Metformin and Nausea: What Users Say

• Coo...
• March 15, 2015

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "Life changing! 500 mg 1x/day, and low-carb diet (7+/- servings a day and when I started, I was 375 lbs). Very compliant, 60 lb loss in 60 days, added daily hour of cardio (Zumba), continued and in 24 months lost 150 lbs. ALL side effects of metformin are indicators that you're eating too many carbs. A doctor that prescribes metformin that doesn't also prescribe a low-carb diet is being absurd. I've been amazed at how many people I've talked to over the years that have had that happen. Diarrhea, nausea, metallic taste, all mean you're eating the wrong things! They're not a reason to quit the meds. They're proof you need to eat low carb. 7 years later, still down 100, and increasing dose to continue losing."

• Sid...
• January 21, 2020

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Guys, don’t give up. I took Metformin 4 and a half years ago for my PCOS as I was trying to conceive. I did one round of Clomid and fell pregnant but had an ectopic pregnancy and had my right side tube removed. Then a year later we went for an IVF round and that was unsuccessful. I gave myself some time to recover from the heartache. My doctor recommended me to take Metformin to regulate my period. I started with 3 tablets a day, 1500mg. I experienced nausea for the first 2-3 weeks. I did lose a few pounds but was never overweight (BMI 24). I started taking the tablets in January and my period started to regulate after two months. My husband and I had an appointment for a second round of IVF on June 15, and I decided to do a pregnancy test in June 2015 as I was feeling very tired. To my surprise, it came out positive. I took Metformin for 5 months to give me a miracle baby after one test tube baby. My baby was born on time and healthy. He is turning 4 years old next month."

• Vrh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2021

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "I’ve been on this medication for a short period of time. I’m taking 1000 mg of IR per day, and so far none of those scary side effects many people have mentioned. I’ve had mild stomach cramps and nausea that lasts maybe 10 minutes a day. Definitely a reduction in appetite, however. I also am having fewer mood swings, thank goodness. I’m really hoping this will help with weight loss! I will update this review in a month or two."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2014

Glucophage (metformin) for Insulin Resistance Syndrome "So far, I have been on Glucophage for 2 1/2 weeks for Insulin Resistance due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I had a little nausea and diarrhea the first two days. By day three or four, I had no more negative side effects. It worked very quickly, I quickly began to lose weight and started menstruating again. My skin also began to clear up within the first week. Glucophage helps so many of the terrible issues caused by PCOS. I need more time to better evaluate the medicine, but so far it is like a miracle. If it is taken with food, the side effects are negligible."

• lee...
• May 8, 2009

Glucophage XR (metformin) for Type 2 Diabetes "I started Glucophage XR on February 20. I cannot believe how much better I feel. Before Glucophage, I spent every waking minute thinking about what I would eat next. For the last 5 years, I stayed under 1000 calories a day, and my readings were 175 or 83. I was up and down like a yo-yo all day and night. I gained weight constantly. I weighed in at 196 lbs on Feb 20. Now, 2 months later on Glucophage, I have lost 29 lbs, and I eat like a normal person. I cannot believe the difference. The first week on it, I had some nausea, but it went away, and I now have no side effects. I keep thinking this is a fluke, a pill cannot make that much of a difference. I feel better than I have in 20 years. I now have energy because I am eating enough, and my readings are amazing."

• Anonymous
• October 12, 2012

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm a 62-year-old male. Some years back, I was experiencing a very dry mouth and frequent urination. I had my blood sugar level measured, and it was at 350, so I was prescribed Metformin. The Metformin brought my sugar level down to about 150 but gave me a very bad upset stomach. The nausea wasn't temporary for me. It didn't clear up even after taking the Metformin for weeks. However, I did find a solution to the problem. I switched from the regular fast-acting Metformin to the extended-release Metformin XR. The difference was like night and day. I have had no nausea at all using the Metformin XR. If you're having stomach problems using regular Metformin, I suggest trying the extended-release version. I now take 2000 mg of Metformin XR daily."

