination of psyllium husk and chia seeds plus plenty of fluids worked for us.

Same kind of thing for me. I switched to seeds from grains, increasing fibre by a lot. It took a surprisingly long time for the old bod to get used to that, but in the end it adapted extremely well.