Question About Taking Medication

I'm taking 1000MG metformin twice a day. I take the first one after I
get up, and the second one before I go to bed.

Here's my question... is it ok to take the second pill before my last
meal of the day? This would only leave an 8 hour gap between the two
doses. I've tried to keep them 12 hours apart but the dose I take before
I go to bed seems to keep me tossing and turning all night. There have
been a couple of nights where I've skipped the last pill and I slept
much better.

I just wondered how everybody else did their medication and if you
thought it was ok to take the pills 8 hours apart instead of 12...

Thanks,
Lee

> Horror Classics wrote:
> I'm taking 1000MG metformin twice a day. I take the first one after I
> get up, and the second one before I go to bed.
>
> Here's my question... is it ok to take the second pill before my last
> meal of the day? This would only leave an 8 hour gap between the two
> doses. I've tried to keep them 12 hours apart but the dose I take
> before I go to bed seems to keep me tossing and turning all night.
> There have been a couple of nights where I've skipped the last pill
> and I slept much better.
>
> I just wondered how everybody else did their medication and if you
> thought it was ok to take the pills 8 hours apart instead of 12...

I have been told, by doctors and such, that Metformin should be taken
"with the first bite" of a meal, and as it relates to your question
that would mean breakfast and dinner. They have stressed that taking
it with a meal is critical. I try to adhere to that, but don't beat
myself up if I take it after or sooner.

I'm back on that same dosage, btw.

I dont take it anymore but when I was on normal metformin then glucophage MR
(slow release) I was told to take it with meals - it helps lessen side
effects by taking it with food too (or so I was told)!

On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:22:12 -0400, Horror Classics wrote:

> I'm taking 1000MG metformin twice a day. I take the first one after I
> get up, and the second one before I go to bed.
>
> Here's my question... is it ok to take the second pill before my last
> meal of the day? This would only leave an 8 hour gap between the two
> doses. I've tried to keep them 12 hours apart but the dose I take before
> I go to bed seems to keep me tossing and turning all night. There have
> been a couple of nights where I've skipped the last pill and I slept
> much better.
>
> I just wondered how everybody else did their medication and if you
> thought it was ok to take the pills 8 hours apart instead of 12...
>
> Thanks,
> Lee

As I understand, the timing is not critical - the advise about taking it
with meals is to reduce upset. I'm on Metformin ER 4x500 - I've found what
works best for me is: one when I get up - before breakfast; one before
dinner; one at bedtime; one at about 3:30 am (I usually wake up about then
and go back to sleep). This has helped reduce 'dawn phenomenon' for me.

> ray wrote:
> As I understand, the timing is not critical - the advise about taking
> it with meals is to reduce upset. I'm on Metformin ER 4x500 - I've
> found what works best for me is: one when I get up - before
> breakfast; one before dinner; one at bedtime; one at about 3:30 am (I
> usually wake up about then and go back to sleep). This has helped
> reduce 'dawn phenomenon' for me.

Doesn't that defeat the purpose of extended release?

What is "dawn phenomenon"?

"TheDave" <no@no.com> wrote in message
news:qLaTh.433560$Ju2.155246@newsfe16.lga...
>> ray wrote:
>> As I understand, the timing is not critical - the advise about taking
>> it with meals is to reduce upset. I'm on Metformin ER 4x500 - I've
>> found what works best for me is: one when I get up - before
>> breakfast; one before dinner; one at bedtime; one at about 3:30 am (I
>> usually wake up about then and go back to sleep). This has helped
>> reduce 'dawn phenomenon' for me.
>
> Doesn't that defeat the purpose of extended release?
>
> What is "dawn phenomenon"?

Taken from the ADA web site it says this.

dawn phenomenon (feh-NAH-meh-nun)
the early-morning (4 a.m. to 8 a.m.) rise in blood glucose level.

HTH

i take my Avandamet (avandia and metformin) with
meals......... the pharmacy specifically labels
the bottle "take with meals"

i see no harm in taking them with meals..... i
think it is better :-)

kate
--
Join us in the Diabetic-Talk Chatroom on UnderNet
/server irc.undernet.org --- /join #Diabetic-Talk
More info: http://www.diabetic-talk.org/
http://www.diabetic-talk.org/freeveggies.htm
I have no medical qualifications beyond my own
experience.
Choose your advisers carefully, because experience
can be
an expensive teacher.

