Ever felt like you’re wading through your day in slow motion? You’re not alone. Fatigue is one of the most common complaints people bring to their doctors — and surprisingly, your medication might be the culprit. Yes, that sluggish, drained feeling might not be from poor sleep or too much screen time. It could be hiding in your medicine cabinet.
The 7 Meds
Many common medications list “drowsiness” or “fatigue” as side effects, but some of them don’t make it obvious. And unless you look closely, you might not realize your daily dose is dragging you down.
Let’s dive into seven surprising drugs that could be silently zapping your energy:
1. Antihistamines (Especially First-Generation)
Benadryl might clear up your allergies, but it also crosses into your brain and causes sedation. Even if you don’t feel sleepy, your energy might be lower than normal. If you’re taking one daily, it could be slowing you down.
2. Blood Pressure Medications (Beta-Blockers)
Drugs like metoprolol or propranolol can reduce your heart rate — and with it, your energy levels. If you’ve been feeling chronically tired, and you’re on a beta-blocker, it might be worth discussing with your doctor.
3. Antidepressants (Especially SSRIs and Tricyclics)
While they help regulate mood, some antidepressants (like fluoxetine or amitriptyline) can also blunt your energy levels. Fatigue is a common side effect — and many people mistake it for depression itself.
4. Benzodiazepines (Anti-Anxiety Meds)
These calming meds — like Valium or Xanax — work by slowing down your nervous system. That’s great for anxiety… but not for alertness. Long-term use can leave you feeling persistently groggy.
5. Antipsychotics
Drugs prescribed for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, like quetiapine (Seroquel), often list drowsiness as a top side effect. Even in low doses for sleep or anxiety, they can leave you drained.
6. Muscle Relaxants
Often used for back pain or injuries, medications like cyclobenzaprine can seriously dull your energy. Their sedative effect can linger long after you take them.
7. Sleep Aids (Yes, Even OTC Ones)
Ironically, the pills you take for better sleep — like diphenhydramine or melatonin supplements — can mess with your natural rhythm and cause daytime drowsiness. They may help you sleep, but they could also leave you sluggish the next day.
So What Should You Do?
If you’re feeling unusually tired and you’re taking any of the medications above, don’t stop them cold turkey. Instead, talk to your doctor. There might be alternatives, dosage adjustments, or timing strategies that can help restore your energy.
Many people feel years younger — and far more alert — just by making small medication tweaks.