Metformin Hydrochloride and diabetes

I have been on Metformin for 6-7 months 500mg 2 x daily, and have puffed up like a balloon with significant weight gain of at least 45lbs., no desire to do anything physical as I have no energy,stomach upset and increased bowel movements, flatulence and absolutely no sex drive. I am going to discuss this with my doctor but before I do in their any other medications other then Glipizide for type 2 diabetes? I keep putting on weight like I am my blood sugar will be way out of control.

i don't under stand im on metformin hydrocloride for type2 and im a male it sounds like this is used for females? but i haven't gained weight hell i was a 285lb 6'5" guy and after a year of taking this stuff im now today at 6'5"and 177lb that a lot of weight to lose in a little over a year, i did have the gas for a few weeks when i first started it but that was about it other than the massive weight loss isn't too bad i was a little over weight then anyway,

In 2007 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My doctor prescribed 500mg of metformin once in the morning and once in the evening with meals and lots of water. The meds made me drowsy all the time my heart began to beat irregular and I was cold a lot. At night was the worst because when I lay down my heart really beat irregular. I told my doctor after about a week and all she could say is that the metformin doesn't do that to your heart. My answer to her was I 'm not taking the meds any more. I found me another doctor who listens. I went on the internet and found out about the side effect I had they were serious. Listen people you need to be your own advocate no one knows your body as well as you if something don't feel right question it and seek answers. Doctors are not always right pride is no reason to not hear what some one is saying if I say something is wrong and you are a doctor at least hear me and check it out if you don't know the answer it ok you are only human.