
The benzodiazepine family of drugs is known for its ability to produce a calming effect on users. Xanax, also known as alprazolam, is one of the most common and well-known members of this drug family. It is often used to treat different types of anxiety, panic attacks, and other related conditions.
However, as with any other medication, there are some side effects of taking Xanax that users need to be aware of. Among them is the potential for weight gain or weight loss after beginning a treatment plan that involves this drug. hold true for all of them. While there are instances in which these drugs do lead to weight gain, there are others in which users actually lose weight. So does Xanax cause weight loss or weight gain?
The answer to does Xanax cause weight gain or weight loss isnât that cut and dry. Xanax can have a different effect on everyone who takes it based on dosage and frequency of use. Consistent use of the drug especially without the supervision of a doctor can cause both weight gain and weight loss depending on the individual.
When the word âweightâ is mentioned in conjunction with prescription drugs, especially those used to treat anxiety or depression, most people assume that the drug will cause weight gain. In fact, one study found that as many as 71% of Americans believe that anti-anxiety medication leads to weight gain. However, what is true for some medications does not.
Keep reading to learn more about whether or not Xanax will lead to weight gain or weight loss in your case.
Contents
What is Xanax?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine, a type of medication known for its ability to produce a calming effect. It is prescribed to treat various types of anxiety and other related conditions. Xanax is sold by prescription only and usually comes in the form of a tablet. Some may also come in the form of an injection or liquid solution.
How does Alprazolam work?
Itâs not clear exactly how this interaction works to produce its calming effect, but itâs believed that the specific type of benzodiazepine molecule attracted to the neurotransmitter GABA causes a decrease in brain activity.
Xanax thus enhances the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body called GABA.
As with any other drug, there are some side effects of taking Xanax that you should be aware of. Among them is the potential for weight gain or weight loss after beginning treatment with this drug.
Does Xanax cause Weight gain or weight loss?
Weight gain or weight loss is one of the most common side effects of taking Xanax. In some cases, patients may see an increase in appetite and start eating more than they would normally. This could potentially lead to gaining a few pounds. On the other hand, some people may experience changes in their metabolism and start eating less after starting on this medication. This could lead to gradual weight loss over time.
As with any side effect, itâs important to speak with your doctor about whether or not a change in weight is a result of taking Xanax. Your doctor can help you understand what might be causing any sudden changes in your weight and provide you with strategies for managing the change that works best for you.
The exact mechanism by which Xanax causes weight loss or weight gain is unknown, but itâs believed that there are several reasons for this change in weight:
- Changes in hormones caused by Xanax could lead to a decrease or increase in appetite or a change in metabolism
- The sedation caused by Xanax could reduce physical activity
- Benzodiazepines can sometimes cause depression
- Depression caused by Xanax might lead to changes in eating habits and physical activity
- Certain medicines used with Xanax might also lead to changes in eating habits, such as antidepressants and some birth control pills
Does Xanax Cause Weight Loss?
The results of multiple 8-week randomized controlled trials show that alprazolam ongoing use or abuse even at moderate dosage can cause a modest weight loss in some people. However, it should be noted that the effects vary from one subset of recipients to another with some losing weight while others gain weight with Xanax.
However, a review of trials involving long-term use suggests that benzodiazepine-related weight gain may be an unavoidable side effect. Xanax is not the only drug in the benzodiazepine family.
It is closely related to other drugs in this class of seizure medications, such as Valium. These drugs all work similarly in the body and can lead to similar side effects, including weight changes. Benzodiazepines affect chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, which control mood and appetite.

Does Xanax Cause Weight Gain?
For some people taking Xanax for anxiety or depression, weight gain is a common side effect of the medication. This is attributed to appetite change; induction of food craving; body composition change; increased energy level; Xanax-induced edema/ water retention; Hormone changes (cortisol, glucocorticoid, and triiodothyronine- T3 ); and/or shift in metabolic rate. Despite the potential for weight gain associated with Xanax use, itâs unlikely to lead to clinically significant weight gain (characterized as 7% body weight).
The most common side effects of Xanax are as follows: drowsiness, lightheadedness, and dizziness. Less common but more serious side effects include slurred speech, impaired coordination, odd behavior, and mood changes.
How to stop weight changes from Xanax
How to Stop the Weight Gain from Xanax
You can reduce the weight gain from Xanax by simultaneously participating in a formal weight management program that may include Limiting portion sizes, Exercising, Eating more protein, Talking to a dietitian, Avoiding alcohol, Getting enough sleep, avoid sugary foods and drinks.
You can also talk to your doctor about lowering your medication dosage, taking metformin 250 mg 3 times a day, or switching to a different medication.
People often worry about weight gain while taking Xanax, but itâs important to remember that weight gain is not a certainty. If you find yourself gaining weight while taking Xanax, there are some steps you can take to help prevent or stop the weight gain. Itâs important to note that some of these tips might also be useful for those who are struggling with weight loss.
