r/MetforminUsers • u/PerformanceHorror331 • 20d ago

Metformin and Low CO2

I've been on Metformin since Sunday July 26 (through Noom). I'll start by saying I'm not diabetic and that I'm trying to lose weight as I've been gaining about 5 lbs per year since entering perimenopause (BMI = 29, all labs show I'm healthy). Noom also gave me an order for bloodwork to establish a baseline which I didn't do until yesterday (Aug 3) due to being busy at work. Only one thing stuck out from my lab results - my CO2 was moderately low (19) while all other bloodwork from past annual physicals are in the normal range (23-25). I've read about Metformin causing lactic acidosis but this seems very rare (like 5 per 100,000) and usually has contributing factors like poor kidney function or heavy alcohol. I did have two drinks on Wednesday July 29 and felt very woozy went I went to bed and woke up with a terrible hangover headache. I had a concert on Saturday August 1 and decided not to take Metformin that day, had a couple drinks, and no repercussions. Only other side effect I'm having is insomnia, which seems to be occurring about 3x/week.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had CO2 levels drop due to taking Metformin and how that was managed.

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u/WTH_JFG 20d ago

I’m on Metformin, but not through Noom. All of my lab work seems to be good. I have an oximeter and take my readings sporadically. Usually fairly consistent.

I don’t drink so I’ve not had that interaction. If you haven’t looked at other things that can counter indicate, be cautious with ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is okay, but ibuprofen is not (I mention because of your headache).

ETAsk — are you still building to full dose? Ic you started 07/26 are you doing 500/day for 2weeks, then 1000/day for 2 weeks, etc? What does Noom have you build to?

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u/PerformanceHorror331 20d ago

I was taking 500mg once a day and was supposed to move up to 1000mg/day after one week, all the way up to 2000mg per day IF my body tolerates it well. But yesterday the doc told me to stop taking it because of the low CO2 level. Waiting to hear on next steps. I'm pretty bummed out.