Klonopin and Weight Gain

Has anyone had any issues with Klonopin and weight gain? Several months ago I was prescribed Klonopin by my pdoc (1 mg 2xday) and it seemed my weight shot up quickly.

I have noticed that I seem hungry all the time if I take this dosage, but if I cut the dosage in half or only take 1xday I don't feel hungry when I shouldn't (like after just eating).

I asked pdoc about this at my last visit and he said, "Then just take less."

Thanks in advance for any input.

i have noticed with xanax, another benzo, that when i take enough to actually STOP my anxiety i eat more. i think it is because i lose my appetite from the anxiety. if i just take enough to control the anxiety in other ways it doesn't affect my appetite. could be what you are experiencing with klonopin.

on Klonopin and have gained weight

also eat like a pig

Azalysa,

It's interesting that you bring this up. I've been on klonopin for about five years and I've always felt a certain uncomfortable side effect in my stomach. I told my doc. once it 'feels like hunger'. That was the only way I could describe it. And that's the interesting thing: I've always perceived this as a symptom that is 'like hunger' but not actual hunger. Thus, I have not gained any weight because when I feel it, I don't associate it to eating, even though it feels almost exactly the same (it is also VERY uncomfortable) and eating does tend to relieve it.

Is this what is making you eat--i.e., this 'empty stomach'-like feeling, or are you having actual hunger CRAVINGS from the knp.?

DH

Please forgive the necroposting. I just saw this response and wanted to respond to it in case it helps others.

Thank you for your response, carpe_diem What I felt in the past from the 1 mg of klonopin (clonazepam) was hunger cravings, like I was starved. Over time it subsided (although the weight did not - however I do lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle which I need to change.)

I was out of the meds for about 2 weeks lately and just started again. I have not felt the hunger cravings this time, but now am sleeping a lot. Oh well...I'd rather sleep than be eating all the time.

I haven't noticed weight gain, but klonopin kicks ***.