Metformin is the generic name for a medication prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), metformin treats diabetes by controlling the amount of glucose in the blood. It also helps the body to use insulin more effectively, thus reducing the insulin resistance that accompanies type 2 diabetes. The NIH also describes how metformin is available in normal tablet form, and an extended release ("XR," long-acting) form that is usually taken once a day with dinner.
Hyperglycemia Side Effects
Because metformin XR reduces the level of glucose in the blood, there are possible side effects of this medication concerning complications due to low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia. The NIH provides information on the hypoglycemic side effects of metformin. These symptoms include shakiness, dizziness or feeling lightheaded, sweating, nervousness or irritability, headache, weakness, pale skin, hunger and clumsy or jerky movements. The NIH advises asking a doctor what actions to take in response to feeling hypoglycemic. Symptoms of severe hyperglycemia are extreme thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger and blurred vision. The NIH warns that, occasionally, severe psychological symptoms may occur as a result of untreated hypoglycemia. These symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness and seizures.
Lactic Acidosis
Another possible side effect of long-acting metformin is a chemical process in the body called lactic acidosis. Merck Manuals reports that lactic acidosis is a condition where lactic acid increases in the body, causing the blood to become acidic. Drugs.com describes the potential for acidosis occurring in the brand name of metformin XR. Drugs.com warns that lactic acidosis mostly affects diabetic patients who also have problems with kidney function. According to Merck, the symptoms of acidosis, including lactic acidosis, are nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Furthermore, the person experiencing acidosis may breathe faster and deeper as the body tries to counteract acidosis by expelling more carbon dioxide through exhaling.
Other Side Effects
Other side effects of metformin XR may possibly occur. According to the NIH, other side effects include stomach pain, gas, bloating, constipation, headache, sneezing, cough, runny nose, flushing of the skin and muscle pain. Very rare but possibly quite serious side effects of metformin XR are chest pain and developing a rash. The NIH advises that if these two side effects or severe forms of the other side effects occur, medical treatment should be sought.
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