Wondering how to get the most from your dose of Metformin? Maintaining your doses and titration schedule can seem daunting at first, and you may not know what results to expect.
But dosing with Metformin is much simpler than you might imagine, and we’re here to help.
Dosing with Metformin
Metformin is most commonly prescribed for longevity at a daily dose of 2 tablets, or 1000mg. This has been indicated as providing the best balance of benefits in scientific trials, with the most minimal occurrence of side effects.
However, some longevity experts recommend taking 1,500mg for the most optimal benefits, while others recommend doses as high as 2250mg for the best weight loss outcomes. We’ll talk more about how different doses produce different benefits below.
The most important thing to remember about your Metformin dose is to always follow the instructions of your provider. Your prescriber will balance your goals with your unique medical history to determine the best dose for you. How much and how often you take Metformin will vary at the discretion of your provider based on these factors.
Titrating with Metformin
Your Metformin titration plan will vary depending on your prescribed dose. The chart below represents the 3 most commonly prescribed doses and their unique titration schedule:
| Metformin, 1000mg | Metformin, 1500mg | Metformin, 2250mg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | 1 tablet/day | 1 tablet/day | 1 tablet/day |
| Weeks 3-4 | 2 tablets/day | 2 tablets/day | 2 tablets/day |
| Weeks 5-6 | X | 3 tablets/day | 3 tablets/day |
| Weeks 7-12 | X | X | 4 tablets/day |
| Weeks 13-52 | X | X | 3x 750mg tablets/day* |
Patients typically start by taking 1 tablet, or 500mg, of Metformin per day for at least the first 2 weeks. This helps our bodies adjust to the medication so we can better tolerate potential side effects.
During the first weeks, pay careful attention to how you feel. If you do experience side effects, know that they tend to be only mild gastrointestinal issues, which tend to clear within 2 weeks. Our partner pharmacies provide the Extended Release (ER) form of Metformin by default, which also helps prevent such side effects.
Though only about 5-10% of patients experience any side effects at all, higher doses of Metformin may have a higher incidence of side effects. This means that you may be more likely to experience side effects on doses above 2000mg.
No matter what your prescribed dose is, you should continue taking Metformin for at least 6-12 months for the best benefits. Please note, though, that for patients taking 2250mg, you’ll begin receiving 750mg tablets starting at week 13. These stronger tablets may look identical in size and shape to 500mg tablets, so make sure to keep your tablets separate.
Benefits of Metformin
There’s a reason – in fact, many reasons – why Metformin has been championed as the go-to longevity medication for years.
Metformin can lower our blood sugar, decrease our appetite, and help us lose weight. The mechanics by which Metformin lowers our glucose also contributes to reduced inflammation, improved cognitive function, better sleep, and more stable energy throughout the day. Additionally, Metformin may also decrease our risk for macrovascular diseases, diabetes, prediabetes, Alzheimer’s, and certain types of cancers. Because many of these benefits occur on a cellular level, they may be difficult to see or feel.
Further, you must take Metformin for at least 6-12 months to experience the most optimal outcomes.
According to feedback from AgelessRx subscribers, 81% noticed an improvement in their blood sugar levels after 6 months of use, and 75% reported better appetite regulation.*
But these are just the benefits you can notice on a self-evaluation. Using a CGM or seeking a Core Longevity Panel may help you better appreciate the underlying mechanisms of Metformin. But we may never be able to appreciate whether, for example, a tumor or blocked artery has been prevented if neither are able to develop.
Weight loss benefits, in particular, are largely dependent on how long you take Metformin, as well as what dose you’re taking.
When dosing at 2 tabs per day, some may not notice significant weight loss within the first 6 months. When taking higher doses, such as 2250mg, studies have shown that patients can lose 3-15lbs (or 5-10% of their body weight) within 6-12 months. At these doses, some patients can experience lower estimates of weight loss within 2-3 months. Higher doses mean that you’re more likely to experience the higher ranges of weight loss. Patients with higher BMIs may experience better weight loss within a shorter time frame, but this may not be true for everyone.
Of course, we’re always here to help you discover the best Metformin dose for you. If you’d like to increase your dosage for weight loss benefits, or if you’re curious about adding Metformin to your regimen, we’re always a tap or click away!
Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
*Data was self-reported by 2,727 surveyed customers on their third check-in of use between 4/7/22 & 11/29/23 by AgelessRx customers who were approved for a B12/MIC prescription after completing an assessment with a medical provider.