• Aco...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2020

For Female Infertility "I am currently on Metformin. My husband and I have been trying for three years to no avail. So far, I am having all the pregnancy symptoms and do not want to get my hopes up as it's been a roller-coaster ride for both of us. I have nausea, heartburn, sore/tender breasts (only the left one), and other symptoms. I am not due for a period for another week, but my last one was longer and lighter. Hopefully, I can get a positive, but at this time, I am thinking it is the Metformin side effects. Wish me luck!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2024

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I appear to be in the minority, but I have had no negative side effects on Metformin and have nothing but good things to say about it. This cured the awful physical effects I was experiencing due to insulin resistance and prediabetes (blurred vision, high heart rate, brain fog, constant hunger, and cravings) and has allowed me to finally exert some control over my body. I experience no nausea or changes in stool. It has been a magic pill for me. Helped me lose a significant amount of weight, and my mental health is better than it has been in years. Finally, I feel like myself again. Like a magic pill for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2012

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with PCOS about 2 weeks ago. My OB put me on Metformin. When I first started taking it, the nausea was bothersome, but a couple of days in, it was gone. I have been taking this for 10 days now and have lost 7 lbs! I am now taking 1000mg a day and have no negative side effects."

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was prescribed metformin twice. The first time was for pre-diabetes and also to help lose weight. I didn't follow through with it because of the smell of your urine the medicine makes you have (maybe it's just me). Anyway, the second time, I was older and diagnosed with PCOS because I had been TTC (trying to conceive) for years. My doctor advised me to lose weight to better my chances. It was a rough start with the loose stools and nausea, but once your body gets used to it, you will see! In 2 months, I lost 20 pounds. I thought my scale was broken, but I noticed that clothes I was about to give to Goodwill started to fit! Anyway, whatever your reason, hang in there. It definitely works wonders for your health. I'll let you decide."

• Anonymous
• February 6, 2012

Glucophage (metformin) for Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking this medicine for a month today. I have seen a significant and favorable drop in my blood sugar. However, I've never felt sicker in my entire life. Every day since starting this, I've been nauseous, even to the point of vomiting. I find that I now have motion sickness and since I take public transport, I sometimes have to get off the bus to vomit. I always have diarrhea. I sometimes have fever symptoms, chills along with a feeling of being very cold, and terrible headaches. I've also become quite anxious, restless, and moody, which may be a side effect of these side effects. I've lost 12 lbs and I find myself eating less, which is awesome but I'm ALWAYS nauseous, which is why I have no appetite."

• Anonymous
• February 6, 2012

Glucophage (metformin) for Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking this medicine for a month today. I have seen a significant and favorable drop in my blood sugar. However, I've never felt sicker in my entire life. Every day since starting this, I've been nauseous, even to the point of vomiting. I find that I now have motion sickness and since I take public transport, I sometimes have to get off the bus to vomit. I always have diarrhea. I sometimes have fever symptoms, chills along with a feeling of being very cold, and terrible headaches. I've also become quite anxious, restless, and moody, which may be a side effect of these side effects. I've lost 12 lbs and I find myself eating less, which is awesome but I'm ALWAYS nauseous, which is why I have no appetite."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "This drug can kill you. One of the worst reactions to a medication that I've ever experienced. Last Saturday, I could hardly walk out of a store as the muscle contractions grew worse and the pressure in my chest increased. An ER visit followed and a week later, I am still weak. It did not get out of my system in 24, 48, or 72 hours. Watch this drug closely when you are given it for treatment, especially if you have already had physical symptoms that are similar to some of its side effects. And yes, I had diarrhea, spasms which ran up into my torso, and nausea but I tried working through it all. I could barely lift my arms last Saturday and I was in pain from my feet to the top of my head. There was no comfortable place."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "From the get-go, I had stomach pain, severe nausea, diarrhea, and I was on 500 mg a day. After a month of feeling miserable, I quit taking it. I reversed my diabetes through a ketovore diet and walking. A1C went from 7 to 5.4 in three months."

• Sas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2016

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "I started a daily dose of 1000 mg metformin about 3 weeks ago. I take 500 mg with breakfast and 500 with dinner. I have already noticed more mental clarity and energy, and a few pounds starting to come off. The first 2 weeks, I didn't have any negative symptoms (it was wonderful!!!). But now, as it is becoming more absorbed into my system, I'm having extreme nausea and dizziness. I supplement this with extremely large amounts of water and protein when I feel this way. It seems to help slightly and it eventually passes within an hour or so, but I'm hoping these side effects will pass when my body becomes truly adjusted. Aside from that, I'm very grateful for the positive effects of metformin!!"

• LMM...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 19, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am a 53-year-old female, have Type 2 diabetes. I was on metformin for 4 years with good control, then developed stomach problems (24/7 nausea). I have a new endocrinologist, and he recommended metformin ER. After two days, I no longer experience the stomach upset. Overall, I am very happy with the medication."

