Why Am I Tired After Taking Metformin? Quick Answer
Feeling tired after taking metformin is a relatively common concern, but the medication itself is not always the direct cause. Fatigue may occur while your body adjusts to treatment, because of changes in blood sugar levels, digestive side effects that reduce calorie intake, or long-term vitamin B12 deficiency. In rare situations, severe tiredness may signal a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention. Understanding the reason behind your symptoms is the first step toward knowing whether they are expected or whether you should contact your healthcare provider.
Key Takeaways About Feeling Tired After Taking Metformin
- Mild tiredness may occur after starting metformin and often improves within days or weeks.
- Metformin can reduce vitamin B12 absorption during long-term treatment, which may contribute to fatigue.
- Poorly controlled diabetes itself is a common cause of persistent tiredness.
- Fatigue accompanied by confusion, rapid breathing, severe weakness, or persistent vomiting requires urgent medical evaluation.
- Never stop taking metformin without discussing it with your healthcare provider.
Why Am I Tired After Taking Metformin?
Patient Decision Box
| If… | What You Should Do |
|---|---|
| You started metformin within the past few days | Monitor your symptoms. Mild fatigue often improves as your body adapts. |
| Fatigue is gradually improving | Continue taking your medication as prescribed and stay well hydrated. |
| Fatigue lasts several weeks or becomes worse | Contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation. |
| You develop numbness or tingling in your hands or feet | Ask whether vitamin B12 testing is appropriate. |
| You have severe weakness, confusion, difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting | Seek emergency medical care immediately. |
Why Do So Many People Feel Tired After Taking Metformin?
One of the most common concerns among people starting metformin is unexpected fatigue.
Many patients expect to feel better after beginning treatment for type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Instead, some notice that they feel unusually sleepy, weak, or mentally exhausted during the first days or weeks.
This can be frightening.
Some people worry that metformin is “not right” for them. Others fear that the medication is harming their body or that they should stop taking it immediately.
In reality, fatigue is far more complex than many people realize.
Feeling tired while taking metformin does not automatically mean the medication is causing a harmful reaction.
Several different factors may contribute to fatigue, including:
- your body adapting to improved blood glucose control;
- changes in energy metabolism;
- reduced appetite and lower calorie intake;
- dehydration caused by gastrointestinal side effects;
- vitamin B12 deficiency after long-term treatment;
- uncontrolled diabetes itself;
- another unrelated medical condition.
Understanding which explanation fits your situation is much more important than assuming metformin is solely responsible.
Why Am I Tired After Taking Metformin? Common Causes Explained
Unlike medications that directly cause drowsiness by affecting the brain, metformin works primarily in the liver, intestines, and muscles to improve the way the body handles glucose.
Because of this, fatigue usually develops indirectly, rather than because metformin acts as a sedative.
Several biological mechanisms may explain why some people experience tiredness.
Common Reasons Why You Feel Tired After Taking Metformin
| Possible Cause | How Common? | Typical Timing | Can It Improve? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body adjusting to treatment | Common | First days to weeks | Usually yes |
| Digestive side effects reducing food intake | Common | Early treatment | Usually yes |
| Vitamin B12 deficiency | Uncommon initially, more likely with long-term use | Months to years | Yes, after diagnosis and treatment |
| Blood glucose fluctuations | Common | Any time | Yes, after glucose stabilizes |
| Poorly controlled diabetes | Very common | Before or during treatment | Often improves with better diabetes management |
| Serious medical complication | Very rare | Any time | Requires urgent medical care |
One important point is often overlooked:
Many people blame metformin for fatigue when the real cause is the diabetes itself.
Before treatment, blood sugar levels may have been poorly controlled for months or even years. High blood glucose can leave people feeling constantly tired, thirsty, and lacking energy. Even after starting metformin, it may take time before glucose levels improve enough for energy to return.
This is why healthcare professionals evaluate the whole clinical picture, rather than assuming every symptom is caused by the medication.
Can Feeling Tired After Taking Metformin Be Normal?
Yes.
For many people, mild fatigue during the first few days of treatment is temporary.
