Some people who are taking
Xanax® (
alprazolam) may notice a weight change. Xanax has been shown to cause weight gain in 27.2 percent of people taking the drug for
panic disorder during clinical studies. This risk appears to be smaller for people taking Xanax for other kinds of
anxiety. In fact, only 2.7 percent of people taking Xanax for
anxiety treatment experienced weight gain. Higher
Xanax dosages are often required to treat panic disorder, and this may explain why people with panic disorder have a higher risk of
Xanax side effects (including weight gain).
If weight changes occur while taking this medication, there are some things that you can do. Some suggestions include:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet. This diet should include:
- Lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
- Lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
- Foods with little or no saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugars.
- Participating in regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.
Also, talk to your healthcare provider. He or she may have other suggestions or may recommend another medication.
(Click Xanax and Weight Gain for a more in-depth look at potential Xanax weight changes. This article also explains what clinical studies have shown regarding weight gain in people who were taking Xanax for various conditions.)
