**How to Recognize Medication-Induced Fatigue**
Feeling unusually tired? If you’ve started a new medication recently, fatigue might be a side effect. Here’s how to spot it and what to do next.
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### **Common Culprits**
Many medications can cause fatigue, including:
– **Blood pressure drugs** like amlodipine (swelling, dizziness, and tiredness are frequent)[4].
– **Antidepressants** such as duloxetine (sleepiness, weakness)[3].
– **Steroids** like dexamethasone (darkening skin, muscle pain)[2].
– **Weight loss injections** including Ozempic (fatigue in ~11% of users)[5].
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### **Key Signs It’s Medication-Related**
1. **Timing**: Fatigue starts days or weeks after beginning the medication[4][5].
2. **Pattern**: Worse after taking a dose or when standing up suddenly[3][4].
3. **Accompanying symptoms**: Dizziness, nausea, or muscle aches[3][4][5].
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### **What You Can Do Right Now**
– **Track symptoms**: Note when fatigue hits and how long it lasts. Share this with your doctor[4][5].
– **Stay hydrated**: Dehydration worsens dizziness and tiredness[4][5].
– **Adjust habits**: Rise slowly from sitting/lying positions to avoid dizziness[3][4].
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### When to Worry: Red Flags 🚩
Contact your doctor immediately if fatigue comes with:
✔️ Shortness of breath or chest pain[4]
✔️ Sudden weight gain/swelling (possible heart issues)[4]
✔️ Confusion or fainting spells[3]
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### The Bottom Line
Medication-induced fatigue often improves as your body adjusts[5], but don’t ignore persistent exhaustion—your dose may need tweaking. Always report unusual tiredness to your healthcare provider; they can check for interactions or suggest alternatives without this side effect.
