5 Common Medications That Might Be Making You Tired — And How to Manage It
Feeling unusually sleepy or low on energy? The culprit might not be your lifestyle or sleep schedule — it could be your medications. Many common prescription and over-the-counter drugs list fatigue or drowsiness as a side effect, even when they’re taken as directed.
In this guide, we’ll highlight five medications that commonly cause tiredness and provide tips on how to manage these effects without disrupting your treatment plan.
1. Antihistamines
Used for allergies, colds, and motion sickness, antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine are well-known for causing drowsiness. These medications block histamine, a chemical involved in wakefulness, making users feel groggy or foggy — especially first-generation antihistamines.
How to manage it:
- Try non-drowsy versions like loratadine (Claritin) or fexofenadine (Allegra)
- Take drowsy antihistamines at night to align with sleep
- Avoid operating heavy machinery after taking these drugs
2. Antidepressants
Certain antidepressants, especially tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline) and some SSRIs (like paroxetine), can cause significant fatigue or sedation. These medications affect brain chemicals involved in mood and alertness, which can sometimes lead to sluggishness.
How to manage it:
- Take your dose before bedtime if recommended by your doctor
- Ask about switching to a more energizing antidepressant if fatigue is persistent
- Stay physically active and maintain a regular sleep schedule
3. Beta Blockers
Commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, heart conditions, and anxiety, beta blockers like metoprolol and atenolol can cause fatigue as they reduce the effects of adrenaline. This slows heart rate and may lead to a feeling of tiredness or low stamina.
How to manage it:
- Monitor your blood pressure and pulse regularly
- Discuss dosage adjustments with your doctor if fatigue interferes with daily life
- Don’t stop taking beta blockers without medical supervision
4. Muscle Relaxants
Drugs like cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol are often used to treat muscle spasms or injuries. While effective, they also depress the central nervous system, which can result in sleepiness and impaired focus.
How to manage it:
- Use only for short periods as directed
- Avoid alcohol and other sedating medications
- Reserve doses for bedtime when possible
5. Anti-Seizure Medications (also used for nerve pain)
Medications like gabapentin and pregabalin are prescribed for seizures, nerve pain, and sometimes anxiety. These drugs can cause drowsiness or dizziness, particularly when starting or increasing a dose.
How to manage it:
- Start with a low dose and gradually increase as advised
- Take doses at night if drowsiness is an issue
- Talk to your doctor if sedation becomes severe or persistent
General Tips to Manage Medication-Related Fatigue
If you're feeling unusually tired after starting or adjusting a medication, here are some ways to reduce its impact:
- Talk to your doctor: Never adjust your medication on your own. A dosage change, alternative drug, or timing shift may help.
- Stay hydrated and eat well: Poor nutrition and dehydration can make fatigue worse.
- Get regular exercise: Light physical activity can help improve energy levels and reduce medication-induced sluggishness.
- Track symptoms: Keep a journal of when fatigue occurs and what medications you took. This can help your healthcare provider identify patterns.
- Avoid mixing sedating substances: Be cautious with alcohol, cannabis, or other sleep-inducing drugs while on medications that cause drowsiness.
Conclusion
Fatigue can be a frustrating and unexpected side effect of many common medications, but it doesn’t have to interfere with your day-to-day life. By understanding which drugs may be causing tiredness and working with your healthcare provider, you can find safe and effective ways to manage symptoms while staying on track with your treatment.
Sources
Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org
Drugs.com – https://www.drugs.com
National Institutes of Health – https://www.nih.gov
Cleveland Clinic – https://my.clevelandclinic.org
WebMD – https://www.webmd.com