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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Abdominal Cramps And Nausea After Taking Metformin XR

I m taking Metformin xr for two weeks now and working out at the gym with high intensity sprint and weight training. I have developed a very upset stomach cramps noise and diarrhea. I get hot nauseated and faint. My blood pressure and heart rate drop and I am lying on the floor with my legs up. Do I have lactic acidosis and should I go to the er?
Wed, 6 Feb 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

It is understandable to be concerned. It is possible that the high-intensity exercise is causing increased production of lactic acid since this can occur in some cases.

Diarrhoea can be related to the metformin, though it is more common with the short-acting metformin compared to the long-acting (XR).

Lactic acidosis does not occur as a side effect of metformin in most persons- it occurs in persons with a history of renal failure who use metformin.

If kidney function is normal- it does not occur with metformin.

You may need to be assessed to determine if the metformin is causing diarrhoea and stomach upset. The cause of the heart rate and blood pressure decrease would also need to be found.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
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Suggest Treatment For Severe Abdominal Cramps And Nausea After Taking Metformin XR

Hi, It is understandable to be concerned. It is possible that the high-intensity exercise is causing increased production of lactic acid since this can occur in some cases. Diarrhoea can be related to the metformin, though it is more common with the short-acting metformin compared to the long-acting (XR). Lactic acidosis does not occur as a side effect of metformin in most persons- it occurs in persons with a history of renal failure who use metformin. If kidney function is normal- it does not occur with metformin. You may need to be assessed to determine if the metformin is causing diarrhoea and stomach upset. The cause of the heart rate and blood pressure decrease would also need to be found. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician