We all have those days—low energy, trouble focusing, and the constant urge to nap. But what if your fatigue isn’t just from poor sleep or stress? What if the cause is quietly hiding in your medicine cabinet?
Medications That Might Be Making You Tired
Surprisingly, some of the most common medications can have a powerful side effect: drowsiness. And even if they’re not labeled as “sedating,” they might still be zapping your energy in sneaky ways. Here are five everyday drugs that could be making you tired—without you even realizing it.
1. Antihistamines (Even “Non-Drowsy” Ones)
You reach for allergy relief expecting clearer sinuses, but many antihistamines—especially first-generation ones like diphenhydramine (Benadryl)—are notorious for causing drowsiness. Even second-generation options like loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec), labeled as “non-drowsy,” can still make some people feel sluggish depending on how their body processes the medication.
2. Blood Pressure Medications (Beta Blockers)
If you’re taking a beta blocker for hypertension or heart health (like metoprolol or atenolol), you might also be experiencing fatigue or even mild depression. These meds can slow your heart rate and dull your overall energy, especially during the day.
3. Antidepressants (Especially SSRIs and Tricyclics)
Antidepressants are designed to balance brain chemicals—but they can also throw your sleep-wake cycle off. SSRIs like sertraline (Zoloft) and tricyclics like amitriptyline are known for causing daytime drowsiness in some users, especially when you first start taking them or increase your dose.
4. Pain Medications (Including OTC Options)
We all know that opioids like hydrocodone can cause sedation, but even over-the-counter pain meds that contain antihistamines (like Tylenol PM or Advil PM) are double trouble. They relieve pain, sure—but they can also leave you feeling foggy well into the next day.
5. Acid Reflux Medications (H2 Blockers)
Medications like ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid) may calm your stomach, but they can also mess with your brain’s alertness. H2 blockers affect histamine in the body, and that interaction might be contributing to unexpected fatigue.
So, What Can You Do About It?
If you’ve been dragging through your day despite a full night’s sleep, it might be time to look at your medications. Never stop a prescription without speaking to your doctor—but ask them if fatigue might be a side effect and whether there are better alternatives. Sometimes even shifting the time you take your meds can make a big difference.