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Metformin was recently added to my Type 2 diabetes meds. I take 2000 mg a day in divided doses with each meal. It's rough on the stomach for sure. I'm 62. Seems to keep my sugar levels well controlled, and it helps you lose weight. Get some Zofran from your doctor to help with the nausea. Will update my experience in a few months. God bless."

• Anonymous
• March 28, 2012

Glucophage (metformin) for Type 2 Diabetes "I had diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and muscle pain. It did not control my blood sugar either. I never want to feel like that again. But, on the other hand, my husband is able to take it with no side effects, and it keeps his blood sugar between 90 and 130."

• Lu7...
• October 2, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Metformin works!! After 2 months of taking 500mg a day, I had regular periods. After 6 months of taking 500mg a day, I'm now pregnant. Also, in 5 months, I lost 3 and a 1/2 stone by doing absolutely nothing different except metformin. It reduced PMS symptoms. Yes, sometimes it made me feel queasy, but that was only when I had an empty stomach. My advice to you is to keep going, stop worrying about it, and give it a chance. If you think too much into problems, it usually only makes them worse. Good luck, ladies xx"

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2016

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "I started metformin on April 28, 2016. The first two weeks, I was taking 1000 mg each morning after breakfast. My doctor then added an additional 1000 mg each morning in the third week. I experienced very mild nausea and stomach upset. Going into the fifth week, I started having this weird thing happen... As I took steps in walking, I would get this quick catch pain on the inside of my upper thigh to the right of my pubic area where the leg connects... and I would be afraid to take long strides. I did lose 9 pounds in thirty days. I'm not craving too many sweets as my appetite has diminished."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2014

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been taking 1000 mg Metformin ER once per day for 3 weeks now. I experienced barely any side effects apart from a little nausea for 2 days, but nothing more after that (for anyone experiencing nausea, my gyno really emphasized taking it with a meal to stop you from feeling that way). I feel great while taking it and have lost 4.5 kilos already (with moderate exercise). I haven't had a period in 104 days, but I have been feeling some cramps the last few days, so hopefully, the Metformin will begin to regulate my crazy cycles."

• geo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 5, 2017

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I got my first period when I was 11 and was regular up until I was 14, and then they stopped. Fast forward to 2015, and I hadn't had a period at all for 5 years. I decided to finally do something about it, I was actually enjoying the lack of periods, to be honest! I had some tests done, and the diagnosis of PCOS was confirmed. My doctor put me on metformin 500 mg twice a day, and I hated it. I was so nauseous for the first two weeks, frequent diarrhea, and lots of dizziness, but it all passed. After that, I began to have more energy, and my period came back. It makes you feel really gross at first, but if you can survive the first few weeks, you'll be all good!"

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2021

For Female Infertility "I am 32, have been TTC for nearly three years, and have quite severe PCOS and very high AMH levels. We had one miscarriage in November 2020. I began taking Metformin (1000 mg) in September 2021, and within a couple of weeks, I got my period (in itself an achievement!) and was able to begin taking Clomid to help me ovulate. Fast forward two months, and I am currently 5 weeks pregnant! I will keep taking Metformin for at least another month, and then my doctor will review it with me. My best advice with Metformin is to start slow and build it up. My doctor suggested I start with one 500 mg pill a day for a week and work up to taking two a day. I also like to take Metformin with food or I can get a little nauseous. Good luck to every single PCOS warrior out there!"

• Ren...
• October 6, 2019

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "Been taking the max dose of Metformin for almost two years now, despite being non-diabetic and a young female within a “normal” BMI range. Diagnosed with “prediabetes” by my endo and has never officially crossed the threshold for diabetes since being on Metformin. There’s definitely an adjustment curve when beginning this medication; it’s been a while, but I remember the first few weeks were full of INTENSE cramping, nausea, gas, loose stools, and, strangely enough, back pain. The loose stools don’t really go away, but all the other symptoms have pretty much subsided. Despite its unattractive side effects, it has really helped me stabilize my weight (I was randomly gaining exponentially) and even curbed cravings. Thinking about talking with my doc to lower the dosage, though, because I’ve noticed that it’s starting to make me intolerant to alcohol and certain other medications."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 12, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I’ve been working out and eating right for a long time, and weight would not fall off. When I got on Metformin, I was not only able to lose the weight but maintain it too! It’s done wonders for my insulin resistance, and I’ve had little to no issues with it. I experienced some nausea and hair loss when I initially started it, but I started taking a B-12 a day, and the hair loss went away. The nausea went away over time."