Your body is adapting to significant metabolic changes.
Metformin reduces glucose production by the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. As your metabolism begins adjusting to these changes, some people temporarily notice:
- lower energy levels;
- mild weakness;
- decreased appetite;
- digestive discomfort;
- feeling “different” than usual.
These symptoms often improve gradually as the body adapts.
The adjustment period varies from person to person.
Some patients notice improvement within several days.
Others require one to three weeks before feeling completely normal again.
This is one reason healthcare providers often begin with a low dose and increase it gradually over time. Slow dose titration helps reduce gastrointestinal side effects and may also improve overall tolerance to treatment.
However, persistent or worsening fatigue should never be ignored, particularly if it develops after months or years of successful treatment rather than immediately after starting metformin.
Is Feeling Tired After Taking Metformin Always Caused by the Medication?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that taking metformin automatically means the medication is responsible for every episode of tiredness.
In reality, fatigue has many possible causes.
Some are related to diabetes.
Some are related to metformin.
Others have nothing to do with either.
Conditions that may cause fatigue while taking metformin
| Possible Cause | Could It Be Related to Metformin? |
|---|---|
| Poorly controlled diabetes | No (underlying condition) |
| Vitamin B12 deficiency | Yes |
| Dehydration | Sometimes |
| Iron deficiency | Usually unrelated |
| Thyroid disorders | Usually unrelated |
| Poor sleep | Unrelated |
| Depression or anxiety | Usually unrelated |
| Viral illness | Unrelated |
| Heart disease | Unrelated |
| Kidney disease | Sometimes |
Because fatigue is such a non-specific symptom, healthcare providers may recommend blood tests or other investigations if symptoms are persistent, severe, or accompanied by additional warning signs.
Could Vitamin B12 Deficiency Be the Real Cause?
Among all the possible explanations for long-term fatigue while taking metformin, vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most important—and one of the easiest to overlook.
Unlike nausea or diarrhea, which usually appear shortly after starting treatment, vitamin B12 deficiency develops slowly. Many people take metformin for years before symptoms become noticeable.
Because the symptoms appear gradually, patients often assume they are simply getting older, working too much, or sleeping poorly.
In reality, low vitamin B12 levels may be contributing to their fatigue.
Why Does Metformin Affect Vitamin B12?
Researchers have known for many years that long-term metformin therapy can reduce the absorption of vitamin B12 from the intestine.
Although the exact mechanism is still being studied, metformin appears to interfere with the normal process that allows vitamin B12 to be absorbed in the last part of the small intestine (the ileum).
Not everyone taking metformin develops vitamin B12 deficiency.
The risk generally increases with:
- higher daily doses;
- treatment lasting several years;
- older age;
- poor dietary vitamin B12 intake;
- certain gastrointestinal disorders;
- simultaneous use of acid-reducing medications such as proton pump inhibitors.
Because vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell production and healthy nerve function, prolonged deficiency may eventually lead to symptoms that significantly affect quality of life.
Why Is Vitamin B12 So Important?
Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in several essential processes throughout the body.
It helps:
- produce healthy red blood cells;
- maintain normal nerve function;
- support DNA synthesis;
- convert food into usable cellular energy.
When vitamin B12 levels become too low, the body’s tissues receive less oxygen, nerves begin functioning less efficiently, and energy production becomes impaired.
As a result, patients may experience fatigue long before they realize they have a vitamin deficiency.
Common Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
| Symptom | How Common? |
|---|---|
| Persistent fatigue | Very common |
| Weakness | Very common |
| Low energy | Very common |
| Shortness of breath during activity | Common |
| Pale skin | Common |
| Tingling in the hands or feet | Common |
| Numbness | Common |
| Poor balance | Less common |
| Difficulty concentrating | Common |
| Memory problems | Common |
| Brain fog | Common |
| Mood changes | Possible |
Many of these symptoms develop gradually over months or years.
Because they appear slowly, patients often fail to connect them with metformin therapy.
Should You Be Tested If You Feel Tired After Taking Metformin?
Not necessarily.
