Fatigue is a widespread condition, often caused by eating an inadequate diet (low kilojoule, low carb or high sugar foods) which does not supply the body with sufficient fuel and nutrition for proper functioning.
Some medications can cause drowsiness, but this should fade once your body adjusts to them. If it does not, inform your healthcare team who may be able to make changes that help alleviate this effect.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are medications designed to alleviate depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders. These medications also improve energy and mood in many people. Antidepressants may be prescribed to treat chronic pain or fatigue as well as side effects which usually subside over time; some can interact with other drugs prescribed. Please discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Antidepressive medicines can provide energy boosts by altering how certain neurotransmitters function in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells; their functions range from pain management and sleep cycle regulation, to managing anxiety attacks. There are various kinds of antidepressant medication, and it may take time to find one that suits you best.
Antidepressant drugs typically fall under two categories, SSRIs (which work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain) and SNRIs, which work by raising norepinephrine levels which boost alertness and concentration. Other antidepressants like maprotiline and mirtazapine work by inhibiting monoamine oxidase enzyme activity which breaks down serotonin in your body.
Antidepressants typically cause similar side effects for most individuals; however, the specific reactions can differ widely depending on who takes them. While some don’t experience any at all or experience mild ones that interfere with daily living; most side effects go away once a higher dosage has been chosen.
Antidepressants have the potential to increase suicidal thoughts in certain people, particularly adolescents and young adults. While the exact reason remains unknown, it could be related to increased energy early in treatment – before depression has fully improved.
Antidepressants can lead to dry mouth, which can be troubling for people who must speak frequently or operate machinery. It can impede driving or operating machinery safely as it hinders speech quality; taking other medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) can lessen this side-effect.
Medication that makes you drowsy
If a medication you are taking causes you to feel sleepy, it is important to notify your physician. Drowsiness could be an adverse side effect and can be reduced by altering dosage or time of administration; alternatively, your physician may advise stopping it entirely in order to see if the drowsiness subsides.
Antidepressants; antihistamines used to treat allergies, hives or itchy rashes; and medications used to prevent nausea may all make you sleepy. Some antihistamines come in “non-drowsy” formulations like Astelin nasal spray (Astelin), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), or Loratadine/Desloratadine (Allegra, Claritin). Medication used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions may also cause fatigue – such as Lisinopril (Prinivil Zestril), Calcium channel blockers like amlodipine (Norvasc), or propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal), these medications slow down heart rate which in turn causes fatigue.
Sleepiness and tiredness are common side effects of cancer medication such as chemotherapy agents and immunotherapy agents such as monoclonal antibodies such as Keytruda, Tecentriq, Yervoy, Blincyto and Monjuvi.
Fatigue and drowsiness can be symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Men and women both can be susceptible to developing this condition as they age, but symptoms are sometimes difficult to identify and may resemble depression or anxiety symptoms. Consulting your healthcare professional is often the best way to identify what may be causing your fatigue.
Adequate rest, eliminating caffeine intake and adopting a nutritious diet are proven ways to combat feelings of drowsiness. If the source is unrelated, such as taking medication longer or decreasing its dosage. Otherwise, consult your physician if the drowsiness persists; they can help find solutions through medication adjustments or lifestyle modifications such as changing dosage or switching out for one that doesn’t cause this sensation.
Diet changes
Diet modifications can help boost energy levels. Try increasing protein-rich foods, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats; these foods supply your body with essential nutrients it needs for proper functioning. Incorporate small portions of whole grains and fruits as part of your daily meals as well as meal replacement products known as very low energy diets (VLEDs). VLEDs must comply with Food Standards Code requirements; for optimal use these should only be consumed under medical practitioner/dietitian supervision.
