Metformin Withdrawal Symptoms to Know

Key Takeaways

Stopping metformin therapy can lead to withdrawal effects such as high blood sugar and weight gain, as well as long-term complications such as kidney problems, nerve damage, and heart disease.
Stopping metformin can cause hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels). Symptoms of hyperglycemia may include headache, increased thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination, blurred vision, and tiredness.
If you miss your metformin dose for several days in a row, your blood sugar levels may become uncontrolled. Frequently missing metformin doses will increase your risk of diabetes-related health complications.

Traditionally, metformin has always been and still is the first go-to medication for people who are newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. However, metformin side effects can cause people to stop taking it.

A 2019 study found that metformin adherence rates were between 67-85%, while other observational studies have discovered adherence rates being as low as 36%. There are many factors causing the discontinuation of metformin or not taking metformin as prescribed. Examples include:

Unable to tolerate the gastrointestinal side effects of metformin, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset
Worsening kidney function, which can increase the risk of a life-threatening complication called lactic acidosis
Healthcare providers may also discontinue metformin when people are able to make lifestyle changes and don’t need metformin to control their blood sugar levels.

Please continue reading to learn about metformin withdrawal.

What is metformin?

Metformin is one of the most popular prescription drugs for Type 2 diabetes. This prescription medication comes in the form of regular tablets, extended-release metformin tablets, and an oral solution.

It is used, along with maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly, to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The effects of metformin are also used off-label to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes.

Is it harmful to stop taking metformin on my own?

Stopping metformin therapy can have the following negative withdrawal effects:

High blood sugar

Metformin reduces blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, a condition with impaired glucose tolerance, increased insulin resistance, and decreased insulin sensitivity.

Withdrawal from metformin can result in high blood sugar unless you start on other diabetes medications. High glucose levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, reduced kidney function, impaired vision, and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage).

Weight gain

Taking metformin causes moderate weight loss, and this drug can help in weight management, even though metformin is not FDA-approved to be used for weight management.

Studies in polycystic ovarian syndrome cases have shown that stopping metformin can result in weight gain. Weight gain is more likely after short-term metformin treatment (one year or less).

Stopping metformin after long-term treatment (2.5 years or more) is more likely to result in stable weight.

Menstrual irregularities

Stopping metformin after long-term treatment can lead to decreased menstrual frequency (number of bleeds per 6 months) and irregular menstrual cycles.

Hormonal changes

Researchers found that discontinuing metformin resulted in a minor increase in androstenedione hormone, a precursor of testosterone and other androgens.

Changes in eating behaviors

Eating behavior deteriorated after stopping the antidiabetic medication metformin with reduced restraint and more uncontrolled eating.

Can metformin make you feel sick?

Metformin can make you feel sick due to side effects such as gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth. These side effects usually go away once your body gets used to the medicine.

It may help to take metformin with food. However, these gastrointestinal side effects do not improve in some instances, leading to poor adherence.

Can stopping metformin make you feel sick?

Stopping metformin can make you feel sick due to hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) and worsen your diabetes. Symptoms of hyperglycemia may include headache, increased thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination, blurred vision, and tiredness.

What happens if I miss my metformin for 3 days?

If you miss your metformin for 3 days, your blood sugar levels may not be controlled. Frequently missing metformin doses will increase your risk of diabetes-related health complications.

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