Stop taking Metformin

[Grldtnr]

I am pretty certain Metformin is causing my problems with stomache upsets,cramps constipation, bloated feeling ,flatulance, a general feeling of unwellness, a severe loss of appertite,.
I should try to discuss things at the surgery, but things as we all know are hard at the moment for trivial things.
Should I just stop taking it for a while and see if things improve? Having knowledge I am diabetic, I can try to control it by diet & exercise, I was diagnosed as T2 , initially with hb1ac of 107 , bought down to 56 within 6 months, I don't think my weight is problem ,I am about 12 stone for someone who is 6ft 2 tall, since up to a few years ago I was overweight, but lost a lot due to diabetes.
I know some do have problems with Metformin, I am on the slow release stuff, but at the moment my general well-being is getting me down a bit.

 

[Docb]

Personally, I would not see the side effects of metformin as trivial and so I would get in touch with the surgery first thing Monday and tell somebody what is going on because I am a believer in working with the professionals. If all you get is a receptionist, then maybe ask them to tell the GP that you are going to stop taking it because of the problems you are having but would like a call back to make sure that is a sensible thing to do. That should cover all bases.

 

[Ljc]

I must say I agree with @Docb about the effects of Metformin are having on you not being trivial. Please contact your Gp as their is a slow release Metformin that might suite you better, imo a telephone conversation is all that will be needed.
You could also discuss trying without meds for a while to see if you can now control it by lifestyle changes.

Your symptoms sound quite unpleasant, here is what I would do in your place As it’s a bank holiday weekend and Metfartin takes a while to leave your system , just till you’re able to get a telephone appointment, I would stop or reduce the Metformin and if you haven’t already done so , reduce your carbs .
Are you able to test your BGs?

 

[Becka]

I should try to discuss things at the surgery, but things as we all know are hard at the moment for trivial things.

How things are at the moment is that there is a risk of an increased burden in the future due to people not seeking help when they need it. The message from every level of the N.H.S. is not to wait but to access services when required, albeit by phone or online services wherever possible.

You are most likely correct about Metformin causing your problems, but one of the reason to discuss it with a G.P. is they will be aware of your medical history as it could be a sign of some other problem. But they can also prescribe an alternative medication.

There will normally be a period of a few weeks for a new medication builds up in your system whilst Metformin leaves it quickly. So even changing on the same day will see your levels increase for a short while. Therefore you want to speak to a doctor, otherwise you are just prolonging that period of higher levels unnecessarily.

 

[trophywench]

@Ljc - the OP is already using SR - so Docb's suggestion of what to say when ringing is a good one.

@Grldtnr - do you already have a BG meter to use in order to assess what various different foods and what amounts of them your body can currently cope with? as detailed in

Test, Review, Adjust

Managing blood glucose levels for type 2 diabetes. Learning how to achieve long term control by testing and diet.

loraldiabetes.blogspot.com

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear Metfartin seems to be causing you ongoing gastric upheaval @Grldtnr - sounds very draining

Hopefully you can get yourself a telephone appointment next week to discuss things.

In the meantime using a BG meter to find out how your BG is responding to different foods is a useful long-term strategy whether you end up needing a replacement med or not.

 

[Drummer]

When I stopped taking the tablets as I was just so ill and miserable on them, I was able to do more exercise, be more active in general, sleep and eat better too. I got a tester and found that I really did not need tablets in the first place. Now approaching 4 years free of them.