Does Xanax Make You Gain Weight? What You Need To Know

Does xanax make you gain weight? Or is that just a myth going around among users in mental health conversations? For many people turning to this medication for anxiety relief, weight changes can feel unexpected and confusing. While the primary goal of Xanax is to calm the mind but its effects on the body can sometimes bring different types of problems. From managing an anxious mind to changing body and behaviour, the connection between xanax and weight gain is rather complex. In this article, we will explore what is really going on behind the question: does xanax cause weight gain and what information you should know if you are concerned about it.

Information On Xanax

Xanax a well-known medication to provide relief from anxiety-related issues and panic disorders. It is a strong, potent drug coming from the benzo group of drugs. The generic name of this medication is Alprazolam. Its off-label uses are sleeplessness, PMS, pre-procedural anxiety, etc. This medication does its work by enhancing the usual work of GABA and calming down the overactive nerves. This substance is often preferred for short-term use only by clinicians. Consumers should take xanax dosage as directed. This medication should be avoided in the long run, as Xanax’s long-term effects can be harmful and even life-threatening. It can cause physical and psychological dependence in case of misuse, which is why xanax rehabilitation is out there in a wide range.

Can Xanax Cause Weight Gain?

Well, studies say that xanax can contribute to gaining weight as one of its side effects. A report says that about 27% prescribed users of Xanax face increasing weight. Xanax and weight gain are not related directly but indirectly. It is thought that Xanax causes weight gain by messing with one’s appetite, usual eating habits and so on. It is important to understand this topic thoroughly since this will help you manage your body gain along with managing anxiety with xanax (alprazolam). Later in this blog we will understand how Xanax contributes to weight gain even if it is indirectly.

How Does Xanax Make You Gain Weight?

When people search online, “Does Xanax make you gain weight?”, they also want to delve deeper into how this issue occurs, and that is exactly what we will be discussing in this section of our blog. It is thought that one might experience an abnormal responder which is leading to weight gain. However, let us understand the possible causes of weight gain due to Xanax.

• Changes of appetite: The report says that Xanax (Alprazolam) can effectively change consumers’ appetite over time which can also be the reason for increased weight. It is very common, noticeably 33% alprazolam consumers face an increase in hunger after taking their prescribed pills.

• Common Side Effects (Fatigue, lethargy, drowsiness): Being a CNS, Xanax’s common and often shown adverse effects are drowsiness, sedativeness, extreme fatigue and lethargy. When a person experiences fatigue even at a moderate rate during treatment, it can result in a less active and more sedentary lifestyle compared to before xanax which could cause weight gain.

• Cravings: Well, it is seen that people who use xanax for their PMS issues tend to develop certain food cravings, especially for fatty foods. This type of craving can also contribute to weight gain.

• Water retention: Some people who are long-term xanax users say that xanax causes bloating or water retention but mostly in higher dosages or in the long term.

• Less physical activity: As a result of xanax users feel more tired than usual which leads to a reduction in physical activity and is accompanied by weight gain over time.

• Long-term changes: Using xanax for a long period of time can result in physical and mental dependence. The physical dependence of xanax can cause muscle mass depletion or atrophy which leads to lower fat making it less difficult to gain weight.

• Sleep disruption and midnight cravings: Xanax can indeed make you sleep, but it is also true that tapering the amount of xanax can result in issues such as midnight awakenings, sleep disruptions and these can also cause craving for certain food in the middle of the night. This also happens because as an indirect adverse effect of the medication contributing in weight gain.

Tips To Manage Xanax Weight Gain

If you are someone who is on xanax for managing anxiety-related issues but worried about gaining weight at the same time. Then do not worry, this issue is manageable. Many people try to solve this issue by doing exercise or abusing drugs but these are not the right way. Here are some ways that can help you out.

• Scheduling your meals
• Eating healthy and maintaining a proper diet
• Doing exercise but not overdoing it
• Adjusting your usual doses by talking to your medical person
• Getting yourself a dietician

Safer Alternatives to Xanax

Sometimes, when people experience weight gain because of xanax or alprazolam, they often try to find some other medications with less risk of gaining weight. However, if you are one of them, remember to discuss with your medical professional before jumping onto any other medication and stopping xanax since you might end up experiencing xanax withdrawal symptoms. But for now, here are some safe weight-neutral or with less chance of gaining weight alternatives that can be a good replacement for Xanax in weight-gaining issues.

• Buspar
• Inderal
• SSRIs
• SNRIs
• Hydroxyzine
• Bupropion
• Propranolol

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom Line

At the end, we would like to recommend that if you are experiencing weight gain because of your usual anti-anxiety medication xanax, then primarily it is better to mind your diet and eating schedule. But if this issue is becoming concerning they going to your medical expert is the right choice.