Glucophage extended-release tablets, known simply as Glucophage XR, come in two different doses -- 500 mg or 750 mg. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you based on your regular diet and exercise choices. Too much Glucophage can cause low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, leading to headaches, mood swings, anxiety and fatigue. Glucophage is a brand name; the generic is metformin.
Metformin
Metformin is sold as Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Riomet and Glumetza. Designed to help Type 2 diabetics control glucose and insulin levels by lowering blood sugar and helping the body become more sensitive to insulin, metformin can promote weight loss by stabilizing blood sugar and reducing hunger and food cravings. According to the National Institutes of Health, metformin decreases both the amount of glucose your body can absorb and how much glucose is produced by your liver. Simultaneously, metformin increases your body's response to insulin.
Glucophage XR & Weight Loss
Glucophage XR is generally taken once a day, with your evening meal. By keeping blood sugar and insulin levels stable, you avoid cravings for simple carbs caused by low blood sugar. Metformin aids weight loss because it reduces appetite. Eating fewer calories leads to weight loss. Glucophage XR is designed for Type 2 diabetics; people with Type 1 diabetes should not use it. Some doctors prescribe the drug solely as a weight loss aid for non-diabetics.
Weight Loss
To lose weight you must consume fewer calories than your body needs. When you don't have readily available glucose, your body will break down stored fat to use as energy. To lose 1 lb. of fat every week, you need to eat 500 fewer calories every day. It takes a 3,500-calorie deficit to lose 1 lb. If you can cut 500 calories from your daily diet and burn an additionally 500 calories through physical activity each day, you could lose 2 lb. every week.
Lactic Acidosis
The most serious side effect of using metformin is lactic acidosis, which can be life-threatening. It's very rare; but people who have had a heart attack, part of their intestines removed, severe high blood sugar requiring medical attention, anemia, elevated blood pressure, or kidney and liver disease are at a higher risk for lactic acidosis. When lactic acid builds up in your bloodstream faster than it can be removed, you may experience stomach pain, severe muscle cramping, weakness and shallow breathing. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention.
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