Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Excessive Sweating And Weakness While On Metformin?
my son is 34. he is diagnosed with Type 2 diabities. Fasting is below 250 and random was below 350. He was given Metformin 500 mg twice a day to take. He is sweating suddenly and feels week. He wants to nap in the middle of the day. His cholestrol was around 200. His BP was sitting 120/76 and while standing 140/90. Other than that everything is fine. He did his blood test 1 week back and he started the medicine 3 days back. He is doing mild exercise. Today he woke up with the sweating and he is weak. I am concerned.
Wed, 31 May 2017
Hello dear. Welcome to HealthCareMagic. Thanks for trusting us. I have understood your questions.
Metformin is an antidiabetic drugs from biguanides class. It's used to treat type 2 diabetes. Yes it's true that many side effects can happen while using metformin. The common side effects are asthenia (muscle weakness), increased sweating, cold sweats, tiredness, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, GI discomfort, sleepiness. The other rare effects are lack of strength, dry mouth, headache, anxiety etc.
I suggest your son to do following:
1. Do exercises routinely to help reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
2. Keep a healthy dietary habit.
3. Drink plenty of water. Avoid stress.
4. Do a regular blood sugar test, you may need to check HbA1c and renal function test. Metformin can't be used in severe kidney disease.
5. Avoid drinking alcohol cause it can cause the risk of lactic acidosis.
6. Metformin is usually consumed right after meals or after 1st mouthful, to prevent nausea effect.
If your symptoms of sweating and weakness persist or get worsen, please contact your treating doctor. Be aware of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) symptoms: dizziness, confusion, headache, hunger, sweating, shakiness.
I hope this can help you to clarify your concerns. I hope your son will get well soon. If you have another question, feel free to discuss it with me in HCM. Take care.
Regards,
dr. Asti Yuliadha
Metformin is an antidiabetic drugs from biguanides class. It's used to treat type 2 diabetes. Yes it's true that many side effects can happen while using metformin. The common side effects are asthenia (muscle weakness), increased sweating, cold sweats, tiredness, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, GI discomfort, sleepiness. The other rare effects are lack of strength, dry mouth, headache, anxiety etc.
I suggest your son to do following:
1. Do exercises routinely to help reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
2. Keep a healthy dietary habit.
3. Drink plenty of water. Avoid stress.
4. Do a regular blood sugar test, you may need to check HbA1c and renal function test. Metformin can't be used in severe kidney disease.
5. Avoid drinking alcohol cause it can cause the risk of lactic acidosis.
6. Metformin is usually consumed right after meals or after 1st mouthful, to prevent nausea effect.
If your symptoms of sweating and weakness persist or get worsen, please contact your treating doctor. Be aware of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) symptoms: dizziness, confusion, headache, hunger, sweating, shakiness.
I hope this can help you to clarify your concerns. I hope your son will get well soon. If you have another question, feel free to discuss it with me in HCM. Take care.
Regards,
dr. Asti Yuliadha
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....