Does any take the slow release metformin?

justcindy59

I take 850 mg of metformin twice a day and it is really hard on me . Some days I don't dare to leave the house. I was wondering if the slow release makes a difference. Thank you.

TelJanin

I've only ever taken the extended release metformin, so I don't have a basis to compare it to. The only 'side effects' I had was during the 'get acclimated' phase. 2000mg in the evening (preferably with dinner, but I often do it late/alone).

hookilau

Me too, have only been on XR Met.

I've been on it for 2 years, 1500mg with dinner every evening.

I didn't have any issues with it, with the exception of having a case of the trots for the first week I started.

I hear the regular version can be tough on people but that the XR formulation is better tolerated.

justcindy59

Thank you both for responding , I am going to ask my Doctor about this slow release one.

Naughty_ZOOT

I have taken both types and now take nothing after starting low carb high fat this year. My Hbaic went from 7.9 (on metformin) to 5.7 (no meds) so far. I took regular short acting for about 8 years with off and on digestive issues. I switched to XR after reading about it on Jenny Ruhl's web site and took it for another 4 years; here is the comparison link:

http://diabetesupdate.blogspot.com/2006/11/metformin-vs-metformin-er.html

Find other articles about metformin, timing, etc.. here:

http://phlaunt.com/diabetes/SearchResults.php?cx=partner-pub-5377800878369820:8518351181&cof=FORID:9&ie=UTF-8&q=metformin+xr&sa=Search&siteurl=www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14045911.php&ref=www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/sp2index.php&ss=2001j563729j12

I was not told by my doctor that you have an easier time building up tolerance on regular metformin by slowly increasing your dose and do not miss meals which can cause diarrhea and gas. I found that out by myself like all the other correct diabetes advice. I tolerated the XR much better but be aware that some generics are not consistent on time releasing. I found this to be true. I would more accurately consider XR a longer-acting version but it certainly didn't work for me for 24 hours when taken as directed by my doctor (2,000 mg at breakfast). I always had high morning numbers so I read another article on Ruhl's site about timing your doses and that helped. Even so I was handed a Victoza Rx last Dec. and got mad. Victoza and Byetta are potential pancreatic cancer causing drugs and I just decided I had had enough of all of this diabetes mess. Feel free to read my profile if you like.

MysteriousMerlin

I've only ever taken the extended release, and there's always a 3 week adjustment period (bad times, bad times!).

As I was attempting to get pregnant, I was taking 4000mg after dinner each night, along with my insulin.

I see my endo next week, so hopefully he'll take me off it and put me on straight insulin, since it was successful!

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Time2LoseWeightNOW

I take 1000 mg ER at night. It was a life saver for me...I tried the reg. Met. 3 different times, with horrible bathroom issues..as you say ,you can't really leave the house. The Ex. Rel. hardly ever gives me trouble...but if you miss a dose, it will be like starting over, with the issues.

mmarshall74

I take 500mg ER AM and PM. The first few weeks were tough... terrible stomach pains. Then it went away. No side effects at all now.... if I go a long time between meals I might get a little heartburn... but not often.

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mmarshall74

tsazani wrote: »

Extended release metformin is usually taken once per day usually with the evening meal.

My doctor suggested I split my dose between AM and PM to reduce GI problems.