However, many diabetes experts recommend considering periodic vitamin B12 assessment in people who:
- have taken metformin for several years;
- use high daily doses;
- develop unexplained fatigue;
- experience numbness or tingling;
- develop memory or concentration problems;
- have anemia without another clear explanation.
Testing is simple and may help identify a treatable cause of persistent fatigue.
Can Blood Sugar Changes Make You Feel Tired After Taking Metformin?
Yes.
Many patients assume that fatigue automatically means their blood sugar is too low.
In reality, both high blood sugar and low blood sugar can cause tiredness.
Even rapid improvements in blood glucose after starting treatment may temporarily make some people feel different while the body adapts.
High Blood Sugar
Before starting metformin, many patients have elevated blood glucose levels for months or even years.
High blood sugar can cause:
- constant tiredness;
- increased thirst;
- frequent urination;
- blurred vision;
- poor concentration;
- reduced physical endurance.
As treatment begins, blood sugar gradually improves, but energy levels may take longer to recover.
Low Blood Sugar
Metformin by itself rarely causes hypoglycemia.
This is an important point because many people mistakenly believe every episode of fatigue means their blood sugar has dropped dangerously low.
When metformin is used alone, clinically significant hypoglycemia is uncommon.
The risk becomes higher when metformin is combined with medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas, when meals are skipped, or during prolonged strenuous exercise.
Symptoms That May Suggest Low Blood Sugar
| Possible Symptom | Could It Be Hypoglycemia? |
|---|---|
| Sweating | Yes |
| Shaking | Yes |
| Sudden hunger | Yes |
| Fast heartbeat | Yes |
| Confusion | Yes |
| Blurred vision | Yes |
| Fatigue | Sometimes |
| Sleepiness | Sometimes |
Because fatigue alone is non-specific, healthcare providers usually look for several symptoms together rather than relying on tiredness alone.
What Else Can Cause Fatigue While Taking Metformin?
Absolutely.
One of the most common early side effects of metformin is gastrointestinal upset.
Some patients experience:
- diarrhea;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- reduced appetite.
If these symptoms continue for several days, dehydration may develop.
Even mild dehydration can contribute to:
- fatigue;
- dizziness;
- headaches;
- reduced exercise tolerance;
- difficulty concentrating.
For this reason, maintaining adequate fluid intake is especially important during the first weeks of treatment.
Patients who cannot keep fluids down because of persistent vomiting or severe diarrhea should contact their healthcare provider promptly.
Does Reduced Appetite Play a Role?
Yes.
Metformin often reduces appetite.
For many people with type 2 diabetes, this is actually considered a beneficial effect because it may support weight loss and improve blood sugar control.
However, eating substantially fewer calories than usual—especially during the first weeks of therapy—may temporarily contribute to:
- lower energy levels;
- weakness;
- feeling tired during the day.
This does not necessarily mean the medication is unsafe.
Instead, it may indicate that your body is adjusting to changes in both calorie intake and glucose metabolism.
Eating balanced meals, avoiding prolonged fasting unless advised by your healthcare provider, and staying hydrated may help reduce these symptoms.
Can Other Medical Conditions Be Responsible?
Yes.
Although metformin often receives the blame, persistent fatigue may actually be caused by another health condition.
Examples include:
- iron deficiency anemia;
- thyroid disorders;
- chronic kidney disease;
- sleep apnea;
- depression;
- anxiety disorders;
- chronic infections;
- heart disease;
- vitamin D deficiency.
For this reason, healthcare providers rarely assume metformin is the only explanation for ongoing fatigue.
Instead, they evaluate the patient’s overall health, medical history, laboratory results, and associated symptoms before determining the most likely cause.
Can Metformin Cause Lactic Acidosis?
This is one of the most common fears among people taking metformin.
Many patients search online because they have read that metformin is linked to lactic acidosis, a rare but serious medical condition.
The good news is that lactic acidosis is extremely uncommon in people taking metformin as prescribed.
However, because it is a potentially life-threatening condition, it is important to understand what it is—and what it is not.
Metformin itself does not normally cause lactic acidosis in healthy people.
