Should Ozempic Make You Tired? Experts Explain the Popular Drug’s Side Effects
Type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic continues to make headlines. From TikTokers calling Berberine “nature’s Ozempic” to the type 2 diabetes-turned-weight-loss drug making headlines for an array of interesting side effects (Ozempic face to Ozempic butt to name a few), now people are wondering: does Ozempic make you tired?
As an injectable weekly drug a part of the GLP-1 class, Ozempic is used to treat high blood sugar for those with type 2 diabetes. A common side effect of the medication is weight loss, which made the injectable drug very popular. While many find the side effects minor, some experience more serious reactions. Ahead, one endocrinologist explains fatigue associated with the medication.
Does Ozempic make you tired?
In short: maybe. “A small percentage of people were found to have adverse reactions such as dizziness and fatigue in trials with Ozempic,” Priya Jaisinghani, M.D., an endocrinologist at NYU Langone Health. But, unfortunately, the reason why some experience fatigue while taking Ozempic is unknown, she says.
Dr. Jaisinghani says gastrointestinal side effects could also lead to dehydration causing one to feel fatigued, she says. “Another side effect is hypoglycemia or low blood sugar,” she explains, which may occur in those taking Ozempic alongside other medications like insulin or sulfonylureas. “Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include weakness, drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness,” she notes.
Fatigue is also a symptom of high blood sugar, as people taking the type 2 diabetes drug may experience, the Mayo Clinic says.
One theory, according to a CBS report, is that the medication decreases appetite, which may lead people to eat less and therefore get fewer calories for their body to use as fuel. Basically, in some severe cases, it can cause a type of malnutrition, a symptom of which is fatigue.
How to feel less tired
While you may be tempted to add another cup of coffee to your routine or take an extra-long nap (we don’t blame you!), there are more things you can do to feel less tired.
Dr. Jaisinghani says to try the following if you’re experiencing fatigue:
Make sure to review the medications and supplements you are taking with your doctor
Work on improving your sleep quality
Eat a nutritious diet
Stay hydrated
Decrease stress
Common Ozempic side effects
Side effects of the type 2 diabetes drug, according to the drug’s website, include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Diarrhea
The bottom line
“If you are experiencing fatigue, it’s very important to speak to your doctor about when the symptoms started and how it’s impacting your daily life,” Dr. Jaisinghani says. “It will be important to decipher if the symptoms are associated with the medication, its side effects, or another underlying cause.” Your doctor may want to check your complete blood count, electrolytes, kidney function, thyroid, etc., she notes. If you’re feeling more tired than usual while taking Ozempic, be sure to speak to a medical professional to try to get to the root of the issue.
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