How Xanax Affects Weight Loss and Appetite
Xanax, also known by its generic name alprazolam, is a common prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. As a benzodiazepine, Xanax works by slowing down activity in the brain and central nervous system to promote relaxation and reduce feelings of stress or worry.
While Xanax is effective for treating anxiety, it can cause some side effects, including potential effects on weight and appetite. Heres a closer look at how Xanax may impact weight loss efforts.
Xanax Suppresses Appetite in Some People
One of the most common side effects of Xanax is a loss of appetite. Studies show that up to 22% of people taking Xanax experience decreased hunger and eat less food.
This appetite suppressing effect is likely due to the way Xanax interacts with GABA receptors in the brain. By enhancing GABA activity, Xanax helps induce feelings of relaxation and calm, which can reduce cravings and the desire to eat.
Short-Term Weight Loss May Occur
Because Xanax may suppress appetite during treatment, some people may lose weight when first starting the medication. This short-term, modest weight loss usually levels off over time.
In one study, patients weights decreased by an average of 4.5 pounds during the first few months of Xanax treatment, compared to no average weight change in individuals not taking the medication.
Its important to keep in mind that this minor weight loss is temporary. As the body adjusts to Xanax over several weeks, appetite and eating patterns often return to normal.
Risk of Weight Gain with Long-Term Use
While some people may initially lose a small amount of weight on Xanax, long-term use of this benzodiazepine has the opposite effect.
In multiple studies, patients taking Xanax or related medications for 12 months or more gained an average of 10 to 20 pounds.
There are several reasons long-term Xanax use can lead to weight gain, including:
- Slowing metabolism - Xanax may slow metabolic rates, causing the body to burn fewer calories at rest.
- Fatigue and reduced activity - Feeling fatigued on Xanax can result in less physical activity and exercise.
- Increased appetite - The body may adjust to Xanax over time, reversing its appetite suppressing effects.
Risk of Binge Eating During Xanax Withdrawal
In addition to weight gain during treatment, abruptly stopping long-term Xanax use can also impact weight as a result of Xanax withdrawal side effects.
When someone develops dependence on Xanax, suddenly discontinuing the medication leads to withdrawal symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. These effects may increase appetite as a way for the body to feel comfort or relief during this period.
Withdrawal from Xanax and other benzodiazepines is also linked to an increased risk of binge eating episodes. The combination of drug cravings, high anxiety, and a need to curb distress can lead some individuals to compulsively overeat while tapering or discontinuing Xanax.
Strategies for Losing Weight on Xanax
As with any medication, its important to collaborate closely with your prescribing doctor to develop strategies to manage potential Xanax side effects like weight changes whenever possible.
Some tips that may help with losing weight on Xanax include:
Adjust Xanax Dosage
If significant weight gain occurs while on a stable dose of Xanax, speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of adjusting your dosage. Finding the minimal effective Xanax dosage can help reduce sedating and metabolic side effects.
Add a Weight-Loss Friendly Medication
Under a doctors supervision, taking certain medications alongside Xanax may help encourage weight loss.
For example, the antidepressant bupropion is sometimes used to offset antidepressant-related weight gain. For individuals who experience increased appetite and slowed metabolism on Xanax, bupropion can help suppress appetite while giving energy levels a boost.
Develop Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Making positive changes to your regular habits and behaviors can also counteract some of Xanaxs effects on weight.
Eating a balanced, low-calorie diet rich in lean proteins, fiber, and whole fruits and vegetables can help minimize fat storage and promote weight loss. Staying physically active with regular cardiovascular and resistance training exercises also helps burn more calories to maintain or reduce your weight.
Getting enough high-quality sleep, staying hydrated, reducing alcohol intake, and managing stress through relaxation techniques can all support weight loss efforts as well.
Seek Professional Support
Speaking to a therapist, registered dietitian, or certified health and wellness coach can provide extra support for losing weight while on Xanax long term. These professionals can help you pinpoint lifestyle habits to change while also teaching behavioral strategies to motivate healthy eating choices.
When to Consider Alternative Anxiety Treatment Options
In some cases, despite various efforts to mitigate side effects, Xanax may continue causing undesirable changes in appetite and weight.
If significant weight fluctuations persist and impact health or quality of life, bringing up alternatives to Xanax with your mental health provider is recommended. Weighing the overall benefits against the risks and downsides can help determine if continuing Xanax treatment is the right choice.
Evidence-based non-medication options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and clinical anxiety treatments may provide similar reductions in anxiety symptoms and panic attacks without risk of long term dependency or side effects like weight gain.
Your medical team can also explore alternative anti-anxiety medication options that may be less likely to influence appetite and weight than Xanax.
Seeking Help for Eating Disorders
In some cases, binge eating episodes or other disordered eating patterns may emerge during Xanax withdrawal or while trying to lose weight on the medication.
If compulsive overeating, cycles of restrictive dieting followed by excessive calorie intake, or other eating disorder warning signs develop, promptly consult your treatment providers.
Mental health support can help address the emotional drivers and thought patterns that fuel disordered eating behaviors. Nutritional counseling helps stabilize eating habits. Your doctor may also adjust your Xanax tapering plan to help ease withdrawal side effects.
With professional treatment tailored to your situation, it is possible to lose weight safely on Xanax and discontinue benzodiazepine medication under medical supervision when appropriate.
FAQs
Does Xanax cause weight loss?
Xanax may initially suppress appetite and cause modest short-term weight loss when first starting treatment. However, this effect typically goes away within a few weeks or months. Over longer periods of time, most research shows that Xanax is more likely to cause weight gain rather than weight loss.
Why am I gaining weight on Xanax?
There are several reasons long-term Xanax use often leads to weight gain, including slowed metabolism, fatigue leading to reduced activity levels, and increased appetite over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Will I lose weight when I stop taking Xanax?
Some people do lose weight while tapering or discontinuing Xanax. However, Xanax withdrawal also increases risks of anxiety, poor sleep, and binge eating episodes that may interfere with weight loss efforts when stopping the medication.
How can I lose weight safely on Xanax?
Strategies that may help promote weight loss while taking Xanax include adjusting your dosage under medical supervision, adding a weight-friendly medication like bupropion, improving lifestyle habits, and seeking counseling to support healthy behavior changes.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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