Antibiotics are the most potent medications for bacterial infection treatment. Though they are effective at fighting off infections, some people report tiredness while on these medications. If you are also taking or planning to take antibiotics, you may wonder, "Do antibiotics make you tired"? Though antibiotics do not directly cause fatigue or tiredness, they may lead to side effects or interact with the body's natural processes in ways that leave you drained. This blog will help you clearly understand whether antibiotics can cause tiredness and what to do to manage it.
Do Antibiotics Make You Tired?
Though tiredness is not the typical side effect of antibiotics, you may experience it, possibly due to the underlying infection rather than the medicine itself. It indicates your body needs rest to fight off infection and recover. In some rare cases, fatigue or tiredness can be a side effect of antibiotics.
Potential reasons for feeling tired while on antibiotics:
Response of the body to infection:
Bacterial infections can cause symptoms such as weakness, inflammation, and fever during antibiotic treatment which contributes to fatigue or tiredness. Though antibiotics work effectively to combat infection, still the body is recovering and might get tired.
Side effects of some antibiotics:
According to one study, in some cases, certain antibiotics like vancomycin or itraconazole can cause fatigue. These medicines can sometimes impact the body's central nervous system and cause tiredness or drowsiness. So, always discuss the possibility of fatigue with the healthcare providers when they suggest any antibiotics.
Interaction with other medications
Antibiotics taken alongside other medications—such as painkillers, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, sleeping medications, or antidepressants—can enhance feelings of fatigue due to interactions. So, discuss your current medications with your doctor.
Pre-existing medical issues
Fatigue might arise from pre-existing health issues like anemia, diabetes, kidney issues, heart disease, or fibromyalgia, which can worsen while you're on antibiotics. So, talk about these conditions with your providers before starting antibiotic treatment.
Is Antibiotic-Caused Fatigue Temporary?
Yes, fatigue or tiredness due to antibiotics is generally temporary and resolves with time once the body adjusts to the medicine. However, it's not always the case. Some antibiotics might lead to persistent fatigue. If the tiredness persists long after finishing the course, it could indicate an underlying issue. Always consult your doctor if:
Fatigue becomes severe or prolonged.
Other unusual symptoms occur, like confusion or weakness
Note: Always remember not to stop taking medication without consulting a doctor as they can cause withdrawal symptoms.
What To Do If Antibiotics Make You Feel Tired?
If you start experiencing tiredness or fatigue:
Adjust the dose or discuss alternative medications with the doctor.
Avoid driving or any activity that needs full alertness.
Do not take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that list drowsiness as a potential side effect.
Avoid alcohol and substances that may cause tiredness.
Get adequate sleep at night.
If fatigue or tiredness does not get better or worsen even after the treatment, see a doctor.
When to Seek Medical Help?
See your healthcare provider in case of:
Severe, prolonged fatigue.
Experiencing other severe side effects such as extreme weakness, trouble breathing, or confusion.
Signs of allergic reactions like difficulty breathing, swelling, or hives.
Symptoms remain or become worse even after completing the course of treatment.
Infections keep recurring, indicating some underlying causes.
Tips to Fight off Fatigue Caused by Antibiotics
Follow these helpful tips to fight against fatigue or tiredness caused by antibiotics:
Stay hydrated: A study reports dehydration can lead to fatigue, so, drink a lot of water to get rid of toxins and maintain energy levels.
Consume a balanced diet: Eat nutritious foods such as lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and green veggies to boost your energy and promote your immune system.
Prioritize sleep: Adequate sleep helps the body recover from medicine’s effects and infection. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep to ease your recovery.
Avoid alcohol & caffeine: Both substances can interrupt sleep patterns and worsen fatigue. So, avoid or limit their use.
Take breaks: Rest throughout the day to avoid overexerting yourself while your body adjusts to the antibiotics.
Consume probiotics: Take probiotics to restore your gut health (that might be disrupted by antibiotics).
Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing to ease fatigue-related stress.
If fatigue persists, seek medical help to find the potential cause or get your medication adjusted.
Final Thoughts
So, do antibiotics make you tired? Though antibiotics don't directly lead to fatigue, they can cause tiredness as a rare side effect or the body's response to the infection. Sometimes, drug interaction and underlying medical conditions can also be contributing factors to fatigue. If you continuously feel tired while taking antibiotics, consult the doctor. The providers may help adjust the dosage or rule out the underlying causes.
Read Also: Does Amoxicillin Make You Tired
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the tiredness last after antibiotic treatment?
It should resolve in a few days after stopping antibiotics. However, if tiredness persists, see a doctor.
Should you rest when taking antibiotics?
Yes, getting a lot of rest after taking antibiotics can help regain energy levels and make you feel better.
What not to eat on antibiotics?
Avoid eating foods high in acid or calcium, dairy products, or fruit juices as they can interrupt the absorption of antibiotics.
Can you be allergic to an antibiotic?
Yes, in rare cases, you can be allergic to antibiotics, causing symptoms like blisters, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the tongue, face, or throat.
What are the worst antibiotics for your gut health?
Clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, minocycline, and amoxicillin are the worst antibiotics for your gut health.
Reviewed by
