Side Effects of Metformin May Cause Problems With Thinking: Study

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Martha Garcia

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The findings of a new study raises potential concerns about the side effects of meformin, suggesting that the popular diabetes drug may impair brain functions and cause users to experience problems thinking. 

Metformin is a widely used medication for treatment of type 2 diabetes, which is also known under the brand names Glumetza, Riomet, Fortamet and Glucophage. It is also part of several popular combination therapies, including the blockbuster medication Janumet, which combines metformin with the top selling diabetes drug Januvia.

In a report published by the journal Diabetes Care, researchers compiled data from several different studies, including the Primary Research in Memory (PRIME) study; Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study and data from the Barwon region of southeastern Australia.

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Researchers found that participants with diabetes performed worse on cognitive performance than those who did not have diabetes, with individuals taking a metformin drug performing significantly worse.

More than 1,300 patients were evaluated who had Alzheimer’s disease, mildly impaired brain function and no cognitive impairments; along with a subset group which also had type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose intolerance. Patients who suffered a stroke or had neurodegenerative diseases other than Alzheimer’s were not included in the study.

Patients with type 2 diabetes performed poorly on cognitive impairment tests and those who took metformin performed even worse.

Researchers found metformin was associated with a vitamin B12 deficiency, which in turn resulted in impaired cognitive performance. Patients with vitamin B12 levels less than 250 pmol/L had the worst cognitive performance.

Conversely, patients with type 2 diabetes taking metformin, but who also took calcium or vitamin B12 supplements had better cognitive outcomes.

Eileen Moore, PhD, and her team of researchers from the University of Melbourne in Australia used a mini-mental state exam (MMSE) to determine cognitive performance in patients. The average patients age was 73 years old, with approximately 60% being female.

Metformin has been hailed by some as a wonder drug in treating type 2 diabetes, however not with its own set of risks. Prior studies have suggested the drug could increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. It has also been associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Researchers say the data warrants further trials to investigate the association between diabetes, cognitive decline and metformin. They also would like to assess the effects of vitamin B12 and calcium on cognition in the older population who have diabetes and are taking drugs like Glucophage or Glumetza.

Tags: Diabetes, Diabetes Drug, Fortamet, Glucophage, Glumetza, Janumet, Merck, Metformin, Riomet
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81 Comments

