Has Any One Taken Metformin

I took metformin (Glucophage) for about two years, but I had to stop because the side effects were so bad. I have PCOS, which is an ovarian and hormonal problem. The side effect I had the most trouble with was the frequent loose stools. It seemed like every time I ate I had to go to the bathroom. The medication also caused a lot of gas, and it caused me to gain a lot of weight. I don't know why it does that, but I gained up to 240 while I was on it. After I started college, I lost down to 186. But I would never want to be on metformin again. Even though it was supposed to help my PCOS, the only thing I saw was an increase in bowel movements, gas, nausea, and weight gain. I still had the symptoms of irregular menstrual cycles, sometimes going two months without one, sometimes having one two weeks after the last had started.

I hope the medication works better for you than it did for me. I am glad to be off it though.

I was on metformin because I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and doctors prescribe it usually when trying to conceive to help ovulation. I was on it until I got pregnant but no longer take it. My doctor said that some patients take it everyday because they see a difference. I did not have side effects that I remember but I am not sensitive to any drugs really. Remember every single medication has side effects listed and it doesn't mean you will have those reactions. Good Luck with whatever you decide.

Hi M.,
I have been on Metformin since February 2007. My OBGYN gave it to me after i was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) it is supposed to help with the excessive hormones and reduce symptoms from PCOS. So far i have not had any problems at all. The only thing is that right when i wake up i usually have to use the bathroom, im assuming its because i take it at night and it does what it needs to do. i did lose 8 pounds after starting it. I take three pills beofre bedtime and its the extended release. As for any other side effects or drug interactions i have had none. Good luck

I took metformin for ovulation. I also had tummy troubles. It wasn't frequent it was just that when I had to go--I HAD TO GO. LOL. I hope that you have minimum side effects.

Hey M.!

I was prescribed Metformin as a first stage fertility drug (problems ovulating as you mentioned above). I was having a difficult time getting pregnant, so they prescribed this wonder drug to me. 2 months later I was pregnant. I did not experience any side affects other than a reduced appetite. For me, that was a bonus. I will use it again for my next pregnancy as well.

Good luck to you!!

Hi M.,
I was put on Metformin a few years ago when I was in the Army. The doctor said I was borderline diabetic. My side effects were very minimal. I also take medication for thyroid problems, so I really couldn't tell which medication was giving me which side effects. But I will tell you this. It was very hard for my doctor to diagnose me with being borderline diabetic because the symptoms for both issues are so much alike. When I did start taking the Metformin, I did feel a lot better. I watched what I ate and increased my exercising. I didn't try to change too much of my lifestyle because I am one of those people who has to take "baby steps" when making changes. I increased my water intake, ate small snacks throughout the day, and took nice walks after dinner. I stopped drinking the sugary drinks and drank lots of water and green teas. I hate sugarfree stuff, so I just moderated my sugar intake. Not too much of a change, but it helped me to lose 25 pounds. I went back to see the doctor and he took me off the Metformin...after only six months of taking it! I am no longer borderline diabetic. I watch my weight and my food intake. My "little lifestyle changes" are now part of my normal routine.
I do remember feeling blotted all of the time, some dry mouth, extremely dry skin, dehydration, dry brittle hair, and some constipation. I do remember going to the health food store and speaking with one of the nutritionist there. They were able to give me vitamin supplements and oils for my skin. I also found out that there were certain foods that I was eating that increased my side effects. Once I got all of this under control, I got control back of my body.
I'm not sure if any of this will help you out, but atleast it will give you some idea of what you need to do. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

Hi.
I have PCOS and was put on Metformin by my fertility specialist doctor, at the same time he put me on a strict low carb diet (similar to South Beach). I really had no side effects, unless I didn't use the medicine as prescribed. If I took it on an empty stomach I'd get a little queasy, and if I ate a boat-load of carbs I'd feel really stuffed/bloated. I am borderline diabetic, but that gets completely under control if I stick to the low carb diet and take the metformin. I started the metformin and immediately started ovulating and feeling better because my sugar was under control. My biggest problem is sticking to the low carb diet. :)

I have been on Metformin for about 4 years and I have never had any side effects. The doctor prescribed it to me because I have Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome. I was told that I may not be able to have children because I did not ovulate regularly, but I now have a 5 month old son. I have heard other people say that the metformin made them nauseous. I hope it works out for you.

I took metformin for ovulation problems. It upset my stomach TERRIBLY! After I took it, I had to be no more than walking distance from the restroom. I know that it did help my ovulation issues, but it was not fun in the process!