Self Medicating /warning rant

[Niya W]

For what every reason some of us self medicated. I know that I did and I cant knock some for that. I was part of a Yahoo group that was part of that. Recently I've seen a few people go off the deep end. Now they are talking about using Glucophage to control weight . Now normally I dont get to mad over things on the net, but when they said that I was like WTF . Hit the gym, eat less . Now for those of you that dont know what Glucophage its a drug to regulate insulin for diabetic's. Hormones are hard enough but now you are really playing with fire .

[StaceyJane]

I've heard of TS's using Glucophage. From what I've read about the drug it doesn't seem like a good idea.
Some people want miracles overnight. A drug like that can have serious and rapid effects on you blood chemistry.

[reginaNJ1]

I know what everyone is going to say ,but I've been self medicating for over 3 years now with no bad side effects. I've always stayed on the conservative side and have a very good 40B. it has actualy helped by taking the spiro in keeping my BP down to really good numbers. everyone should be able to do whats best and comfortable for them

[Raquel June]

I don't like even seeing the term "self medicate" thrown around without some context. Taking a multivitamin and smoking meth are both forms of self medicating.

10% of the US population takes Glucophage (metformin). It basically makes the insulin you already have more effective. The side effects are mostly digestive problems. Honestly, people have more serious problems after abusing OTC stimulant laxatives than abusing Glucophage. It is prescribed to the obese, women with PCOS, and almost every diabetic because these people have high blood sugar. Many people abuse Glucophage because it's very cheap and easy to get. The problem is that it doesn't do anything if you don't already have really high blood sugar. You already have plenty insulin to metabolize things; you don't need Glucophage to make your insulin work better.

I really don't see why you made this thread, though. I think I'm on the Yahoo group you're talking about. The one with 12,000 members. There have been 16 posts on Glucophage in the past 3 days. There has not been a single person who actually recommended it. The responses all tell the same story -- it'll give you the shits and it doesn't make you lose weight. One diabetic argued that it made her gain significant weight. My favorite response was:


If you're just looking to metabolize fats better, why not try to block their absorption with Xenical or Chitosan? _____ sells both and the Chitosan you should be able to get at any nutritional suppliment store. Granted, there is the whole oily anal seepage and increased flatulence thing.

I hate to be buzz-kill for the few people, such as yourself, that I actually like and respect, but nature is going to do what it will and there is very little we can actually do but work within the parameters it's set for us and just be grateful that it lets us do what it will.

While I wouldn't recommend anybody join that group or listen to anything they have to say, some of the regulars are actually pretty smart.

Maybe you were talking about a different group, though.