Yolanda
My mother, who was 74, recently passed away in October 20121. She had type 2 diabetes for about 30 years. She has been taking Metformin and in the last 3 to 5 years has had a radical decline in her memory to where she would forget to go to the restroom and to even forget to eat. She lived with me and my family so I got to see the decline first hand. She had no one in her family that had dementia/ Alzheimer’s so it was a shock for her to be diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer’s. I recently found out that a close family member has been diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s. He also has been on metformin for several years and I am wondering if the metformin and dementia/ Alzheimer’s are linked.
Doris
I been taking metformin for years and have stomach pain diarrhea headaches nausea protein in urine.talk to my primary about it .she say no concern.keep taking it.all will go away but it never do.i ask for switch to er extended relief but dr.play games and still prescribe same meds. Same problem and its affecting my vision kidney and im always forgetting and being confused.Dr. say im fine but i know better.
Miguel
I have been on Metformin for a long time now, I started having legs, knees pain and I had emotional feelings like panicking with no reason. I mentioned to several Doctors and everyone keep saying it’s not from metformin. Now that I see that I’m not the only one it makes sense now
Martha
Took metformin for many years. Upset stomach, bone aches, etc. complained to doctor. Nothing. I have been taking the recalled metformin, same code/batch. Have bottles. I insisted to doctor to be taken off metformin because I couldn’t leave the house.
kellie
i have taken metforming an i now have kidney injury that i will have for the rest of my life my metforming was recall it back in march 2020 an my dr did not take me off it, i have verifyed it by going to my pharmacy an talking to them an she sayed yes it was but my dr did do anythjing i have been put in the hospital now 2 time because of it an it hav also effected my heart
VIELCA
been on Metformin for over 10 years
Sally
I was put on metformin back in 2014. I was switched to janumet the beginning of 2018. And switched back to metformin just recently. My son-in-law sent me this link. I read everything and all the comments. I have all the same symptoms that others mention. My short term memory is gone. If I need to learn something new at work I have to right it down and fallow it as I’m doing whatever it is I need to do. I have a lot of pain in my feet legs back arms and neck. I have headaches almost every day. And if I didn’t have spell check on my phone there would b a lot of miss spelled words in this comment. I thought I had the onset of early dementia before I read this. Now my mind has been changed considering everything that I have read on other people’s comments and how similar everything that is wrong with me is as everybody else is experiencing.
Patricia
In 2009 I was prescribed metformin for diabetes. At the time I had a glucose readings of over 900. The doctors in the emergency room could not understand how I was able to walk into the er. Remind you, I was visiting my doctor complaining of tiredness and excessive urinating. Systems getting worse, I finally went to the er, where I was giving insulin, dose after dose while being monitored. After being released and told to visit my pcp, I was put on metformin by my doctor. In 2011at some point I was experiencing stomach cramps. Over a short period of time that one day they became unbearable. My husband found me crying and tossing on our bed. He took me to the er. Things went down hill fast from there. After passing out in the waiting room and doctors being unable to determine the cause of my illness. I under went exploratory surgery with no answer to my problem, ther didn’t expect me to live through the night. A last minute decision for dialysis saved my life. Eventually coming off life support all my life numbers returned to those of a living human being. My illness was then diagnosed as Metformin induced keto Acidosis. Now, years later I’m suffering with memory loss, neuropathy and other problems.
Kerry
I would suggest doing a lot of research. I can assure any and all the side affects ARE REAL.
Dawn
My dr said eat a tom of sugar and come in in the morning my glucose was “GOOD ENOUGHT” And put me on metformin. I never had elevated sugar levels never. So got a mew dr. Never had type 2. Found out she was a weightloss dr.
Donna
Cost me my job, that I loved, and quality of life, possible financial ruin
Deoncha
Loss weight , confusion,and loss of interest of life
Diana
I haven’t really found others who share the issues I’ve had since taking Metformin. It gave me awfully debilitating diarrhea, the likes of which I’d never experienced previously. I stopped taking it after a few months, but the side effect remained. I’ve since had to quit coffee and adjust my diet significantly, and I still suffer from painful diarrhea after eating most foods. I doubt there’s a way to prove it, but it really feels like Metformin permanently damaged my gut and gave me irritable bowel syndrome.
daniel
metformin also caused me total confusion
Paula
My male roommate went to his PCP but saw a A.R.N.P. and she said he tested positive for diabetes II and gave him a prescription for Metformin 500 m.g. When he got home he showed me his new prescription for Metformin , I told him I have previously seen lawsuits against that drug and it isn’t worth while , that he should demand another prescription for type II . His blood sugar really wasn’t that high , therefore I feel he should demand/ask for a different drug ex: Glipizide
