There are many different glipizide side effects, almost all of which are associated with the fluctuation of a patient’s blood sugar levels. In certain cases, glipizide can cause the sugar level to drop significantly. Different glipizide side effects are dizziness, tremor or shakiness, nervousness, and diarrhea. Other common side effects also include headaches, sweating, anxiety, and blurry vision.
Glipizide is the generic name for an oral medication used for treating type 2 diabetes. The drug acts as a stimulant for the pancreas to produce insulin and, thus, helps lessen the sugar in the blood. Physicians and diabetic patients alike should always remember that glipizide can only treat type 2 diabetes, not type 1. The effectiveness of glipizide requires that the pancreas is able to produce insulin.
An initial dosage can cause some patients to experience different glipizide side effects, though most patients do not experience any side effects at all. Aside from the common side effects, the unusual ones include vertigo, drowsiness, decreased libido, and migraines. Other glipizide side effects that can be of concern are jaundiced or yellow skin, skin rashes and itchiness, and easy bleeding or bruising. Dark urine and lightly-colored feces can also be a cause for worry. In worse cases, palpitation, seizures, or even unconsciousness can occur. If a person experiences these different glipizide side effects, he should call a doctor as soon as possible, or immediately go to the hospital.
Doctors often advise their patients to always bring with them some sources of sugar, since glipizide side effects are often associated with low blood sugar. Orange juice, hard candies, or crackers can be good sources of sugar. For some people who suffer from severe low blood sugar levels, an injection called glucagon can be prescribed. Diabetics may also lessen occurrences of different glipizide side effects if the medication goes with proper diet, exercise, and regular examination of blood sugar levels.
Studies show that only 3 to 6 percent of diabetics experience common glipizide side effects, while merely 1 to 3 percent of people show rare side effects. These numbers show that glipizide has a high tolerance level among people who take it as oral medication. Patients who are opting to take glipizide should inform their doctors of existing allergies, kidney or liver infections, or heart problems. Females who are pregnant or are planning to conceive should also notify their physicians.
