Is Weakness In The Legs Followed By Weakness In The Arms After Taking Metformin A Serious Concern?

Posted on Fri, 6 Jul 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 6 Jul 2018 Answered on

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I was taking 750mg of metformin 3 ttimes a day. Almost overnight my legs started getting weak to the point that it was difficult to stay standing. I can only walk with a cane and that is shakey at best. My arms are getting weak now and my coordination is off. I sometimes have trouble figuring things out. Is this a side effect of metformin? I quit taking it a week ago but haven't seen a lot of change.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Neurological diseases to be excluded

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

No, it is not a side effect of metformin.
Statins (medications for high lipids) can cause muscle weakness but first, neurological diseases should be excluded.
I would suggest a detailed clinical examination and ENG to evaluate neuronal conduction, confirming / rule out neurological diseases.

Do not hesitate to ask if you have further questions.
Regards,
Dr. Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T