Weight gain is a potential side effect of Xanax, meaning it has been reported in clinical studies.The generic form of Xanax is alprazolam. Xanax can also cause people to feel chronically tired; therefore, a decline in physical activity can lead to weight gain. Other mechanisms that can cause weight gain are changes in the sleep cycle and appetite. Xanax’s potential side effects also include insomnia and increase in appetite.1
Can Xanax Make You Gain Weight?
Xanax has multiple side effects, fatigue being one of the most common. It is usually more likely to occur when people take Xanax at higher doses, but it can also occur at lower doses, depending on each individual’s metabolism. Fatigue is also more common if Xanax is used for more extended periods. This way, people decrease their physical activity and therefore cause weight gain.
Xanax works as a central nervous system depressant. This can affect your appetite as well as your sleep. People using Xanax can also develop insomnia. Insomnia is also highly correlated with weight gain. Insomnia is also associated with changes in your appetite, therefore, contributing to weight gain. An increased appetite was also reported as a side effect with Xanax.
It’s important to note that in clinical studies, Xanax also caused weight loss and a decrease in appetite. All of these side effects (weight gain, weight loss, appetite changes) also occurred in the placebo group of patients. A placebo is designed to look like a treatment but does not have any medication.
Why Does Xanax Make You Gain Weight?
Xanax is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medication to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time to prevent more severe side effects and the risk of dependence and withdrawal (it should also not be mixed with alcohol).
Xanax may make you gain weight due to the following factors:
- Mood changes: higher doses of Xanax are associated with more significant central nervous system depressant effects. This can either make people feel depressed or worsen the symptoms of depression. People with depression often lack the motivation to do things and can spend days in bed or sedentary.
- Decreasing your energy levels: Xanax targets the major inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. When bound to the GABA-A receptor, Xanax mediates the calming or inhibitory effects of alprazolam on the human nervous system. This can make people taking Xanax feel low energy or even tired or exhausted.
- Appetite changes: Xanax can cause both a decreased or an increased appetite. It also can affect your sleep patterns, which can negatively affect your appetite. Poor sleep is associated with increased appetite.
Impacts of Short Term vs Long Term Use On Weight Gain
Long-term use of Xanax, in general, is controversial and not recommended, although commonly practiced. Xanax should be used for a short period or on an as-needed basis. In clinical trials, Xanax was used for up to 10 weeks and 28% of people experienced weight gain. It’s important to note that 24% of people experienced weight loss, and weight gain and weight loss were also seen in the placebo group, at 18% and 17% respectively. You should talk with your doctor before starting Xanax if you are concerned about weight changes with treatment. 2
Ways to Manage Xanax Weight Gain
While weight gain may be a side effect, alert your physician so you can discuss whether or not the benefits of being on this anxiety medication outweigh the impact of the side effects. Always consult your physician before making changes on your own.
Some ways to manage weight gain from Xanax may include:
- Adjust doses: reducing the frequency and dose of the medication may improve your energy levels
- Switch medications: other medications that can help with anxiety and panic attacks may be available that do not affect weight
- Eat healthy/more mindfully: being mindful of what you eat can also help with a healthy weight; schedule your meals to prevent binging after prolonged periods without eating adequately
- Increase exercise: to have optimal weight, eating a balanced diet and increasing exercise are necessary
- Work with a dietician to manage caloric intake/nutrition: if you have problems with weight gain even after making changes to your eating habits, working with a dietitian will help significantly
Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Xanax Weight Gain
Even though weight gain is not a usual side effect of Xanax, it has been reported. It’s important to talk with your doctor about your treatment plan and ask any questions that may help inform your decisions about taking Xanax and any concerns for weight gain.
Here are five questions to ask your care team about Xanax weight gain:
- Can I gain weight with Xanax?
- Does the dose and frequency of how I take Xanax affect my weight?
- Adding Xanax to other medications makes weight gain worse?
- How can I avoid gaining weight while taking Xanax?
- If I gain weight on Xanax, will I lose the weight if I stop taking it?
Final Thoughts
Xanax has the risk of side effects, including the possibility of weight gain. You should talk with your doctor about the potential side effects before starting any medication.
