Metformin is a common prescription oral medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for type 2 diabetes. Metformin works by improving how your body uses insulin, which can lead to lower blood sugar levels.
Healthcare professionals may also prescribe metformin off label for certain conditions, including:
- prediabetes
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- gestational diabetes
- antipsychotic-induced weight gain
Metformin has been marketed in the United States under various brand names, such as:
- Glucophage
- Riomet
- Glumetza
- Fortamet
Metformin is available as a generic medication and comes in immediate and extended-release formulations. Doctors may prescribe metformin to be used alone, or it can be combined with certain other medications to treat type 2 diabetes when needed for better blood sugar management.
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What happens to your body when you stop taking metformin?
Before stopping metformin, it’s important to talk with your doctor or healthcare professional to understand the potential effects of not taking it, or stopping too abruptly.
If you suddenly stop taking metformin, your body will no longer be provided with the blood sugar benefits of this drug. If you don’t have another treatment lined up to replace it, stopping metformin too quickly may lead to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) levels.
Signs of high blood sugar levels may include:
- headaches
- fatigue or weakness
- dry mouth
- increased thirst or hunger
- frequent urination
- blurred vision
- unexplained weight loss
Symptoms may vary in severity. The effects may also depend on how else you manage your blood sugar besides taking metformin.
Are there effects if you stop taking metformin for PCOS?
Doctors may sometimes prescribe metformin for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Some common symptoms of PCOS include increased insulin and higher blood sugar levels. Metformin may help lower these levels.
According to a small study of people who stopped taking metformin, the effects of stopping included:
- weight gain
- reduced menstrual frequency
- minor hormone changes
If you take metformin for PCOS and want to stop taking it, be sure to talk with your doctor or healthcare professional first. They can go over other drug options that may work for you.
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How to stop taking metformin safely
It’s important that you talk with your doctor or healthcare professional before you stop taking metformin.
Because metformin affects how your body regulates blood sugar, stopping metformin can cause your blood sugar levels to go up. You may notice this effect as soon as the next day after you stop taking metformin. Unmanaged blood sugar can cause some symptoms in the short term, such as headaches, fatigue, increased thirst, and blurred vision.
If your blood sugar remains too high, it can damage the nerves and blood vessels throughout your body over time. Because of this damage, unmanaged type 2 diabetes can lead to serious long-term complications, such as:
- kidney disease
- vision loss
- nerve and blood vessel damage
- an increased risk of heart attack and stroke
If you need to stop metformin, your doctor can work with you to create a safe treatment plan. This will usually involve switching from metformin to a different medication. Or your doctor may advise you on how to monitor your blood sugar if you’re no longer taking metformin. It’s important to develop a treatment plan and work with your doctor if you plan to stop metformin.
Alternatives to metformin
If metformin causes side effects or doesn’t work well for you, there are other drugs your doctor may prescribe. Depending on what metformin is prescribed for, some common alternative medications include the following:
- For type 2 diabetes: A group of drugs known as sulfonylureas can help stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, helping lower blood sugar levels.Examples of these drugs include:
- glipizide (Glucotrol)
- glyburide (Glynase)
- glimepiride (Amaryl)
- For PCOS: Birth control pills regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels in people with PCOS. Common types of birth control pills prescribed for PCOS include drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Yasmin, Yaz).
- For gestational diabetes:Insulin is the standard treatment for managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy when diet and exercise aren’t enough. Insulin has a long history of safe and effective use.
- For the prevention or delay of type 2 diabetes in high risk individuals: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the intestine, which may help manage blood sugar levels after meals. Examples include:
- acarbose (Precose)
- miglitol (Glyset)
As with any drug, it’s advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before starting or changing a dose. They may assess your medical history, consider potential drug interactions, and provide personalized recommendations based on your needs.
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Summary
If you stop taking metformin, you’ll no longer be getting the blood sugar benefits of this drug. If you don’t have another treatment lined up to replace metformin, or if you stop taking metformin too suddenly, it could cause your blood sugar levels to increase.
Short-term symptoms of high blood sugar can include headaches, fatigue, increased thirst and frequency of urination, and blurred vision.
The long-term consequences of unmanaged blood sugar that remains too high over time can lead to serious complications. These include kidney disease, vision loss, nerve and blood vessel damage, as well as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
As with any drug, be sure to speak with a healthcare professional before starting or changing your dosage. They can help you develop a treatment plan that works well for you.