Instead, the risk increases when metformin accumulates in the body because it cannot be eliminated properly or when another serious illness affects oxygen delivery or metabolism.
Examples include:
- severe kidney impairment;
- severe liver disease;
- septic infection;
- shock;
- severe dehydration;
- advanced heart failure;
- conditions causing poor oxygen supply to tissues.
For the vast majority of patients taking metformin under appropriate medical supervision, the risk remains very low.
What Is Lactic Acidosis?
Lactic acidosis occurs when lactic acid builds up in the bloodstream faster than the body can remove it.
Normally, muscles and other tissues produce small amounts of lactic acid during everyday activities and exercise.
Healthy kidneys and the liver help maintain normal acid balance.
If this balance is severely disrupted, lactic acid levels can rise, causing metabolic acidosis—a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Although this complication is rare, recognizing its warning signs is essential.
Warning Signs of Possible Lactic Acidosis
| Symptom | Seek Emergency Care? |
|---|---|
| Extreme weakness | ✅ Yes |
| Severe fatigue that suddenly worsens | ✅ Yes |
| Rapid or difficult breathing | ✅ Yes |
| Persistent vomiting | ✅ Yes |
| Severe abdominal pain | ✅ Yes |
| Confusion | ✅ Yes |
| Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking up | ✅ Yes |
| Feeling unusually cold | ✅ Yes |
| Fainting | ✅ Yes |
These symptoms do not automatically mean you have lactic acidosis.
However, if several occur together—especially in someone taking metformin—they require immediate medical assessment.
When Is Feeling Tired After Taking Metformin an Emergency?
Most episodes of tiredness while taking metformin are not emergencies.
Nevertheless, there are situations where fatigue should never be ignored.
Seek immediate medical attention if tiredness occurs together with:
- difficulty breathing;
- chest pain;
- confusion;
- inability to stay awake;
- repeated vomiting;
- severe dehydration;
- fainting;
- blue lips or fingertips;
- inability to think clearly.
These symptoms may indicate a serious medical condition that requires urgent evaluation.
Normal vs Dangerous Fatigue After Taking Metformin
One of the questions patients ask most often is:
“How do I know whether my tiredness is normal or something serious?”
The following comparison may help.
| Normal Fatigue | Fatigue That Requires Medical Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Appears shortly after starting metformin | Appears suddenly after months or years of stable treatment |
| Mild to moderate | Severe or rapidly worsening |
| Gradually improves | Continues to worsen |
| You can perform daily activities | Daily activities become difficult |
| No serious accompanying symptoms | Confusion, breathing problems, fainting, persistent vomiting, severe weakness |
| Improves with rest | Does not improve with rest |
If you are uncertain which category best describes your symptoms, it is always safer to contact your healthcare provider.
What Should You Do If You Feel Tired While Taking Metformin?
The first step is not to panic.
Most cases of fatigue are related to temporary adjustment, the underlying diabetes, or another treatable cause.
Instead of stopping your medication, consider the following practical steps.
1. Continue Taking Metformin Unless Advised Otherwise
Many people stop treatment immediately after experiencing fatigue.
This is usually not recommended unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Stopping metformin abruptly may allow blood glucose levels to rise again, potentially making fatigue even worse.
2. Stay Hydrated
If diarrhea or nausea has reduced your fluid intake, dehydration may contribute to tiredness.
Drink fluids regularly unless your healthcare provider has advised you to restrict fluids because of another medical condition.
3. Eat Regular, Balanced Meals
Skipping meals can make fatigue worse.
Even if your appetite has decreased, try to eat small, nutritious meals that provide adequate calories and protein.
4. Monitor Your Blood Glucose
If your healthcare provider has recommended home glucose monitoring, checking your blood sugar during episodes of fatigue may help determine whether abnormal glucose levels are contributing to your symptoms.
Do not rely on symptoms alone to diagnose high or low blood sugar.
5. Ask Whether Vitamin B12 Testing Is Appropriate
Patients who have taken metformin for several years—or who have numbness, tingling, or persistent fatigue—may benefit from discussing vitamin B12 testing with their healthcare provider.