"Horror Classics" <HorrorClassics@webtv.net> wrote
in message
news:24533-461D2754-861@storefull-3254.bay.webtv.net...
> I'm taking 1000MG metformin twice a day. I take
the first one after I
> get up, and the second one before I go to bed.
>
> Here's my question... is it ok to take the
second pill before my last
> meal of the day? This would only leave an 8 hour
gap between the two
> doses. I've tried to keep them 12 hours apart
but the dose I take before
> I go to bed seems to keep me tossing and turning
all night. There have
> been a couple of nights where I've skipped the
last pill and I slept
> much better.
>
> I just wondered how everybody else did their
medication and if you
> thought it was ok to take the pills 8 hours
apart instead of 12...
>
> Thanks,
> Lee
>

i take it 12 hours apart

the reason they say to take it with food is that it causes stomach upset
in some.

In alt.support.diabetes on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:22:12 -0400 in Msg.#
<24533-461D2754-861@storefull-3254.bay.webtv.net>, HorrorClassics@webtv.net
(Horror Classics) wrote:

> I'm taking 1000MG metformin twice a day. I take the first one after I
> get up, and the second one before I go to bed.
>
> Here's my question... is it ok to take the second pill before my last
> meal of the day? This would only leave an 8 hour gap between the two
> doses. I've tried to keep them 12 hours apart but the dose I take before
> I go to bed seems to keep me tossing and turning all night. There have
> been a couple of nights where I've skipped the last pill and I slept
> much better.
>
> I just wondered how everybody else did their medication and if you
> thought it was ok to take the pills 8 hours apart instead of 12...

As long as mine are 8 hours apart I don't worry about it. But, it is my personal
habit to take it on a full or partially full stomach - not on an empty one.

--
DonnaB

"As nations improve, so do their gods." - Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, German
physicist and drama critic (1742-1799)

Lee have you asked your doctor about metformin ER. I take that after my
dinner and I dont have any problems like you are experiencing.

Maybe it is affecting you because you are taking them on an empty
stomach.

Loretta

On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:22:12 -0400, HorrorClassics@webtv.net
(Horror Classics) wrote:

>I'm taking 1000MG metformin twice a day. I take the first one after I
>get up, and the second one before I go to bed.
>
>Here's my question... is it ok to take the second pill before my last
>meal of the day? This would only leave an 8 hour gap between the two
>doses. I've tried to keep them 12 hours apart but the dose I take before
>I go to bed seems to keep me tossing and turning all night. There have
>been a couple of nights where I've skipped the last pill and I slept
>much better.
>
>I just wondered how everybody else did their medication and if you
>thought it was ok to take the pills 8 hours apart instead of 12...
>
>Thanks,
>Lee

When I discussed this with my doc he gave the impression
that the timing was unimportant provided that I wasn't
having GI problems. If I did, then he suggested I take it
with meals. I didn't, so I experimented with times to see if
it affected results.

I appeared to have best results through the day, and for
dawn effect, by taking 500mg at breakfast and 1x500mg with
dinner. As I've only just added a third pill at dinnertime,
I may try changing it to bedtime to see if that helps the
dawn effect.

Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1500mg, ezetrol 10mg
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
--
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Athens and The Adriatic

On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:34:46 GMT, TheDave <no@no.com> wrote:

>> ray wrote:
>> As I understand, the timing is not critical - the advise about taking
>> it with meals is to reduce upset. I'm on Metformin ER 4x500 - I've
>> found what works best for me is: one when I get up - before
>> breakfast; one before dinner; one at bedtime; one at about 3:30 am (I
>> usually wake up about then and go back to sleep). This has helped
>> reduce 'dawn phenomenon' for me.
>
>Doesn't that defeat the purpose of extended release?
>
>What is "dawn phenomenon"?

Read here:
http://www.diabetic-talk.org/dp.htm

and here (scroll down to it):
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/diabetes/faq/part2/

Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1500mg, ezetrol 10mg
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
--
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Athens and The Adriatic

On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:34:46 +0000, TheDave© wrote:

>> ray wrote:
>> As I understand, the timing is not critical - the advise about taking
>> it with meals is to reduce upset. I'm on Metformin ER 4x500 - I've
>> found what works best for me is: one when I get up - before
>> breakfast; one before dinner; one at bedtime; one at about 3:30 am (I
>> usually wake up about then and go back to sleep). This has helped
>> reduce 'dawn phenomenon' for me.
>
> Doesn't that defeat the purpose of extended release?

