Brokendishes Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I've gained weight in the last 5 years since being on Xanax. I was taking it initially as needed but it wasn't holding--so I was having panic attacks off and on throughout the day. Then my psych switched me to .25mg 4 times a day--and then switched the bedtime dose to .5mg. All told, I'm taking 1.25mg-1.5mg a day depending.... I feel flabby, out of shape and have put on weight. I know I'm out of shape because I'm tired just cleaning the house. Any idea if it's the Xanax or my major depressive disorder that's causing the weight gain? I had a bunch of tests done and everything is in the normal range including my weight...but I do weigh more than I did say, 5 years ago and I am *not* happy about it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hagar Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Maybe a mixture of both? If I remember correctly, weight gain is one of the more common side effects of Xanax treatment, and it's also a possible symptom of major depression, so teasing out which caused what may be difficult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whendovescry Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 benzos's(xanax)makes me hungry. but I don't think they in themselves cause weight gain. I could be wrong though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 xanax did not make me gain weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brokendishes Posted October 22, 2013 Author Share Posted October 22, 2013 I'm going to change my eating habits and get actual exercise. I'm sure being depressed isn't helping, but I have to do something--i just don't feel good about myself this way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted November 16, 2013 Share Posted November 16, 2013 Actually, now that I an thinking about this, benzos make me very hungry, but ONLY when I am also tired. The tired/xanax combo causes me to constantly eat. I usually can stop myself from eating once I realize I am tired, but that doesn't always happen right away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phoenix_Rising Posted November 16, 2013 Share Posted November 16, 2013 I think its kind of a case of which came first, the Xanax causing hunger or the anxiety/depression causing hunger. As you mentioned, our eating and exercise habits tend to go to shit when we're depressed and/or anxious. I took Xanax for years and I don't feel that it caused me to eat more, but YMMV. I think trying to establish healthier habits is an excellent idea all the way around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coffeecat Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 Getting some exercise & eating better might help with your depression too, especially if your self image plays a role in your state of mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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