Larry
I knew something was causing my memory loss and ability to think
Markitta
I HAVE BEEN ON METFORMIN FOR YEARS AND I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO MY DR THAT I FEEL I HAVE LOST CONCENTRATION AND FORGET A LOT OF INFORMATION MY DR HAS NEVER TOLD ME THESE COULD BE POSSIBLE FROM THE MEDICATION. I THOUGHT I WAS LOSING MY MIND I JUST HOPE THAT HE CAN FIND ANOTHER MEDICATION TO PEPLACE THE METFORMIN.
Charles
While on Metformin my kidney shut down
Judith
About a year ago it was determined that I had Type 2 diabetes and was prescribed Metformin. Six months ago I complained to him that I thought I had a yeast infection and couldn’t clear it up. He referred me to Michael Cady, OB/Gyn. After a physical exam he told me I have Lichen/Schleroses and am already showing signs of its “flesh eating” characteristics. It is painful and odiferous. I’ll have it the rest of my life. There is no cure. Constant leg and foot spasms at night are unbearable at times. The confusion and lapses of memory I’ve been chalking up to old age. I have quit taking the Metformin
Delores
I have had several MRI’S done on the brain, my doctor tell me that my brain function is fine but my family has noticed a big change in my memory. I have trouble seeing (blurred vision) daily especially three to four hours after I have waken up in the morning. I have poor coordination has lost my balance so many times. I have severe headaches being nauseated. My joints hurt with foot and leg pain, aching swollen feet daily more so late in the evening. I’m too tied to walk as much as I use to, my legs feel week. I have to pace myself because if not my heart began to rapidly race very fast. I have been feeling dizzy, brain fog, too tried to get out of bed. I have been getting stomach pains, stomach bloating associated with plenty gas until I am so embarrass cause I never know when I am about to pass gas. I have gained so much weight. I am only urinating once daily.
j
where is the sign up for a class action on Metformin? It’s criminal what it’s doing to lives and docs do not track the decline!
WILMA
I HAVE A COUSIN WHO LIVES WITH ME FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS. THE DOCTOR PUT HIM ON METFORMIN AND JANUIVA FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES. HE IS GETTING WORSE WITH HIS THINKING AND IS SO DIZZY HE CAN HARDLEY WALK. WE HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL DOCTORS BUT NO RELIEF. HE IS NO LONGER ABLE TO DRIVE, HANDLE HIS FINANCES OR WORK OUTSIDE. I KNOW NOW WHAT HAS HAPPEN TO HIM. IT IS A SHAME WE ARE GIVEN MEDS. THAT NEARLY KILL US INSTEAD OF HELPING OUR HEALTH.
Teresa
My husband was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2001. The doctor put him on Metformin. He took this medicine for 17 years. In 2016 he was diagnosed with Demtia and the doctor took him off Metformin. After reading an Internet article stating that people taking this drug over 10 years, 50% of them had problems with cognitive thinking. My husband now don’t comprehend names of things, can’t follow instructions, has had a personality change for the past 8 years. He no longer is able to work, drive, or handle finances. He no longer mows the lawn. He continues to degress as time quickly passes. We couldn’t understand why he got this disease when there was no family history of it. This is a shame what this medicine has done to my husband.
Roger
I was put on metformin 6-7 years ago by the VA doctors. My memory started to go and It got so I was unable to think things through. I vertily gave my business away, and have not received payment for over a year. It got so bad, my equilibrium was almost gone. It was very difficult to walk. The VA doctors kept sending me to physical therapy. I decided to see a doctor at the free clinic as physical therapy was doing nothing for me. He told me to stop taking metformin, and the next day I could walk. Still have brain fog problems, but slowly getting better. VA did a MRI on my brain and 3 large white blotches were there. They keep saying it is nothing, but I do not believe them anymore.
Richardo
I have experienced many hardships and believe it is a result of Metformin
Tiffanie
In 2004- 2007 I was put on to the drug Metformin. I had all of the signs and symptoms of Lactose Acidosis , inability to taste , memory deficits , brittle bones, headaches , diarreah , weight loss , pain throughout my body , blurred vision , poor coordination , and low self-esteem. It took several years to get back to some normalcy, and even now I struggle and mask issues of pain and memory deficits. I still have stomach pains and muscle weakness. I have cellulite really bad and it had caused me to have low self esteem. I don’t wear shorts or dresses. Because of the embarrassment from people starring and comments. I still till this day fight with memory loss and I’m only 42 years old. It’s embarrassing when your kids ask something our mother older than you can remember something you can’t. I’ve had MRI’S done I’ve had scans on my brain and the doctors would tell me my brain function is fine and my own family noticed the change.
Diana
