I have been using clonidine and Hyzaar for high blood pressure for a few months now and noticed 10 to 15 pounds of weight gain.
Has anyone else experienced the weight gain and is it a normal side effect?
I am a health conscious person and my eating habits are the same as before I started the medications. I eat mostly fruits and vegetables with little protein.
Please help me to figure this out? Thank you.
Does clonidine or Hyzaar cause a weight gain?
Question posted by klalaian on 9 April 2010
Last updated on 10 October 2021 by Lisa727
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
11 Answers
Lisa727
10 Oct 2021
Yes. I have been on clonidine 0.1 for 1 year I have gained 15 pounds. I am weaning myself off of it. I’ll only take it when I have to go to my doctor and have to take a urine test. I have a really bad back and I have to go to pain management. I can’t stand it. I hate taking clonidine.It is prescribed to me for adult ADHD
Kate1962
29 Aug 2020
I have been on Clonidine for about a week and already gained 10 lbs..I haven’t changed my eating habits at all so it is the med, I will be stopping it now
Peppopat
10 Aug 2019
I took one clonidine .1 mg yesterday and this morning I was a pound heavier on the scale. Hope this helps.
Yoli9098
1 May 2019
I have been on clonidine pills and the patch since April 4th 2019 and have gained 13 pounds.
Cinbare
7 May 2018
I GAINED ALMOST 30 LBS IN ABOUT 6 MOS !! IT'S THE clonidine ALRIGHT. MY DR. IS AN IDIOT, WHO NO LONGER IS MY "DR", AND THE NEW "DR" WENT ON VACATION FOR 2 MONTHS ON ME!!! I'M SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING GOING TO MEDICAL SCHOOL MYSELF, BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY BAD DR'S ONLY INTERESTED IN BILLING THE SYSTEM. THESE DR'S TODAY ARE NOT LISTENING TO THEIR PATIENTS COMPLAINTS !!! PATIENTS TODAY ARE EXTREMELY FOOLISH TO NOT RESEARCH THE MEDICINES THESE QUACKS ARE HANDING OUT, OR TO RESEARCH THE SYMPTOMS YOU ARE HAVING AND LETTING THESE IDIOTS KNOW!! YOU NEED TO GRAB THEM BY THE COLLAR. DON'T BE AFRAID OR BE INTIMIDATED BY THEM. TELL THEM !!
Catchumjo
2 April 2017
I too believe that clonidine causes weight gain as my gp said it slows the metabolism helping with sweats caused by onset menopause. I have gained weight but won't just blame the meds as my appetite is much better than it used to be. I get very sleepy as the day goes on shame it doesn't help me sleep all night. The sweats have subsided which is a big plus but I have since started my diet and exercise back up in the last month cutting out all junk food and fizzy drinks no change in weight so time to have check up with gp and sort this out.
Allenuae
10 March 2017
I too have been on clonidine for only 1 month and picked up 5kg and growing fatter everyday. It is scarey. I want to stop the tablets but am afraid to because they help me loads as I am going thro menopause and they are the only tablets that do help. I don't know what to do either... I am hoping there is another tablet that does the same that I can change too that does not make me fat.
Katecancan
19 Jan 2017
Yes yes yes it does! I am on Clonidine and Atarax for anxiety and I couldn't work out what on earth had happened to me for ages: I was about nine stone when I started taking the meds, an extremely healthy eater and very very active. I walk the dogs for hours morning and night, muck out two horses and do very heavy stable yard duties, ride the horses and run around like a maniac as am always so busy. None of this changed while I was taking Clonidine and Atarax and nor did my diet which was all fruit veg home cooked healthy meals small portions the lot. As the weight piled on and I became fatter and fatter I cut my food back until I was fainting while walking the dog or mucking out the horses. In the end I was nearly suicidal with despair. I felt awful, absolutely disgusted with myself.
I cut out all sugar and became more and more depressed as no matter how little I ate and how much exercise I did I got fatter and fatter until I was nearly eleven stone and couldn't get into even my puffa coats! I need the meds but because the weight gain is making me so fat and depressed I'm thinking of stopping them. Am really at a loss to know which way to go
ibel c fredy
28 July 2012
The most common side effects with clonidine are dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, sedation, low blood pressure, weakness, and nausea. A search of the prescribing information did not specifically list weight gain as a side effect
lillithtweak
1 May 2011
I have also been gaining weight, about 15lbs, and have also been wondering the same thing. My eating habbits have actually been better and have also joined the gym, with little results. I am on Clonidine, Norvasc, Hydrochlorot and had noticed an increased weight gain since starting the Norvasc. Could it be the meds or my age idk?
patriceab
4 May 2011
I started Clonidine about 6 months ago. I have gain almost 20lbs. I stop eating fried foods and all fast foods. I stream all my foods now. I eat mostly vegs. No red meat. I also eat alot of fruit. I have joined the gym and walk everyday. It has to be the meds!!
jopoker
20 Aug 2011
Same here, I've been on Clonidine for a year now and I go to my Dr on Monday and asking her to take me off. Along with the weight gain about 25lbs, I also am experiencing joint pain fatigue and trouble sleeping. I had forgotten to pick up my script and didn't take it for a few days I actually felt great! Started it again and feel like crap. I had been on the hydrochlorot prior to the clonidine, I had put on a weight while on that and was having horrible joint pain as well. The dr's refuse to believe that weight gain could possibly be associated with these meds. They need to listen to their patients more.
marcyfarmer
20 Jan 2015
I gained 13 lbs and I hadn't changed my eating habits either. 2 months ago I cut sugar out of my diet as well as any greasy or fried foods, bread and pasta. I run 3 miles a day in the morning then another 3 n the evening and do cardiovascular workouts twice a day 4 a total of 3 hours. I have yet 2 loose any weight
maryhill
11 April 2010
A doctor told me that many of his patients blame their meds for gaining weight. He told me, that is not so. Since most meds stops, cures illness, you feel better, sleeps better, eats well. I'm also taking med for hypertension and have'nt notice any change in my weight. Do you have regular exercise? Do you have snacks in between meals? Have you check your thyroid gland lately?Hope this helps.
Related topics
high blood pressure, weight loss (obesity/overweight), clonidine, side effect, weight
Further information
- Clonidine uses and safety info
- Clonidine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Clonidine (detailed)
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