Metformin (glucophage) - harsh side effects

Did anyone have side effects on this drug. I am about one week into the prescription and I feel nauseaus all the time. I even vomited today for the first time. Its pretty harsh and debilitating for me during the day. The nausea just makes me feel ill and tired. I can't concentrate and do my work. Has anyone else had such severe side effects? I know its supposed to get better, but I can't imagine so? I don't know how I can stand much more of this medication?

Re: Metformin (glucophage) - harsh side effects

Hi I am taking metformin. Two of the most common side effects are stomach cramps and vomitting. I only had minor stomach cramps.

What dosage are you taking, if you are really in alot of pain you should call your doctor, she may take you off it.

Re: Metformin (glucophage) - harsh side effects

The first 3 weeks I took the drug I had side effects. I'm taking 50mg and it was 1 pill the first week, 2 the next and 3 the next. I had horrible and very embarassing gas (and still do, but not as frequent). I had period like cramping and felt nauseous. By the time I hit week 3 I couldn't sit at my desk at work. So I scaled back to 2 pills a day like the doc said I could if I felt really bad, and then after another week, the side effects basically went away. I found that I felt better If I ate little snack regularly and had OJ with my pill to bring up my blood sugar. Hand in there--it will get better!

Re: Metformin (glucophage) - harsh side effects

How many milligrams are you on? I also had horrible side effects when I first started. It still makes me feel nauseous when I take it but your body will get use to it.
You should start it slowly, like 500 mgs a day then up the dosage when you get use to it.

Re: Metformin (glucophage) - harsh side effects

Re: Metformin (glucophage) - harsh side effects

I had some discomfort and bloating, but nothing too harsh - I was a lucky one.

My RE said some people just can't handle too much Met and can only take one a day.

I find the side effects are less when I "cushion" the pill by taking it in the middle of eating something. Also by staying away from carbs (which is really hard for me).

I'm sorry you are feeling so bad. I hope you feel better!

Re: Metformin (glucophage) - harsh side effects

THanks so much for all your support. It is really hard, because I do know that the possible effects could help me in the long run. my dosage was 750 mg a day for one week and then I began taking 2 pills starting Sunday night. So now I'm up to 1500 mg. I dont think he is going to want me to go up much more than that.
I spoke to my doctor today and he said I could go back to the 750 mg a day. But I don't know if that will help me at all for the PCOS. I should have asked him that when I had him on the phone. Does anyone know if that is enough?

Re: Metformin (glucophage) - harsh side effects

Normally with PCOS your insulin levels are high. With the metformin it will regulate your insulin.

Re: Metformin (glucophage) - harsh side effects

I had the same affects. It eventually does get better. I was supposed to take 3 a day, but I had to build up to that. I started with one a day until I could handle 3.