How to Stop the Weight Loss from Xanax
There are many people who have reported losing weight after beginning treatment with Xanax. The drug has been found to reduce cravings, which can lead to weight loss. For those individuals who have experienced a weight loss while taking this medication, there are a few things you can do in order to stop the weight loss from Xanax:
- Eating regular healthy meals
- Remaining physically active
- Changing the dosage
- Talking to a dietician
- Taking plenty of water
- Choose nutrient-rich foods
- Take smoothies and shakes if you can
- Eat food very fast
- Add some toppings to the food such as cheese in your meals such as casseroles and scrambled eggs, and fat-free dried milk in soups and stews
- Have occasional treats but avoid too much sugar
How to lose weight when taking medication that causes weight gain
If you are taking Xanax and youâve noticed an increase in weight that is making you unhappy or uncomfortable, know that there are a few things you can do to help prevent it from becoming a problem.
- Talk to your doctor about switching medications. Itâs possible that the medication youâre taking may not be the best option for your case and could be causing weight gain. If you have tried this with no luck, talk to them about lowering your dosage. If possible, try cutting back by one pill each week until you find a dosage that is more comfortable for your body while still managing your anxiety. Keep track of this so that if any changes happen you can tell your doctor right away.
- Keep portion sizes reasonable. Itâs important to stay aware of what size portions you should be eating at mealtime and stick to them as much as possible. Youâll want to cut down on how much food your plate has or stop using bowls for certain items like pasta sauce or soup so that it doesnât overflow onto other foods on your plate. For example, if pasta is served with marinara sauce (which has lots of calories), order angel hair instead of spaghetti noodles so that the sauce will fit on top of the angel hair instead of spilling over onto other food items on the plate. Work out!
- Regular exercise not only boosts energy levels and mood, but it also helps burn calories due to increased heart rate and metabolism!
- Eat more protein,
- Talk to a dietitian,
- Avoid alcohol,
- Get enough sleep
- Donât skip meals
How long does it take to lose weight after stopping medication?
It may take weeks or months depending on the changes made to your diet and exercise routine. The process of weight loss is a gradual one, as people need to change their habits to lose weight. This natural process can be sped up after stopping Xanax by changing your diet and exercising more often.
For many people, it may take weeks or months before they notice any changes in weight after stopping Xanax. It should be noted that the amount of time it takes for individuals to lose weight will vary depending on how much they have gained while taking the drug, how long they took it, how many times they took the medication per day, and what types of changes are made in terms of their diet and exercise routine.
Weight gain is not always inevitable when taking Xanax There are some people who experience weight loss rather than gains when taking Xanax. The best way to know for sure whether you will experience any effects from this drug is by discussing with a medical professional and watching for any signs that you may become overweight or underweight as a result of treatment.
How does Xanax affect appetite?
In many cases, appetite will decrease as a result of taking Xanax. It is possible that this decrease in appetite may lead to weight loss over time. However, if you are experiencing periods of binge eating episodes because you have a sudden and intense increase in hunger, itâs likely that your appetite has not been suppressed by the drug.
In these circumstances, the individual should talk to their doctor about how they can manage their symptoms and ensure their health is not at risk.
Does Xanax make you lose appetite?
Xanax can cause appetite to wane and may lead to weight loss. Though the drug doesnât necessarily create a feeling of hunger, it can lead to binge eating episodes when users experience a surge of hunger.
This is due in part to the fact that Xanax can lead to slower digestion, which can result in an increase in the production of stomach acid that causes discomfort and nausea, which is often mistaken for hunger.
The most common side effects of taking Xanax include drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty breathing. Less common yet still possible side effects include lightheadedness, dizziness, muscle weakness, and unsteady gait. These symptoms are often temporary and will subside with time or with changes in dosage.
What are the other effects of Xanax?

There are several other potential side effects of Xanax including:
- Drowsiness,
- Dizziness and lightheadedness,
- Increased saliva production,
- Change in sex drive/ability
The serious side effects that can occur include:
- Mental/mood changes including hallucinations and thoughts of suicide
- Having trouble speaking
- Loss of coordination thus leading to trouble walking
- Memory problems
- Allergic reactions presenting as a rash;Â itching/swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;Â and trouble breathing.
If you get any of the serious side effects it is important to notify the doctor immediately.
There are also some other effects that Xanax can have on a personâs body. One of the most well-known and talked about effects is the potential for weight loss. For example, it is not uncommon to hear people say that they lost a lot of weight after starting treatment with this drug.
On the other hand, there are also those who say that they gained a significant amount of weight after being prescribed this drug. It is important to remember that there are many factors that go into how a drug will affect someone physically. Weight gain or loss depends on more than just taking Xanax.
Because of this, it is hard to predict whether or not you will experience any type of side effect in relation to your weight when taking this medication. Generally speaking, it is possible for patients to experience an increase in their appetite while on Xanax.
