Metfomin Side Effects

I began taking Metformin medication in fall 2006 for my Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). According to my doctor, Metformin is the main prescription for this illness as well as diabetes. Most people will know Metformin by its more popular label, Glucophage.

Initially, my doctor prescribed 1,500 milligrams per day of this prescription. During the first week, I was to take 500 milligrams, then increase the dosage and additional 500 milligrams during the next two weeks. The reason behind this was that in increasing the dosage I would better be able to handle any side effect caused and it would give my body time to adjust to the medication.

During the first week I did not notice any side effects from the medication, however, as I began to increase the dosage the side effects became apparent to me. First were the feelings of drowsiness that were almost constant. I thought at first this was because I was very busy during this time and was not getting enough sleep. However, it seemed that no matter how much sleep I got or how little I still felt the same degree of drowsiness.

The second thing I noticed was the persistent heartburn that I dealt with every day while taking this medication. The occasional heartburn I had in the past was nothing compared with the heartburn I started experiencing. It was always worse in the morning and not matter how I took my medication it did not stop. I tried taking all three 500 milligram pills at one time then I tried taking them periodically throughout the day. It simply did not make a difference in the heartburn. Soon I began taking heartburn medication and popping Rolaids like they were candy.

I also dealt with some nausea during the first few weeks of taking this medication but over the course of the first month this went away. I never experienced vomiting with the nausea and the nausea was never so bad that it kept me in bed.

According to studies, the most common side effects associated with Metformin are diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, and headache. I have also read information that shows those who experience frequent or occasional heartburn may experience heartburn more often. For me the chronic heartburn was enough to keep me from taking the medicine. Since being taken off Metformin my heartburn is only occasional.

Sources:

My doctor
Information from medication label