Early identification of deficiency can prevent long-term complications.
Should You Stop Taking Metformin Because You Feel Tired?
In most situations, no.
Fatigue alone is not usually a reason to stop metformin without medical advice.
Instead, the goal is to identify why the fatigue is occurring.
Stopping treatment without guidance may:
- worsen blood sugar control;
- increase the risk of diabetes complications;
- delay diagnosis of another medical problem that is actually causing the fatigue.
If symptoms are severe or persistent, contact your healthcare provider promptly rather than discontinuing treatment on your own.
When Should You Contact Your Doctor?
Although mild fatigue often improves, certain situations deserve medical evaluation.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- fatigue lasts longer than two to four weeks;
- symptoms are becoming progressively worse;
- daily activities become difficult;
- numbness or tingling develops;
- you experience frequent dizziness;
- appetite becomes extremely poor;
- diarrhea continues for several days;
- you suspect vitamin B12 deficiency;
- your blood sugar remains consistently high or low.
Early evaluation often allows simple problems to be identified and treated before they become more serious.
What Your Healthcare Provider May Check
| Possible Evaluation | Why It May Be Recommended |
|---|---|
| Blood glucose review | Assess diabetes control |
| Vitamin B12 level | Detect deficiency related to long-term metformin use |
| Complete blood count | Look for anemia or infection |
| Kidney function tests | Ensure metformin remains appropriate |
| Liver function tests | Evaluate other possible causes |
| Thyroid function | Rule out hypothyroidism |
| Medication review | Identify other medicines contributing to fatigue |
These investigations are selected based on your symptoms and medical history. Not every patient will need every test.
Physician Takeaway: Feeling Tired After Taking Metformin
Fatigue after starting metformin is a common concern in primary care, but it should never be dismissed without considering the patient’s overall health.
In many cases, tiredness is temporary and improves as the body adapts to treatment. However, persistent fatigue deserves further evaluation because it may be caused by uncontrolled diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia, thyroid disease, sleep disorders, depression, kidney disease, or another medical condition rather than metformin itself.
Patients should seek medical advice if fatigue:
- lasts longer than several weeks;
- becomes progressively worse;
- interferes with normal daily activities;
- is accompanied by numbness, tingling, dizziness, confusion, or breathing difficulties.
Individual assessment is always more valuable than assuming the medication is responsible.
Pharmacist Takeaway
Metformin remains one of the safest and most effective first-line medications for type 2 diabetes and is generally well tolerated.
Most patients who experience fatigue do not need to stop treatment.
Instead, pharmacists recommend focusing on:
- taking metformin exactly as prescribed;
- staying adequately hydrated;
- avoiding skipped meals unless instructed by your healthcare provider;
- reporting persistent gastrointestinal side effects;
- discussing vitamin B12 monitoring during long-term therapy;
- reviewing all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements for potential contributors to fatigue.
Never discontinue metformin without speaking to your healthcare provider unless you have been specifically instructed to do so.
Clinical Evidence About Metformin and Fatigue
One of the strengths of evidence-based medicine is that recommendations come from multiple independent organizations rather than a single source.
The following table summarizes what leading medical organizations and scientific literature say about fatigue and metformin.
| Evidence Source | Key Finding | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Prescribing Information | Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common adverse reactions. Lactic acidosis is rare but serious. | High |
| American Diabetes Association (ADA) | Long-term metformin therapy may reduce vitamin B12 levels. Periodic assessment should be considered in appropriate patients. | High |
| NHS | Vitamin B12 deficiency associated with long-term metformin use may cause tiredness, weakness, and reduced energy. | High |
| MedlinePlus | Patients should seek medical attention for symptoms suggesting lactic acidosis or serious illness. | High |
| Peer-reviewed studies (PubMed) | Multiple studies demonstrate an association between prolonged metformin therapy and lower vitamin B12 levels. | High |
The overall scientific evidence suggests that persistent fatigue should not automatically be blamed on metformin itself. Instead, healthcare professionals should consider both medication-related and non-medication-related causes before making treatment decisions.