This may lead them to gain weight due to overeating caused by an increase in appetite, especially if they have been losing weight while taking Xanax as well.
As with any medication, it is important to speak with your doctor before beginning treatment so you can get the facts and ask any questions you need about the potential side effects for you specifically.
Xanax and Discontinuation Syndrome
Xanax is a prescription drug that requires a doctorâs supervision and follow-up. If you stop taking it cold turkeyâwithout appropriate taperingâit can result in seizures, severe confusion and disorientation, and death.
Alprazolam is quite addictive and thus has a potential for abuse. Therefore, you should ensure that you take it with the guidance of your doctor.
Other Reasons for Weight Change with Xanax Usage

Xanax can cause weight changes due to effects of the drug such as:
- Modest weight loss through muscle catabolism,
- Weight loss due to nausea & vomiting,
- Weight increase due to social eating because of reducing high anxiety,
- Taste alterations- taste is enhanced and food is perceived as more pleasurable or rewarding causing weight gain or tastes awful causing weight loss
As with any other medication, there are some side effects of taking Xanax that users need to be aware of. Among them is the potential for weight change depending on which side effect of the drug is happening.
Does benzo withdrawal cause weight gain?
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause benzo withdrawal weight gain. This is often attributed to their bodyâs reaction to the sudden lack of this synthetic substance in their system. The sudden change in hormones can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, including cravings for sweets and carbohydrates.
Other symptoms include low energy levels, lethargy, mood swings, depression, trouble sleeping and more. Some people who are trying to withdraw from benzodiazepines may experience weight loss as well.
This can be attributed to a decrease in appetite that comes with a decrease in anxiety or due to the fact that they are simply too tired or depressed to eat enough calories on any given day.
In either case, itâs important for benzodiazepine usersâespecially those using Xanaxâto make sure theyâre also eating healthy foods and getting plenty of exercises to avoid health problems like diabetes or heart disease.
How long does it take to lose weight after stopping medication?
It may take weeks or months depending on the changes made to your diet and exercise routine. The process of weight loss is a gradual one, as people need to change their habits to lose weight. This natural process can be sped up after stopping Xanax by changing your diet and exercising more often.
For many people, it may take weeks or months before they notice any changes in weight after stopping Xanax. It should be noted that the amount of time it takes for individuals to lose weight will vary depending on how much they have gained while taking the drug, how long they took it, how many times they took the medication per day, and what types of changes are made in terms of their diet and exercise routine.
Weight gain is not always inevitable when taking Xanax. There are some people who experience weight loss rather than gains when taking Xanax.
The best way to know for sure whether you will experience any effects from this drug is by discussing with a medical professional and watching for any signs that you may become overweight or underweight as a result of treatment.
How long does it take for Xanax to completely be out of your system?
Xanax takes 2.5 days to be eliminated from the body since it has a half-life of 11.2 hours in healthy adults. With a half-life of 11.2 hours, it may take between 2 to 4 days for the drug to be completely removed from the body.
The amount of time it takes for Xanax to be fully out of your system depends on a number of factors, including:
- Your overall health and weight
- How much you weigh
- How often you take Xanax
- The type of medication you are taking
- The dose your doctor prescribes
It is important to note that Xanax is typically prescribed as a short-term solution for individuals suffering from anxiety or panic disorders. You should not take it long-term, as long-term use can lead to addiction and other serious issues.
If you are struggling with addiction, please contact our treatment center today at 877-886-9906 for more information about our programs.
Which anti anxiety medication causes weight gain?
There are a variety of anxiety medications that could cause weight gain. Some of the most common types include benzodiazepines, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Benzodiazepines work by binding to GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it helps to calm down neurons that are sending too many signals to other cells. By binding with these receptors, benzodiazepines help to reduce the effects of excessive signaling.
However, because this type of drug can affect sleep cycles and induce relaxation, it may lead to some weight gain in some cases. As for SSRIs, they alter levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) and norepinephrine (another neurotransmitter) in the brain by blocking the transporter molecules that would normally clear these substances from the space between synapses where theyâre released.
The SSRI interference can have an effect on weight since serotonin is thought to play a role in regulating hunger and food cravings.
The SNRI venlafaxine has been shown to cause weight loss through its inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake; however, it also has been observed to cause weight gain as well due to its inhibition of dopamine reuptake.
Final Words
The benzodiazepine family of drugs is known for its ability to produce a calming effect on users. Xanax, also known as alprazolam, is one of the most common and well-known members of this drug family. It is often used to treat different types of anxiety, panic attacks, and other related conditions.
However, as with any other medication, there are some side effects of taking Xanax that users need to be aware of. Among them is the potential for weight gain or weight loss after beginning a treatment plan that involves this drug. Keep reading to learn more about whether or not Xanax will lead to weight gain or weight loss in your case.
FAQs
Does Xanax withdrawal cause bloating?
Xanax withdrawal is also known to cause bloating, distension, and discomfort in the stomach area. This symptom is referred to as âbenzo belly.â