What Are Possible Amaryl Effects on Blood Sugar Levels?
One of the possible side effects of
Amaryl® (
glimepiride) is its effect on blood sugar levels. For some people, Amaryl can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low (hypoglycemia). It is also possible for blood sugar to go too high (hyperglycemia) in people taking this drug.
Amaryl and Low Blood Sugar
A low blood sugar level is the most common side effect reported with Amaryl.
Based on clinical studies, it occurs in up to 1.7 percent of people. Low blood sugar is more common in elderly people and in people with adrenal, pituitary, liver, or kidney problems. It is also common for those who are fasting before surgery and after prolonged exercise.
Low blood sugar symptoms can vary depending on a number of factors, including how low the blood sugar levels are. Examples of early symptoms may include:
- Sweating
- Shakiness
- Extreme hunger
- Dizziness
- Cold sweats
- Blurry vision.
More severe symptoms of low blood sugar can include:
- Changes in behavior, such as irritability
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty speaking
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Loss of life.
If you develop any possible symptoms of low blood sugar while on Amaryl, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical care, and stop taking the medicine. If your healthcare provider believes that low blood sugar is causing your symptoms, he or she may recommend that you treat the low blood sugar immediately by eating or drinking something with sugar in it, such as orange juice, hard candy, a tablespoon of honey, or even a tablespoon of granulated sugar.
