metformin action

[Guest guest]

Ok, I know that we have discussed this in the past but my brain

didn't retain it. So, here's the question......... when taking

metformin when does it start working after you take it (single dose)

and how long does the effect last for on average? I have gathered

that it does buildup in the body so, I assume you always have some

effect of the drug after you've been on it awhile. But, do you get a

peak action sometime after taking each pill?

I am currently taking it in the evening (low dose of 500) after

dinner. I was originally told by the endo to " take it at night " . To

me this meant it was OK to take it with my night meds before I head

to bed. But, the new Internist says take it with dinner which sounds

more logical considering things I have heard here.

I am just wondering where it would be best to take it (for me) based

on what the drug's typical absorption and action is. I would look it

up but, it seems that I get a better true impression based on the

experiences of the list.

I have noticed a creeping rise in my FBG (now at 119 which is up 10

pts) and so, I am going to ask for an increase in the metformin from

the internist if he'll do it. I think the internist is more detailed

oriented and that he will be more likely to up the dose. If not,

I'll call the endo. I just hate to call her tho, the place is like

an airport it's so busy. They have even switched to terminals in the

waiting room where you check yourself in via touch screen. The place

needs an air traffic controller. LOL.

Thanks for your input!

Dx T2 11/05, Metformin 500mg

toaddoc@...

[Guest guest]

At 03:38 PM 1/5/06, Kressler wrote:

>Ok, I know that we have discussed this in the past but my brain

>didn't retain it. So, here's the question......... when taking

>metformin when does it start working after you take it (single dose)

>and how long does the effect last for on average? I have gathered

>that it does buildup in the body so, I assume you always have some

>effect of the drug after you've been on it awhile. But, do you get a

>peak action sometime after taking each pill?

I've read the extended release, which I use, peaks in about 7 hours. I

take it right before bed in the hopes that it will peak around the time

I'm getting up and dawn effect is taking place. I can't say I've noticed a

change, but then it's been quite awhile since I started metformin. Maybe if

I checked old log books. But also I've added various supplements to my

daily intake so it would be hard to say what did what.

>I am currently taking it in the evening (low dose of 500) after

>dinner. I was originally told by the endo to " take it at night " . To

>me this meant it was OK to take it with my night meds before I head

>to bed. But, the new Internist says take it with dinner which sounds

>more logical considering things I have heard here.

Taking it with a meal is supposed to lessen chances of stomach upset. If

you can tolerate it without a meal then I'd say take it when you want. You

aren't saying if you're taking the extended releas or not. Also, 500 IS a

low dose, as you say, and you may not see much effect from it.

-=sky=-

Type 2 dx'd 9/04/04.

-LC, Metaformin XR, Humalog.

- HTZ, Lipitor, Cozaar,

Topcol, Norvasc, Armour Thyroid.

- B12, Folic Acid, biotin, chromium P,

CoQ10, Omega 3, L-Arginine, D,

& misc. others.