No. As I understand (I've read this various places, but I don't have a
quote) metformin ER reaches maximum potency in you body after about seven
hours. It probably helps to even it out somewhat more than taking all of
them at the same time.

>
> What is "dawn phenomenon"?

Elevation of BG levels in the early morning hours. I had found previously
that my numbers were higher in the morning than when I went to bed - that
was without any evening snacks. By spreading the dose out like this, that
effect is gone - I am now usually a few points lower in the morning.

"Horror Classics" <HorrorClassics@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:24533-461D2754-861@storefull-3254.bay.webtv.net...
> I'm taking 1000MG metformin twice a day. I take the first one after I
> get up, and the second one before I go to bed.
>
> Here's my question... is it ok to take the second pill before my last
> meal of the day? This would only leave an 8 hour gap between the two
> doses. I've tried to keep them 12 hours apart but the dose I take before
> I go to bed seems to keep me tossing and turning all night. There have
> been a couple of nights where I've skipped the last pill and I slept
> much better.
>
> I just wondered how everybody else did their medication and if you
> thought it was ok to take the pills 8 hours apart instead of 12...

I am confused, do you get up very late and have dinner very early? If you
don't then wouldn't waking time and dinner be roughly 12 hours apart anyway?
Metformin can be rough on the tummy as you have noticed, it makes more sense
to have it with a meal. This was the advice my ex was given when prescribed
Metformin. You can give your doc a quick call and ask if that would be
suitable for you considering the discomfort?

"Diana" <diana.is.saved.by.grace@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:461d4644$0$5731$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>
> "TheDave" <no@no.com> wrote in message
> news:qLaTh.433560$Ju2.155246@newsfe16.lga...
> >> ray wrote:
> >> As I understand, the timing is not critical - the advise about taking
> >> it with meals is to reduce upset. I'm on Metformin ER 4x500 - I've
> >> found what works best for me is: one when I get up - before
> >> breakfast; one before dinner; one at bedtime; one at about 3:30 am (I
> >> usually wake up about then and go back to sleep). This has helped
> >> reduce 'dawn phenomenon' for me.
> >
> > Doesn't that defeat the purpose of extended release?
> >
> > What is "dawn phenomenon"?
>
> Taken from the ADA web site it says this.
>
> dawn phenomenon (feh-NAH-meh-nun)

Ooo, I can hear that American accent in that word now We would say
feh-nom-n-n.

"Ozgirl" <are_we_there_yet@maccas.com> wrote in message
news:131rd0m95nlq30b@news.supernews.com...
>
> "Diana" <diana.is.saved.by.grace@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:461d4644$0$5731$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>
>> "TheDave" <no@no.com> wrote in message
>> news:qLaTh.433560$Ju2.155246@newsfe16.lga...
>> >> ray wrote:
>> >> As I understand, the timing is not critical - the advise about taking
>> >> it with meals is to reduce upset. I'm on Metformin ER 4x500 - I've
>> >> found what works best for me is: one when I get up - before
>> >> breakfast; one before dinner; one at bedtime; one at about 3:30 am (I
>> >> usually wake up about then and go back to sleep). This has helped
>> >> reduce 'dawn phenomenon' for me.
>> >
>> > Doesn't that defeat the purpose of extended release?
>> >
>> > What is "dawn phenomenon"?
>>
>> Taken from the ADA web site it says this.
>>
>> dawn phenomenon (feh-NAH-meh-nun)
>
> Ooo, I can hear that American accent in that word now We would say
> feh-nom-n-n.
>
>

LOL hey friend I was wondering where you are. Great to see you :-) How are
all the kids doing? How is Jazzy? (sp) and How have you been? I love your
accent so you can talk all you want and I will listen :-)

On Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:22:35 +1000, "Ozgirl"
<are_we_there_yet@maccas.com> wrote:

>> Taken from the ADA web site it says this.
>>
>> dawn phenomenon (feh-NAH-meh-nun)
>
>Ooo, I can hear that American accent in that word now We would say
>feh-nom-n-n.

You speak pretty slow down there on the central coast:

dorn f'nom'n'm.

