Glucophage bloat - does it go away?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2003
Glucophage bloat - does it go away?
5
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 8:17pm
I started 500 mgs 2x a day just a few days ago. By mid morning (after my AM pill dose) my stomach is enormous! I mean HUGE. I read on a health site that the bloating goes away after you've been taking it a while. Is this true? I sure hope so. I can't go around looking like this every day! And I sometimes have that 'drunk' feeling 3-4 hours after eating. Yuck. Someone please tell me it gets better!
Avatar for cl_d_minnick
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 03-12-2004 - 12:51am

Don't worry it does get better after your body has had its usual time to adjust to the medication in which the bloating will go away and you will begin to feel so much better. How ever that drunken feeling does sound like a high blood sugar symptom. Have you checked your blood sugar when you get that feeling to see what it is at? You will be feeling great very soon, but I do remember if also does cause some stomache upset with taking it in which I might be wrong on that one. I heard that from a few people who took it as well. Just know that the bloating will be gone soon, so do not fret over it and you will be looking like you always do without the bloated tummy though.


If there are any other questions you might have do not hesitate to ask them, because we will do our best to get it answered or at least give you a web site that has the answer to your question. Now take care and do let us know how your doing with everything including the medication. Have a wonderful day!

Denise ^..^


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Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 03-12-2004 - 12:43pm

Hi Nougato,


It takes about two weeks for your system to get used to the glucophage. So yes it will get better with time. I must also tell you that you have been started with a doseage higher than recommended. It is recommended that you start on 500 mgm per day and then increase it after the initial two weeks. The lower starting dose doesn't cause as many gastric effects as the higher doseage does.


Believe me I understand what you are going through. I have been on glucophage going on four years and I was so sick when I started it I didn't think I was going to be able to take the medication. But the two week period is the magical date. So hang in there, most people are able to get over the initial side effects and sucessfully take the medication.


Good luck and I hope you are feeling better real soon,

Mary Frances


cl-maryfrances40


Co-Cl Diabetes Board

Avatar for happyscrapper40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 03-12-2004 - 8:21pm
I take Avandamet with the Metformin, the generic form. I didn't have too much trouble with the 500mg. I started with until they increased it to twice a day. I had terrible gut pains when I increased the dosage. It has been about 6 weeks and things are better- not perfect yet. I had problems with diarhea at first and they told me to increase my fiber consumption. I ate quite a bit of fiber to begin with at every meal, but the added did help. My only side effect now is constipation and gas...I am used to going number 2 everyday. Not going as often, the feeling in my gut really bothers me sometimes. The gas I get too-ugh. At least I don't get the diarhea anymore. Right now I have that 'bloated' feeling too- if I eat anything, it seems it is sitting on top of my stomach, not in it! They keep telling me to hang in there a few more weeks, it will get better- I sure hope so! In my job I can't RUN to the bathroom when my body decides it is TIME to empty- but I have to GO anyways b/c it won't wait! I just hope they don't increase the meds. again anytime soon. MH
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2003
Sat, 03-13-2004 - 8:25pm
Wanted to say thanks for your input ladies! It really helped. I'm taking 500 mg at night and it seems to help. Glad to know my stomach won't be bloated forever! I don't need any more inches added to it, that's for sure!
Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 03-15-2004 - 10:03am

Hi,


You need food in your tummy when you take your glucophage and so I am hoping that you are taking it with dinner and not on an empty tummy. The drug is most effective for two hours after you take it.


I hope you are feeling beter real soon and that everything settles down.

Mary Frances


cl-maryfrances40


Co-Cl Diabetes Board