Does Klonopin Cause Weight Gain? Everything You Need to Know!

A drug called clonazepam is used to treat seizures. Additionally, it aids those experiencing panic attacks. A member of the benzodiazepine drug class is clonazepam. It affects aberrant brain electrical activity by lowering it.

Some people find it more challenging to exercise when taking Klonopin. Users of Klonopin become less active as they become more sedentary, and as a result, they may start mindlessly eating or even binge. Weight gain has been linked to depression and anxiety, which can influence how much you eat and how active you are.

Overeating is a temporary coping strategy for unpleasant emotions, and clonazepam has been associated with greater depression.

Research on Klonopin Weight Gain:

When using Klonopin, users tend to put on weight, especially if they are female, between the ages of 50 and 59, and have just been doing so for a few weeks.

Who takes Klonopin and puts on weight is the subject of the phase IV clinical research. It is based on reports made to the FDA by 54,048 people who had side effects from using Klonopin. Ehealthme.com conducted this investigation.

Is There a Link Between Weight Gain and Clonazepam (Klonopin)?

does klonopin cause weight gain

Studies on the effects of the medication have shown a connection between clonazepam and weight gain. However, it is really uncommon. More therapeutic trials have shown weight loss than weight gain, which affects less than 1% of patients, suggesting a tenuous association between the two.

Despite the statistically improbable link between clonazepam and weight gain in patients, it is a potential side effect of the drug that is typically treatable by changing one’s lifestyle.

Patients who are gaining weight as a result of their clonazepam treatment may get better by altering their diet and way of life. The doctors who treat these patients typically advise them to consume lots of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, and poultry.

Another wise strategy to prevent weight gain and reduce intake of saturated and trans fats is to exercise for 30 minutes most days of the week. Alcohol should be avoided by those who are trying to lose weight because the majority of alcoholic beverages are high in calories and commonly consumed in excess. (1999; Hooshang, H., and Masood, H.)

Dosage:

You can take clonazepam as a pill. After taking the tablets with water, they must be consumed whole. Many people have developed Klonopin addictions, taking only the dosage recommended by their doctor. Some individuals get addicted to Klonopin shortly after starting treatment.

Read more: Does Humira Cause Weight Gain? Explained In Brief!

Regarding Seizure Disorders:

does klonopin cause weight gain

Adults:

For adults, the first dose shouldn’t be more than 1.5 mg/day, divided over three doses. Until seizures are under control, the dosage can be increased in 0.5 to 1 mg increments every 3 days. The maintenance dosage must be adjusted for each patient based on their reaction. The recommended daily dosage is a maximum of 20 mg.

Children’s Patients:

Children and infants (up to 10 years of age or 30 kg of body weight) should receive an initial dose of 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg/day, split into two or three doses.

The dosage should be increased no more than 0.25 to 0.5 mg every third day until a regular maintenance dosage of 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg of weight is reached unless seizures are controlled or side effects preclude further increase. The largest dose should be administered first if the doses are not spread equally.

Elderly Patients:

Over 65 patients should start taking Klonopin in low doses and be well monitored.

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Regarding Panic Disorder:

Adults:

Individuals should start with a dose of 0.25 mg twice daily. Most people may obtain a target dose increase of 1 mg/day after 3 days. Based on the results of a fixed-dose trial, a recommended dosage of 1 mg per day was established.

However, in some cases, doses up to 4 mg/day may be beneficial, and in those circumstances, the dosage can be increased by 0.125 to 0.25 mg twice every three days.

Children’s Patients:

There have been no clinical trials using Klonopin on children with panic disorder.

Elderly Patients:

Over 65 patients should begin taking Klonopin in low doses and be well monitored.

Negative effects:

  • fresh seizures
  • extreme sleepiness
  • unusual shifts in mood.
  • Confusion.
  • Aggression.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Suicidal ideas.
  • sluggish breathing

Weight gain is a rare adverse effect of Klonopin. It is advised to contact your doctor right away if any unexpected side effects follow the consumption of this medication.

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