Quote:
Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow
I really have had good experiences with metformin. First, did he give you XR? That cuts down on the diarrhea drastically.
I've been on 500 mg/day for 3 years. At first it made it easier to lose about 20 lbs that I had gained since starting clozapine. Then it helped keep the weight off. My blood sugar came down from borderline to really good. I think my cholesterol came down too but I don't remember that; I just know I'm not on meds for it and I think I was near needing them before metformin.
Over time I lost another 10 lbs, so down 30 from when I started it.
Since I've been sick and eating so many carbs because they are the only thing I can digest safely I've gained 10 lbs back. Hopefully I'll feel well enough to eat normally or find some approximation of normal soon. This carb fest can't continue; I will not gain all that weight back.
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Thanks for sharing your experience, BeyondtheRainbow! So positive!
I'm on the regular, but will keep in mind your feedback about the XR. I had a little diarrhea yesterday, but nothing major. It's likely too soon for me to know. I'll monitor that and any other side effects that seem related to Metformin.
So you do well on just 500 mg? I'm prescribed 1,000 mg. If 500 mg would be sufficient, I'd rather take less. I'll keep that in mind, too.
I've been doing some research on Metformin and read that it is contraindicated for people with certain levels of kidney damage. I checked my recent creatinine levels and they are lower than the ones mentioned, but I nevertheless left a message on my psychiatrist's voicemail about this. I do have elevated creatinine. I may need to call my nephrologist or even ideally perhaps my psychiatrist should if he sees an issue. We'll see. I'm not panicking about it.
I will say that when it comes to psychiatrists prescribing certain meds, some GPs and other doctors can get a bit frustrated, though I know psychiatrists prescribe various meds beyond typical psych ones (i.e. propranolol, Synthroid, Metformin, etc.) I'm a little worried about what my GP's view would be on this. Long story. I know doctors often criticize other doctors. Believe me!