My father was on Metformin for years. He started feeling the “fog” others noted, but chalked it up to old age, along with the frequent urination. He developed trouble walking, taking tiny, shuffling steps, almost as if he had Parkinson’s. It got so bad, along with the dizziness he developed, he started to fall. He ended up in the ER where they did a battery of tests, and found he had acidosis. MRI showed brain changes consistent with fluid build up in the ventricles. Altogether they point to the Metformin. I came up with the same conclusion googling his symptoms and test results. They took him off the medication and now he has a shunt in his brain to drain the fluid. If you are on this or ANY other medication, please look at the side-effects closely. Even if it is a 1% chance, someone was in the 1%. Question your doctors. Do your research. Monitor your body and cognitive changes. Keep your family members informed. You are not bothering them. If you are the one on the medication, and your family member observes a change, see your doctor and challenge them. My father seemed to be at one doctor or another monthly. Nobody looked for the differential diagnosis, with his odd gait a tell-tale sign. I’d always ask how did the doctor visit go – no new news. Had they caught it sooner, the outcome may have been better. My father has been robbed of quality years, and now has other issues to deal with because of this medication.
Cassandra
Metformin and taking the medicine.
elaine
Memory lost kidney failure bell palsey headaches shaky problems walking took metformin 1000 mg 4 8 years was place on invokana then janumet/metformin
ShirleyShelley
I was told by a doctor that if it were up to her everybody would be on Metformin who was Diabetic. I also was told that I should only take Metformin only one year, then take some other medication for Diabetes. Thankfully, today my numbers are down, but now I am having complications from yet taking the Metformin.
Charles
In 2013 I had a serious allergy to the drug Metformin. I had all of the signs and symptoms of Lactose Acidosis , inability to taste , memory deficits , brittle bones, headaches , diarreah , weight loss , pain throughout my body , hives, unsteady gait , blurred vision , poor coordination , and low self-esteem. It took several years to get back to some normalcy, and even now I struggle and mask issues of pain and memory deficits. I still have stomach pains and muscle weakness. I talked to Legal Representatives in Texas and their seemed to be no recourse. I am stuck with a Hugh medical bill and continue to struggle with paying bills. I am a Disabled Veteran , and fortunately I have been able to ge
Carolyn
My name is Carolyn my Husband Ron was on metformin and glimepiride for a year I noticed his memory was not right he would repeat his self over and over and ask the same things. When I told the doctor he asked him a few questions and he answered him and the doctor said he was alright. Well to go further Jan 8th of this year my husband ended up going to the hospital in respitory failure and in a diabetic comma for 12 days. They said he had a stroke too. On May 8th he passed away in the nursing home. I have tried to get help somewhere for his death cause I don’t think he had to die he was only 68 years old which he turned on March 7 while he was in the Nursing Home
Bonita
I have been on metformin for 3 years and most of the comments are the stuff I suffer from.I never thought that metformin could be the problem.My blood pressure has been going through the roof.Memory loss extreme foot and leg pain Stomach pains.I can’t believe not one Doctor said it was related to metformin. I will talk with my Dr. about other alternative ways to regulated my blood sugar .I hardly eat as it is now.Always tired and sick.I used to have so much energy before taking this drug and I can’t control my Blood pressure.They need to stop this medicine
Debra
Since I have been taking metformin I do not remember things like it use to. I have a problem even speaking like I lose my train of thought. I also have problems with stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, off balance and shaking. I have never had this before I started taking metformin. My hair is thinning, my skin looks thin and crepe. Not to mention the weight gain. I am 63 years old been on metformin for a year and I feel and walk like I’m 90. Is there any other medication on the market for type 2 diabetes that can be taken that the side effects wont kill you!
C
This drug caused my significant other to almost DIE, lowered his sugar to less than >40, also severe cognitive impairment that cleared when drug was stopped. Where is the class action on this nightmare drug?!
Nedra
A family member has had kidney problems, loss of memory, pain in her stomach. The doctor took the family member off of Metformin.
Lisa
I was on Metformin for 9 years. I had trouble with bowels all that time. I had a lot of other symptoms including staff infection in bladder. Changed doctors and was taken off Metformin. Now all that has gone away. Urine cleared up. Stomach even calmed down. I can’t believe they haven’t done a lawsuit on it yet.
Jamie
Yes I have been a type 2 diabetic for 6 mos now . And so I have been takeing metformin for 6 mos now . And they give me 120 every month . The dr has me on 2 for the morning and 2 for night . And I am loosing weight . I lost 10 pds . I was 154.2 now I’m
Linda
Me and my mother has been taking prescriptions for diabetes. They are bad for our health
Michael
