Klonopin Weight Gain

Klonopin (Clonazepam) is a medication belonging to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It is prescribed mainly to treat convulsive disorders as well as panic disorders- cases of sudden attacks of overpowering panic accompanied by intense fear of recurrence. Klonopin may either be used alone or together with other medicines as prescribed by doctors.

One very important fact that you need to know about Klonopin is that a constant amount should be maintained in the bloodstream in order for it to fully and effectively deliver its results. To keep blood levels constant as much as possible, it is advised that you take regular intervals of doses and try to avoid missing any.

Just like some other medications, Klonopin is often associated with several side effects. The most reported side effects of Klonopin include drowsiness, behaviour problems and lack of muscular coordination. Aside from these, some people are concerned about Klonopin being associated to gaining some weight. Due to reports about this case, many people now speculate whether there is a connection between Klonopin and weight gain. A number of clinical studies have found that less than one percent of people taking this medication have experienced such trouble. If you somehow notice any increase in your weight upon taking Klonopin, physicians may advice you to either try eating foods good for the heart, exercise more frequently or to switch to a different medicine.

Klonopin has been extensively and thoroughly studied and its side effects have been properly documented. In several different trials, both weight loss and weight gain have been reported as probable side effects of taking the drug. Although neither of them belongs to the most common side effects of Klonopin, it is still essential for you to have even a bit of information on what to do just in case you happen to encounter such situation. Listed below are some suggestions on what you can do in case a bothersome weight change is noticed upon taking Klonopin as medication.

·         Start eating a diet that is healthy for your heart. This diet should take account of the following:

a.    always see to it that you get a lot of vegetables, grains, fruits and low fat milk products in your every meal

b.    choose foods that have few saturated fats, salt, added sugars, cholesterol and trans fats

c.    ensure that you include beans, nuts, eggs, fish, poultry and lean meat in your food choices

·         Get yourself regularly involved in a physical activity at least thirty minutes a day. Do this on most days of your week.

·         Always try to set a firm limit on your alcohol intake.

If the problem still persists even after doing the above-mentioned remedies, then communicate your concern to your healthcare provider. If there is anyone who could really help you with this, then it would be your doctor. He or she can recommend other suggestions on how to deal with any weight gain or loss brought by your Klonopin intake. He or she may possibly look for other causes for the weight change you’re experiencing as well. However, if the weight gain still continues, then your healthcare provider may advise some other changes to your lifestyle or may propose that you take a different drug for your panic disorders or seizures.

Klonopin must always be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If somehow you have experienced an allergic reaction or if you are sensitive to Klonopin or to other drugs similar to it, like Valium and Librium, then do not take this medication. You and your doctor should maintain an open communication between each other on matters such as this. This means that you should make him or her aware of any reaction that you have experienced with it.

It is advised that Klonopin should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women as much as possible since it may increase the risk of birth defects and may cause other problems that could affect your infant. It has also been found out that Klonopin tends to slow down your nervous system and that its results may be deepened by alcohol. This is why it is highly advised that you avoid drinking alcohol while still taking this medication.

The recommended dosage for Klonopin may vary according to your age and the level of seizure or panic disorder that you have. At all times, it is strictly advised that you follow the exact dosage prescription of your doctor.