If you’ve ever wondered why you feel groggy even after a full night’s sleep, your medications might be playing a role. While side effects vary from person to person, certain prescriptions are known to cause drowsiness or fatigue as a common response. Here’s a look at five types of medications that might be quietly sapping your energy — and what you can do about it.
1. Antihistamines
Antihistamines are often used to relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. But first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (commonly found in over-the-counter sleep aids) are notorious for causing drowsiness. These drugs can cross the blood-brain barrier and interfere with neurotransmitters that keep you alert.
What you can do: Talk to your doctor about switching to a non-drowsy version such as loratadine or cetirizine.
2. Beta Blockers
Prescribed for high blood pressure, migraines, or heart issues, beta blockers like atenolol or metoprolol can reduce adrenaline’s effect on your body. While that helps your heart, it can also leave you feeling sluggish or worn out, especially when you first start the medication.
Tip: If fatigue persists, your provider might adjust the dosage or recommend taking it at night.
3. Antidepressants
Certain antidepressants, especially tricyclics (like amitriptyline) and SSRIs (like fluoxetine), can cause fatigue as your body adapts. This is especially true when starting a new medication or increasing your dose.
Keep in mind: These side effects may fade over time, but if they don’t, a medication switch may help.
4. Muscle Relaxants
Drugs like cyclobenzaprine or carisoprodol are designed to ease muscle spasms and tension, but they can also slow down your nervous system — making you feel groggy and unfocused.
Helpful hint: Using these only at bedtime or for short periods may minimize daytime sleepiness.
5. Anti-Seizure Medications
Often prescribed for epilepsy or nerve pain, medications like gabapentin or pregabalin are known to cause fatigue. They can affect brain activity and interfere with how alert you feel, especially at higher doses.
Advice: If tiredness becomes an issue, dosage adjustments might help — always under your doctor’s guidance.
Final Thought
If you’re feeling more tired than usual and you’re on any of these medications, don’t ignore it. Fatigue might be a manageable side effect — or a sign that a different treatment could work better for your body.
👉 Find More Information by talking to your healthcare provider about how your prescriptions may be affecting your energy levels.