:-))
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1500mg, ezetrol 10mg
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
--
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Athens and The Adriatic

"Diana" <diana.is.saved.by.grace@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:461db970$0$17216$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>
> "Ozgirl" <are_we_there_yet@maccas.com> wrote in message
> news:131rd0m95nlq30b@news.supernews.com...
> >
> > "Diana" <diana.is.saved.by.grace@gmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:461d4644$0$5731$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> >>
> >> "TheDave" <no@no.com> wrote in message
> >> news:qLaTh.433560$Ju2.155246@newsfe16.lga...
> >> >> ray wrote:
> >> >> As I understand, the timing is not critical - the advise about
taking
> >> >> it with meals is to reduce upset. I'm on Metformin ER 4x500 - I've
> >> >> found what works best for me is: one when I get up - before
> >> >> breakfast; one before dinner; one at bedtime; one at about 3:30 am
(I
> >> >> usually wake up about then and go back to sleep). This has helped
> >> >> reduce 'dawn phenomenon' for me.
> >> >
> >> > Doesn't that defeat the purpose of extended release?
> >> >
> >> > What is "dawn phenomenon"?
> >>
> >> Taken from the ADA web site it says this.
> >>
> >> dawn phenomenon (feh-NAH-meh-nun)
> >
> > Ooo, I can hear that American accent in that word now We would say
> > feh-nom-n-n.
> >
> >
>
> LOL hey friend I was wondering where you are. Great to see you :-) How are
> all the kids doing? How is Jazzy? (sp) and How have you been? I love your
> accent so you can talk all you want and I will listen :-)

We are well. Jazzy is 11 on the 24th, hard to believe eh? Considering the
absolute cream of our specialists said she wouldn't survive that horrific
post open heart surgery period. My little miracle child. My newest
grandchild is here as we speak. He is growing like a weed, almost 17 pounds
at just over 3 months - he is big all over, length, head, hands and feet. My
other 2 grandkids are mourning the sudden death of their beloved grandfather
a few days ago, it's a very sad time at the moment.

Have you spoken to the doctor about Byetta yet? I would so love to see
something work for you. My friend is currently taking prescription diet
pills, her weight loss is good to see, she couldn't eat half her lunch today
when we were out doing our fortnightly big shop. I am hoping she can be fit
enough to start jogging with me every morning soon. I don't really like the
thought of diet pills but I have to agree with her doc, the obesity is more
harmful and he is monitoring her closely - he wants her to do a supervised
stress test and blood tests before he gives the ok. When she gets the ok to
do more than walking I would love to have her as a jogging partner, the dog
can provide just so much company, lol. She has a similar sense of humour to
me so there will be a lot of laughs along the way.

Please email me about the family, I sent email to you when I heard from our
mutual friend about Dale's illness but it bounced, perhaps your mailbox was
full. Use oz.girlatbigpond.com - the contract for that ceases in June so it
won't matter if spambots harvest it from here. I have had that address for
a few years with absolutely no spam, gotta be a miracle I will reply with
my permanent email address - so save it!

Take care my good friend - oh, by the way.. I am moving at the end of the
year and I am packing up stuff and clearing out etc and I came across that
lovely book mark you sent me maybe 6-7 years ago. It was amongst a box of
"sentimental" items

"Alan S" <loralgtweightandcarbs@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:82gr135omp327q8s2t3i6dq00nkb36hhq9@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:22:35 +1000, "Ozgirl"
> <are_we_there_yet@maccas.com> wrote:
>
> >> Taken from the ADA web site it says this.
> >>
> >> dawn phenomenon (feh-NAH-meh-nun)
> >
> >Ooo, I can hear that American accent in that word now We would say
> >feh-nom-n-n.
>
> You speak pretty slow down there on the central coast:
>
> dorn f'nom'n'm.

Well you can teach me the mixed language of far northern NSW and Qld soon

You might get to see me more often than you would like (lol), my daughter
and family are now thinking of going to Tweed Heads. Close to a lot of
things plus close to their farm at Kyogle. She can't bear being too far from
me. The other daughter is looking at Hope Island now and keeping the
Sanctuary Cove apt for friends to stay in and themselves occasionally.

