I am prescribed to 2.5 1000mg Metformin per day. However, that doesn't seem to be enough, because my blood sugar had been around 300 lately. I feel like I need to take 4 pills per day to keep it in check. Is that too much, and can you overdose on Metformin?
How much Metformin is too much? Can you overdose on Metformin?
Question posted by mfuston39 on 30 Nov 2012
Last updated on 24 July 2021 by Brian Hartill
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6 Answers
Brian Hartill
24 July 2021
I take two 500mg metformin tablets in the morning and two 500mg Metarformin tablets at night. Also I have to inject 14 units of fast acting insulin in the morning and another 10 units of fast acting insulin at tea time. At bedtime I have to inject 42 units of slow acting insulin. These medications are now finally keeping my blood gloucose in check at almost normal levels. When When my diabetes started my gloucose levels were through the roof and I was drinking ridiculous amounts of liquids and going to the toilet every 45 minutes. The one annoying side effect I have found from metformin is it gives you chronic wind and boarderline incontinance. Thrush can also be a problem. I also suffer from bi-polar, all in all I have to take about 25 different tablets per day. With both conditions they have a tendancy to make me obese as I weigh 17.5 stone. Bi-Polar and diabetes together is not good news. Especially when you are 60 years old, also with coronavirus about.
I have had both coronavirus vaccinations. Other than that I have to also check my blood up to three times per day if I am driving. My eyes are still OK but with glasses.
All my medications are prescribed by my GP, Consultant or the Diabetes Clinic. who are all in regular contact. I would not recommend that anybody changes their meds themselves.
keith2468
2 Dec 2019
MF, you should call your doctor. That is the professional reply a reputable physician is going to give someone in your position.
From reading the FDA approved product monograph here on Drugs.com, the guideline maximum dose for healthy adults is 2500 mg/day for regular metformin and you're at that already. It is 2000 mg/day for the extended release version. Those maximums are reduced if you have other medical issues, for example kidney or liver issues, or if you're on drugs that interact.
This is where the years of medical school come in and knowledge of the details of the specific patient's medical history. Not even the nation's diabetes specialist would prescribe in excess of the 2500 mg per day you're already on without at least going over your medical history and checking your blood test results.
The normal thing to do when the patient reaches the maximum metformin dose is to either add a second medication or switch to a different medication. From what I understand, that is a common progression of T2 diabetes. (I am very curious whether that progression generally happens over years or over decades. I'm hoping decades.)
But maybe, depending on your individual case, your physician might go above the 2500/day based on his judgement, clinical experience, and the details of your case.
Good luck.
Disclaimer: I'm not a medical doctor or any kind of medical professional.
Namii
7 June 2017
I'm 18 yrs old yesterday night i have taken 10-12 metformin tablets 4-5 blood pressure tablets & 9 paracetamol tablets but I'm not a diabitic or a BP patient
Beth Whirry
21 March 2017
My husband was given a prescription if 2000mg of metformin with an A1C of 7.3 blood sugar 150. He took for less then a week and now has huge blisters randomly on his body the worse being around his bottom. Burning skin, we were told by another Dr he was on too strong of a dose. What are the lactic acidosis damage we should be looking for? Been 5 days since stopped taking metformin.
kaismama
30 Nov 2012
The dose of metformin is individualized. But if your blood sugar is floating around 300 you possibly need something else added to it. Having a blood sugar that high is more dangerous to you then any med is going to be. Do you see an endocrinologist for your diabetes?
mfuston39
1 Dec 2012
Thank you all so much for your feedback on this issue, your answers were most helpful. No, I don't have an endocrinologist, only a primary care physician since I'm disabled and on Medicare. The meformin previously kept my glucose levels in check, but I believe something has happened in my body, and I'm no longer making as much insulin naturally that I was even a few months ago. Anyways, thanks again for your feedback, and I will certainly see my doctor soon, as my levels have been reading around 360 lately on a consistent basis :(
Inactive
1 Dec 2012
Yes, might be time to consider going on insulin. My fasting levels were 120 and my doctor is wanting to add 1 dose of insulin at bedtime. Levels at 360 are causing damage to your body. Take care - EJ
kaismama
1 Dec 2012
Medicare would let you see an endo for diabetes. If a gp is following you, what has he told you your blood sugar must stay under, and what kind of diet has he told you to follow?
Inactive
30 Nov 2012
I suggest you contact your Dr. or Pharmacist, do not self medicate as this can happen:
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of metformin may cause lactic acidosis. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.
read more at: https://www.drugs.com/metformin.html
Take care,
maso.-
Inactive
30 Nov 2012
I totally agree with masos answer. My hubby is diabetic & was also on metforim & glyberide, but because his glucose were too high he has had his meds changed by his doctor completely. You need to see your endoctrinologist about this. Do not self medicate...
charbonneau
19 Jan 2018
Silly pat answer. if you are not qualified don’t post. The post “call your doctor”. is simple minded.
keith2468
2 Dec 2019
Yes a metformin overdose can be fatal. Just search the web using metformin overdose.
Related topics
diabetes, type 2, metformin, overdose
Further information
- Metformin uses and safety info
- Metformin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Metformin (detailed)
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