Bottom Line
Feeling tired after taking metformin can be frustrating, but it is not always a sign that something is wrong.
For many people, mild fatigue improves as the body adjusts to treatment.
Others may experience tiredness because of:
- vitamin B12 deficiency;
- changes in blood glucose levels;
- reduced food intake due to gastrointestinal side effects;
- dehydration;
- the underlying diabetes itself;
- another unrelated medical condition.
The most important message is simple:
Do not stop taking metformin simply because you feel tired.
Instead, monitor your symptoms, discuss persistent fatigue with your healthcare provider, and seek immediate medical care if fatigue is accompanied by severe weakness, confusion, breathing difficulties, or persistent vomiting.
Related Guides
Continue learning with these evidence-based guides:
- Metformin: Complete Guide (Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions & Safety)
- Can Metformin Cause Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
- What Are the Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency While Taking Metformin?
- Can Metformin Cause Brain Fog?
- Why Does Metformin Cause Diarrhea?
- Why Does Metformin Cause Diarrhea at Night?
- Can Metformin Cause Anxiety?
- Can I Drink Coffee While Taking Metformin?
- Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Metformin?
- Can I Take Metformin With Magnesium?
- Can Metformin Be Taken Long-Term?
- Can I Stop Taking Metformin Suddenly?
Frequently Asked Questions – Why Am I Tired After Taking Metformin?
Is it normal to feel tired when starting metformin?
Yes. Mild fatigue may occur during the first days or weeks as your body adjusts to treatment. Persistent or worsening fatigue should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
How long does metformin fatigue last?
Many people improve within several days to a few weeks. If fatigue continues beyond this or worsens, further evaluation may be appropriate.
Can metformin cause vitamin B12 deficiency?
Yes. Long-term metformin therapy may reduce vitamin B12 absorption in some patients, which can contribute to fatigue and neurological symptoms.
Should I stop taking metformin if I feel tired?
No. Never stop metformin without medical advice unless you have been instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.
Can diabetes itself cause fatigue?
Absolutely. Poorly controlled blood sugar is one of the most common causes of tiredness in people with diabetes.
Does metformin cause low blood sugar?
Metformin alone rarely causes hypoglycemia. The risk increases when combined with insulin or certain other diabetes medications.
Should I have my vitamin B12 checked?
If you have been taking metformin for several years or have persistent fatigue, numbness, or tingling, discuss vitamin B12 testing with your healthcare provider.
Can dehydration make metformin fatigue worse?
Yes. Diarrhea and reduced fluid intake may contribute to dehydration, which can worsen tiredness.
Is fatigue a sign of lactic acidosis?
Fatigue alone is not enough to diagnose lactic acidosis. However, fatigue accompanied by rapid breathing, severe weakness, confusion, or persistent vomiting requires immediate emergency medical evaluation.
Can taking metformin with food reduce side effects?
For many patients, taking metformin with meals helps reduce stomach upset and improves tolerability.
Can other medications contribute to fatigue?
Yes. Many prescription medicines, including some blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and sleep medicines, may also contribute to tiredness.
When should I contact my doctor?
Contact your healthcare provider if fatigue persists, worsens, interferes with daily activities, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms such as numbness, dizziness, breathing difficulty, or confusion.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change any medication without consulting your physician or pharmacist.Why Am I Tired After Taking Metformin?
Pharmacy & Medical Review
Every article published on WhatIsThisMed.com is developed using current evidence-based medical literature and undergoes both medical and pharmacy review before publication to help ensure accuracy, clarity, and patient safety.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Metformin Prescribing Information.
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes.
- NHS. Metformin – Side Effects.
- MedlinePlus. Metformin.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Type 2 Diabetes in Adults.
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet.
- PubMed-indexed studies on metformin and vitamin B12 deficiency.
- British National Formulary (BNF). Metformin Monograph.
- American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) clinical guidance.
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Some images used on WhatIsThisMed.com may be AI-generated or digitally enhanced for educational and illustrative purposes. These images are intended to support understanding and should not be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for professional medical evaluation. Whatisthismed.com