On Thu, 12 Apr 2007 16:24:07 +1000, "Ozgirl"
<are_we_there_yet@maccas.com> wrote:

>
>"Alan S" <loralgtweightandcarbs@gmail.com> wrote in message
>news:82gr135omp327q8s2t3i6dq00nkb36hhq9@4ax.com.. .
>> On Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:22:35 +1000, "Ozgirl"
>> <are_we_there_yet@maccas.com> wrote:
>>
>> >> Taken from the ADA web site it says this.
>> >>
>> >> dawn phenomenon (feh-NAH-meh-nun)
>> >
>> >Ooo, I can hear that American accent in that word now We would say
>> >feh-nom-n-n.
>>
>> You speak pretty slow down there on the central coast:
>>
>> dorn f'nom'n'm.
>
>Well you can teach me the mixed language of far northern NSW and Qld soon
>
>You might get to see me more often than you would like (lol), my daughter
>and family are now thinking of going to Tweed Heads. Close to a lot of
>things plus close to their farm at Kyogle. She can't bear being too far from
>me. The other daughter is looking at Hope Island now and keeping the
>Sanctuary Cove apt for friends to stay in and themselves occasionally.
>
I'm going to need protection; surrounded by females now that
mum's here as well.


Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1500mg, ezetrol 10mg
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
--
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Athens and The Adriatic

Hi there !!! Good to see you. I will answer this in an email so that way you
can have my address. :-)

"Ozgirl" <are_we_there_yet@maccas.com> wrote in message
news:131rju88lgbl642@news.supernews.com...
>
> "Diana" <diana.is.saved.by.grace@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:461db970$0$17216$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>
>> "Ozgirl" <are_we_there_yet@maccas.com> wrote in message
>> news:131rd0m95nlq30b@news.supernews.com...
>> >
>> > "Diana" <diana.is.saved.by.grace@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> > news:461d4644$0$5731$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>> >>
>> >> "TheDave" <no@no.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:qLaTh.433560$Ju2.155246@newsfe16.lga...
>> >> >> ray wrote:
>> >> >> As I understand, the timing is not critical - the advise about
> taking
>> >> >> it with meals is to reduce upset. I'm on Metformin ER 4x500 - I've
>> >> >> found what works best for me is: one when I get up - before
>> >> >> breakfast; one before dinner; one at bedtime; one at about 3:30 am
> (I
>> >> >> usually wake up about then and go back to sleep). This has helped
>> >> >> reduce 'dawn phenomenon' for me.
>> >> >
>> >> > Doesn't that defeat the purpose of extended release?
>> >> >
>> >> > What is "dawn phenomenon"?
>> >>
>> >> Taken from the ADA web site it says this.
>> >>
>> >> dawn phenomenon (feh-NAH-meh-nun)
>> >
>> > Ooo, I can hear that American accent in that word now We would say
>> > feh-nom-n-n.
>> >
>> >
>>
>> LOL hey friend I was wondering where you are. Great to see you :-) How
>> are
>> all the kids doing? How is Jazzy? (sp) and How have you been? I love your
>> accent so you can talk all you want and I will listen :-)
>
> We are well. Jazzy is 11 on the 24th, hard to believe eh? Considering the
> absolute cream of our specialists said she wouldn't survive that horrific
> post open heart surgery period. My little miracle child. My newest
> grandchild is here as we speak. He is growing like a weed, almost 17
> pounds
> at just over 3 months - he is big all over, length, head, hands and feet.
> My
> other 2 grandkids are mourning the sudden death of their beloved
> grandfather
> a few days ago, it's a very sad time at the moment.
>
> Have you spoken to the doctor about Byetta yet? I would so love to see
> something work for you. My friend is currently taking prescription diet
> pills, her weight loss is good to see, she couldn't eat half her lunch
> today
> when we were out doing our fortnightly big shop. I am hoping she can be
> fit
> enough to start jogging with me every morning soon. I don't really like
> the
> thought of diet pills but I have to agree with her doc, the obesity is
> more
> harmful and he is monitoring her closely - he wants her to do a supervised
> stress test and blood tests before he gives the ok. When she gets the ok
> to
> do more than walking I would love to have her as a jogging partner, the
> dog
> can provide just so much company, lol. She has a similar sense of humour
> to
> me so there will be a lot of laughs along the way.
>
> Please email me about the family, I sent email to you when I heard from
> our
> mutual friend about Dale's illness but it bounced, perhaps your mailbox
> was
> full. Use oz.girlatbigpond.com - the contract for that ceases in June so
> it
> won't matter if spambots harvest it from here. I have had that address
> for
> a few years with absolutely no spam, gotta be a miracle I will reply
> with
> my permanent email address - so save it!
>
> Take care my good friend - oh, by the way.. I am moving at the end of the
> year and I am packing up stuff and clearing out etc and I came across that
> lovely book mark you sent me maybe 6-7 years ago. It was amongst a box of
> "sentimental" items
>
>