metformin. should one stop taking metformin all at once or rather decrease the dosage gradually?

Answer 1

This is a question best answered by your doctor, who would've told you this if he/she was stopping the medication. You should never stop taking prescribed medications on your own without consulting your physician first. If your endocrinologist feels you are under tight enough control to stop, he/she will tell you how to discontinue the medication. And, if you are not under tight control and think the medication is useless, this is even more dangerous, and even more reason to talk to your doctor.

Answer 2

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metformin. should one stop taking metformin all at once or rather decrease the dosage gradually?

Answer 3

metformin is a drug that is built up over time in your system and is not prescribed if not needed. DO NOT stop taking it without first consulting with a doctor.

Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, circulation problems, and decreased sexual ability. Metformin belongs to the class of drugs known as biguanides. It works by helping to restore your body's proper response to the insulin you naturally produce, and by decreasing the amount of sugar that your liver makes and that your stomach/intestines absorb.

How to use Glucophage XR Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using metformin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with the evening meal or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may direct you to take a low dose at first, gradually increasing the dose to lower the chance of side effects such as upset stomach. Your doctor will adjust your dose based on your blood sugar levels to find the best dose for you. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

If you are already taking another anti-diabetic drug (e.g., chlorpropamide), follow your doctor's directions carefully for stopping/continuing the old drug and starting metformin.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (e.g., blood sugar levels are high). It may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

Answer 4

IF... and only if, you are on a healthy diet and exercise routine, plus taking a few supplements that help your glucose absorbtion, you can stop cold turkey any time you are committed to sticking to your routine. If you start back up with the bad habits that begat the diabetes in the first place, you should be very, very careful. I recommend strict blood sugar monitoring at all times during this process. I managed to do just fine for almost two weeks. But, alas, I am a bit less committed than I should be and end up back on the Metformin most of the time. It really does require a lot of exercise and a very low carb diet.

Answer 5

There is no need to taper metformin if you are discontinuing use. It can be safely stopped without any risk of withdrawal symptoms, but why are you stopping? If you have well-controlled diabetes on the medication and you stop, it is likely that the disease will go out of control again.

Answer 6

Depends on why you want to stop it. This should be a question for your doctor. Generally it is not dangerous to stop cold turkey, but you may get a rise in your blood sugar which could be dangerous if you are not under good control. If the dose is low and you have been under good control, then likely there is no concern. Any time you start or stop medications, this should be done with the guidance of your doctor.

Answer 7

Could you have some kidney disorder or another medical condition that you neglected to mention above? Metformin is contraindicated in any condition that may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, including heart failure, kidney disorders, lung disease and liver disease. It IS recommended that metformin be temporarily discontinued before any radiographic procedure involving iodinated contrast (such as a CT scan or angiogram) as contrast may temporarily impair kidney function and indirectly lead to lactic acidosis.

Answer 8

I stopped all at once, it didnt seem to make a difference, but i suggest that you ask your doctor.