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What Causes Fatigue And Shortness Of Breath While On Metformin?

Posted on Mon, 23 Oct 2017

Question: Due to extreme fatigue and shortness of breathe, a angiogram was done on 9/18 (showing 20% blockage in one vessel). Prior to angio had to stop Metformin. By 9/20 breathing had returned to normal, energy returning. Only thing different - stopping med. Could I have developed allergy?

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please refer to the detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ma'am

After going through the medical details provided by you I understand your concern and I would like to tell you that having a 20% blocked one artery at your age group is not a significant issue and also that cannot cause such extreme symptoms.

Also it's difficult to say that allergy would have been the cause because allergic reaction mostly won't present such a way. However these symptoms can be due to intolerance towards many meds going on concurrently.

I hope this information will answer your query.

Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu partap

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (44 minutes later)

My doctor agrees that 20% blockage can't account for such severe and abrupt onset of sx. You may be correct about an intolerance to Metformin. The dose was increased from 500mg bid to 1000mg bid and several days later the breathing problem and fatigue started. Those same sx stopped just as abruptly after Metformin was held prior to angiogram. My primary doctor ignores my concerns about restarting the Metformin. I have not restarted the med against his orders, even after me telling him my fasting bld sugars are running 83 -112. My pm bld sugars are 88-115. I am trying very hard not to need the Metformin for fear that my breathing and fatigue problem will return and come back worse. I have lost faith in doctors and I don't know what to do next. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello Again

Detailed Answer:
If you don't start metformin there are fair chances that your sugars can rise abruptly which won't be a favourable situation. So instead of not starting it at all start it at 500 mg and wait and watch.

If you feel the symptoms are coming back then you can discuss with your doctor to switch you to some other group of anti diabetics.

Keep your faith in your doctor because without him it will be like sailing without a boat in an ocean.

I wish you good health.

Kind regards
Dr Bhanu partap

Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana