No, 500 mg of metformin is not a lot. It is the lowest standard dose prescribed to adults and is typically where everyone starts before gradually increasing. The maximum daily dose can go as high as 2,550 mg for immediate-release tablets, meaning 500 mg sits at the very bottom of the dosing range. Metformin alone (Glucophage® XR): At first, 500 mg once daily with the evening meal. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. Learn about side effects, how it's taken, and more of metformin. It's a generic prescription drug that's used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults and some children with type 2 diabetes. Overview: Metformin is medicine you take to help keep your blood sugar from getting too high. Common side effects may include stomach problems, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain. Metformin is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Learn about side effects, dosages, drug interactions, and more. Metformin is a common treatment for diabetes. But it can cause digestive problems and other side effects. Learn more about the uses and side effects here. The usual adult dose starts at 500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once daily with meals. Your doctor will typically increase your dose weekly by 500 mg or 850 mg increments until you reach the optimal blood sugar control. Doctors may prescribe metformin to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s typically prescribed in combination with a balanced diet and increased physical activity. If your. Metformin is a first-line treatment used for type 2 diabetes in adults and children 10 years and older to help improve blood sugar levels. It is also used off-label to improve symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and other conditions. Learn about the side effects of metformin, from common to rare, for consumers and healthcare professionals.