Antidepressants: A Surprising Energy Thief
Many people are shocked to learn that antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline and fluoxetine, can make you feel more tired, not less. In a 2024 review published in JAMA Psychiatry, researchers found that up to 38% of people taking SSRIs reported persistent fatigue as a side effect. This isn’t just feeling a little sleepy—some users describe it as “wearing a wet blanket” all day, making daily tasks feel overwhelming. The reason? These medications adjust serotonin levels, which can influence not just mood but also the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and energy regulation. Doctors sometimes try to switch patients to a different antidepressant if the fatigue is unbearable, but it’s a delicate balance, as untreated depression itself can cause tiredness. If you’re feeling unusually drained after starting an antidepressant, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider. Never stop these medications suddenly, as that can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen depression.
Beta Blockers: Heart Medicine with a Heavy Price
Beta blockers such as metoprolol and atenolol are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, heart disease, and even anxiety. But a major study in The Lancet in 2023 confirmed what many patients already suspected: fatigue is one of the most frequent complaints. In fact, up to 28% of patients reported moderate to severe tiredness after starting beta blockers. These medications slow your heart rate, decrease blood pressure, and reduce the workload on your heart, which is great for your heart but can leave the rest of you feeling sluggish. People often describe it as feeling like “moving through molasses.” If your energy levels tank after starting these meds, your doctor may adjust your dose, recommend a different class of drug, or suggest lifestyle changes to boost your stamina. Regular exercise, even just gentle walking, has been shown to help counteract some of the fatigue.
Antihistamines: Allergy Relief at a Cost
Most people reach for antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) when allergies strike, but these drugs can zap your energy surprisingly fast. A report from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in 2024 found that over 40% of people using first-generation antihistamines experienced significant drowsiness or fatigue. These medications block histamine, which plays a key role in keeping you alert. While newer “non-drowsy” antihistamines are available, they aren’t always completely free from this side effect, especially in sensitive individuals. Even after a good night’s sleep, some people say they feel “foggy” or “wiped out” for hours after taking these meds. If you’re struggling with persistent tiredness, ask your doctor or pharmacist about switching to a newer option or using other allergy management strategies.
Statins: Lowering Cholesterol, Lowering Energy
Statins, such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, are among the most prescribed medications in the world for lowering cholesterol and preventing heart attacks. Yet, a 2023 study in Circulation reported that around 20% of statin users experienced muscle-related fatigue and overall tiredness. While statins are life-saving for many, the mechanism behind this fatigue is thought to be related to how statins affect muscle cells and energy production within them. Some people describe it as a “drained battery” sensation that won’t recharge, making it difficult to exercise or even perform daily chores. Doctors sometimes recommend trying a lower dose, switching to a different statin, or taking “statin holidays” under medical supervision. It’s crucial not to stop statins abruptly, as this can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Benzodiazepines: Calming Nerves, Sapping Energy
Benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) are prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, but their sedating effects are notorious. According to a 2024 analysis in the British Journal of Psychiatry, over 50% of long-term benzodiazepine users reported daily fatigue, with many saying it felt “like walking through a fog.” These drugs slow down the brain’s activity, leading to relaxation but also to excessive sleepiness, slowed reflexes, and poor concentration. The risk of fatigue is even higher in older adults, who metabolize these medications more slowly. Some people find their tiredness becomes so severe that it interferes with work, relationships, and daily activities. Doctors are now encouraged to limit benzodiazepine prescriptions and explore other therapies for anxiety and sleep disorders whenever possible.
Antipsychotics: Powerful Help, Overwhelming Fatigue
Antipsychotics, such as quetiapine and olanzapine, are vital for treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression, but they can also be incredibly sedating. Clinical trials reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2025 showed that up to 62% of patients on certain antipsychotics complained of daytime sleepiness and profound fatigue. These medications block dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which can stabilize mood but also dampen arousal and alertness. Some patients find themselves needing naps during the day or struggling to get out of bed in the morning. While these medications are essential for many, the fatigue can be debilitating, leading doctors to carefully weigh the benefits and risks. Adjusting the dose, taking the medication at night, or switching drugs are some strategies used to manage this side effect.
