Does Tizanidine Cause Weight Gain or Weight Loss?

According to various studies, Tizanidine can cause both weight gain and weight loss. Several factors like loss of appetite and slowed metabolism affect and cause weight gain and loss for a Tizanidine user.

Tizanidine is a short-acting muscle relaxer that works by blocking the nerve impulses or the pain sensations sent to your brain, and there are some side effects to it, including weight gain, which is common, and weight loss which a rare.

Weight gain can be found among people who take Tizanidine, especially females 50-59 years old and who have been taking the drug for around 1-6 months. eHealthMe conducted a study where reported 2,547 people taking Tizanidine, and their side effects regarding weight were recorded.

Zanaflex is not an over-the-counter medicine, before ordering Zanaflex online from a certified online pharmacy, you always need a doctor's prescription.

Study

The most common brand of Tizanidine is Zanflex. As per a study conducted by eHealthMe on Tizanidine and weight gain on 2,711 patients, only 42 patients (1.55%) of them reported weight gain.

Weight gain can be found among people who take Tizanidine, especially females 50-59 years old and who have been taking the drug for around 1-6 months. eHealthMe conducted a study where reported 2,547 people taking Tizanidine, and their side effects regarding weight were recorded.

Time on Tizanidine Hydrochloride when people have Weight Gain:

• < 1 month: 20%
• 1-6 months: 40%            
• 6-12 months: 0.0%
• 1-2 years: 0.0%
• 2-5 years: 20%
• 10+ years: 20%

Gender of People who have Weight Gain while taking Tizanidine Hydrochloride

• Male: 12.82%
• Female: 87.18%

Dosage

Adults:

Initial dose: 2mg/day to 8mg/day

Maximum dose: 8mg/day to 24mg/day

Painful muscle spasms associated with musculoskeletal conditions: 2-4mg 3 times/day (Sergay, S. and Richardson, M., 2001).

Does Tizanidine Cause Loss Of Appetite?

As you can see from the above study, that weight gain though less is still seen among patient who consume Tizanidine. Now, let us understand the connection between weight loss and Tizanidine.

Tizanidine can cause loss of appetite and nausea in certain patients. This in turn, can cause loss of appetite. If you have nausea or loss of appetite you will be required to seek medical help.

Tizanidine Side Effects

Tizanidine has side effects ranging from standard to rare; some of these side effects are mentioned below (Weightman, D. and Hudgson, P., 1982).

Common side effects

• Dizziness 
• weight gain
• Feeling nervous
• Sore throat 
• Dry mouth
• Vomiting
• Uncontrolled muscle movement 
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fever and chills
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Unusual tiredness
• Difficulty in swallowing

These Are Some of the Rare Side Effects of Tizanidine

• Pain or burning sensation while urination
• Weight loss
• Confusion
• Hallucinations 
• Feels like passing out
• Blurred vision
• Kidney stones
• Irregular heartbeat
• Itchy skin

How To Effectively Tackle Weight Gain or Weight Loss?

If you are taking Tizanidine and experience weight gain or weight loss after a while, you must immediately consult your doctor and seek professional help.

You should follow a diet with help of a dietician. The next thing to do is to follow a proper exercise regime. Your doctor might give you medications to tackle your weight gain or weight loss that might suit as per your needs (Lombard, C.B. and Cicuttini, F.M., 2013).

Conclusion

In the end, Tizanidine, when taken as prescribed by your doctor and if followed all the guidelines for taking the drug then it can be incredibly be beneficial for the user. It can help the user with their problem by avoiding as many side effects as possible.

As per the guidance provided in the blog, major changes have been observed is weight gain than weight loss. That too, affects a very small portion of those who consume Tizanidine. Though weight gain is a side effect, you can counter it with proper diet and exercise.