Thank you for guidance. I have tried many things over a reasonable period of time and these are my findings. Reducing dosage of slow release metformin resolved the side effects but at a cost to my blood sugars which at fasting sat typically around 12 against a target of 5. Slowly reintroducing the full dosage helped but from time to time the symptoms return and I have to restart the process. It's a fine balancing act and routines play a part. As a driving test examiner I have a short solo walk from car to office every 57 mins throughout the day and I use this opportunity to clear any build up of gas. Not great for the ozone layer but less antisocial. I have also changed my eating habits to reflect a less meal based approach and more grazing. That also seems to have helped although my weight needs to be closely monitored. I have identified foods which are poorly tolerated, avoiding unnecessary ones and planning consumption of those with health benefits (like onions, nuts etc) so the effects hit when I am alone with my cats (they always look shocked but are always too polite to comment ;-). )I'll continue to post updates in case it helps others in similar situations.
Hi,
How are you? Metformin can indeed cause headache or muscle pain;
weakness; mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and gas. The gas is made up primarily of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and may include methane, that is mixed with nitrogen and oxygen from room air that is inhaled or swallowed. The carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane are produced by bacteria in the large intestine while they digest undigested food that reaches the large intestine. Although these gases are odorless, the bacteria also may produce small amounts of sulfur-containing gases that are foul-smelling. (ref: http://www.medicinenet.com/gas/symptoms.htm) Diet modification and intake of probiotic drinks may help. However, if this side effects are affecting your everyday life and relationship, there is the option of changing the option of changing the medicine or dosage as maintenance medication for diabetes. Talk to your doctor about this for proper management. Take care and do keep us posted.