I have been on this terrible drug I can’t remember how long. I wake up in the middle of the night sometimes with 103 fever shaking violently. I’m constantly vomiting. Sometimes three hour after I take it. So I can’t go out to dinner. My joints hurt like there is no tomorrow. I have lost my balance and get hurt. My brain is not right. I did hurt it in an accident but the headaches were never like this. When I go to my next appointment I have a long list all caused by metaformi. Memory is shot have to write everything down. I’m not old. This should not be.Mike.
kendall
Ive been on so many i cant remember, but the one ive had the most started as Metformin/Glyburide, Ive had diarrea so long i cant remember a good stool, My memory is Terrible, i used to Multi Task and Run 3 Garages and 2 Car lots after i got out of the Air Force, Now im lucky to chew bubble gum and Walk at the same time, I can not concentrate, im forgetting how to Spell properly, i can loose my phone and it be in my hand, im only 53 , i gained alot of weight, i went from 158 to over 200, then leveled at about 193 , Finally i got a new doctor about 3 years ago, He said, I cant believe your still on Metformin/Glyburide, im changing it to Metformin and Tradjenta, and you will loose weight, I did, im now down to 167 , But memory is still terrible, constant Upset stomach , ive been on PREVACID for my stomach as long as ive been on Metformin, i remember Juandment, and a few others they tried me on, But mostly for about 18 Years has been always Metformin and they would add others, they even tried a Shot, That didnt go over to well,, Im a Mess, I just survived a Massive Heart attack Dec 3rd and now have Heart Disease,,What is going on, I eat Healthy, i dont eat Red Meat and was a Vegan for awhile until i thought it made my sugar out of control,, I cant seem to get it right,, Please help, I was Fit, i went thru ROTC MARINES Boot Camp and passed, the Enlisted into the AIR FORCE and passed all Physical, Now since taking the Meds Im falling apart,,My advice,,Dont Start taking Medication,, Find and Alternate if you can,, i think for me its To late
SGT MAJOR EARLY
I BEEN TAKEING METFORMIN FOR 15YRS I HAS A LOT PROBLEM
Debra
About two years ago I was put on Metformin. I immediately began having LUQ pain in my stomach. They told me I would get use to it. I didn’t, I got so weak I could not stand, and so confused I could not put a thought together without great effort. I would tell them to take me off it, they would and then I would have to go back on it when another medication would not work. My liver enzyme level became slightly elevated, so did my Lipase… I had a full two week work up at the Cleveland Clinic. I had developed a “fatty liver.” The endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic assured me that if I would go on the extended release formula, two previous hospitals had diagnosed it was the metformin making me sick. But she said that I needed the Metformin, because it reduced the fat in the liver. In three days I was in the hospital with acute pancreatitis… My advice is never take Metformin, it is not worth the risks.
Debra
I think if I had taken Metformin even one more day, I would have died. The problem was, I could not think clear enough to realize that…
Gary
I’ve been on Metformin since Feb. 29th, 2016 and since I’ve been taking the meds with my depression meds, I’m totally screwed up in the head now only added on to my brain damage from 3 years old attacked by a Doberman Pinscher. I’ve been getting headaches and nausea daily as I also forget things said to me 3 minutes ago. I’m totally screwed up and I have lost my balance and almost fell a few times. What can I do and is there anyway for me to prove it’s from these medications….I want to be myself and I can’t on my meds. I’ve even told my Psychiatrist twice already and he’s I assume and hopefully has “”NOTED”” the issue “”CONCERN””. I’m only getting worse and I really need help. if anyone can answer my questions for me. THANKS
Donna
Ive been on metformin for a few years started as 1 a day than 2 just to sta lize my sugar tban a oncologist up it to 4 a day to help me lose weght ..ive been back to my family doctor coz ive been having these spells of confision, whete i kinda just pass out, they dod a cat scan and it was normal, but im still having these bad spells..its scarey..so i stopped tbe pills for a couple days and the spells are easing up..than i rin across this…should i bed worried
Gizzy
Was on 1000mg metformin twice a day for 8 years. Started having kidney problems and diarrhea and forgetting things. Dr decreased me to 500mg twice a day. Still get diarrhea and my mind is always a bit in a fog, but my kidney problems have decreased. I’m going to ask Dr for another alternative for the metformin after reading all these comments
Mary
I have been on metformin for about 14/15 years. I have gained weight, also have had diarrhea to the point I didn’t want to go anywhere because I was afraid of having a accident, foggy mind and now it seems I may have kidney failure . The doctor is still running test. I will not go on dialysis. My husband was on dialysis for 10 years, I know what it does to you. I watched him go 245 lbs down to 135. The last 3 years he was bed fast.
vermona
Took metformin since 2014 memory loss sleep problems severe fatigue. stomach problems.
Oller
I started taking metformin in 2008-2009, I gained 30 pound , I complain constantly about sore aching bones, I was always dizzy and had high pulse rate, weak muscle I could never get my Blood pressure under control, started seeing a cardiologist . LEVEL UNDER CONTROL.
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