Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Support Group

Polycythemia is a condition in which there is a net increase in the total circulating erythrocyte (red blood cell) mass of the body. Primary polycythemia occurs when excess erythrocytes are produced as a result of a proliferative abnormality of the bone marrow. Secondary polycythemia is caused by increases of erythropoietin that result in an increased production of...

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SweetPea19 12/30/2008

I have been taking Metformin 1500 mgs. (3 times @ 500 mgs ea.) for about 3 weeks now. I started slow taking only 1 pill for 2 days, then upping it to 2 pills for 2 days then finally 3 pills. I was fine until I hit the 3 pills a day...but I've ALWAYS taken it after I have eaten a meal (like directed by my doctor)

Well I was awful for about 3 days after I started taking the 3 pills a day...then I seemed fine, only a few times I was getting upset stomach, YET I have no appetite what so ever and get full extreamly fast only eating a portion of a small meal.

WELL today (and kind of yesterday) I've been so nauseous ALL over again, I haven't taken my lunch time pill yet, and I am SO not hungry and I know I need to eat with it.

Does anyone know if this get's easier on your stomach & with nausea or if this is IT? I know it's suppose to help me, but all it does so far is make me not want food at all. Oh and certain foods that I loved before make me sick...almost like I'm pregnant, yet I don't think I am just yet.

deleted_user 12/30/2008

I just replied to the other post about Metformin. I'm having issues just on the 750mg once a day - been doing that about 1 week and I'm supposed to go up to 1500mg but scared to. I also don't have an appetite- so I've been forcing myself to eat. I've gone 1 night not wanting to run and throw up right after I take the pill - but I feel sick all day long. I'm trying so hard to power through...thanks for posting the question - sorry I can't help - but just want you to know I feel your pain!

deleted_user 12/30/2008

I've heard that you shouldn't eat certain foods while taking it (i.e. carbs). Do you eat alot of carbs?

deleted_user 12/30/2008

I am currently taken the 750 mg extened realease. While on this i have no problems. But when the dr first started me on metformin i was on 1500mg like you an i just couldnt handle it my stomach hurt all the time i had a very matallic taste all the time an i was using the bathroom alot. So they lowered my dose and put me on the xr 750 an now i am fine my af is normal an no side effects..

WhiteDolphin 12/30/2008

I had a very hard time tolerating Metformin. One thing I found helpful was to take the pill in the middle of your meal..not before eating, and not after.
Also, cutting down on sugar and carbs helps the stomach upset as well.
I also took Immodium a lot while on Metformin, otherwise I would have had to stay home from work and be in the bathroom all day.

deleted_user 12/31/2008

It does get easier with time. As your body adjusts. I hope your feeling better soon.

deleted_user 12/31/2008

Well girls I can tell you that it does get easier or at least it did for me. I started out on 1000 mgs for Feb to July and then July I started on 2000 mgs. I actually thought I was going to be living in the restroom for the rest of my life but once I cut down on the carbs, drank alot of water and found out what foods flared it up and what one didn't then I got to a pretty manageable point. I lost 20 lbs on it but I also got pregnant from the Metformin only after being on 2000 mg for 2 months and I got my cycle in Aug and then again in Sep and that has never happened. I stayed on the Metformin for the 1st trimester and by that time I had had it completely because I had morning sickness all day and the things I felt like eating I couldn't because it would flare up my stomach. I SWEAR IT IS ALL WORTH IT EVERY SINGLE TRIP TO THE POTTY. Good luck girls... lots of baby dust to you all.

deleted_user 12/31/2008

I had stomach problems with Metformin. I also took 1500mg three times a day. My Doctor switched me to Glumetza which is a time released form of Metformin and I now only take three pills with dinner, it is so much better. It does cost quite a bit more than the regular Metformin though.

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