5 Everyday Medications That Might Be Making You Tired (Without You Realizing It)
Have you been feeling more sluggish lately — even after a good night’s sleep? You’re not alone. Many people chalk it up to stress or poor diet, but the real culprit might be hiding in your medicine cabinet.
Certain everyday medications, even ones considered “harmless,” can quietly sap your energy. The worst part? You may not even realize they’re the reason you're dragging yourself through the day.
Let’s take a closer look at five common medications that might be to blame.
1. Antihistamines (Especially First-Generation)
If you deal with seasonal allergies, you might be popping antihistamines without a second thought. First-generation options like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are notorious for causing drowsiness. While they offer fast allergy relief, they also cross into your brain, affecting neurotransmitters that regulate wakefulness.
Tip: Try second-generation antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine — they’re less likely to knock you out.
2. Blood Pressure Medications (Beta-Blockers)
Beta-blockers slow down your heart rate and reduce blood pressure — but they can also slow you down. These medications can reduce your body’s natural adrenaline response, leaving you feeling lethargic or even mildly depressed.
Tip: If fatigue is affecting your quality of life, talk to your doctor about alternative options or timing adjustments.
3. Anti-Anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
Medications like alprazolam (Xanax) or diazepam (Valium) are effective at calming anxiety — but they also act as central nervous system depressants. This can lead to grogginess, foggy thinking, and a general lack of motivation.
Tip: If you’re using them regularly, you may want to explore non-drowsy alternatives like SSRIs or therapy-based interventions.
4. Antidepressants (Especially Tricyclics or SSRIs)
Ironically, medications meant to boost your mood can sometimes have the opposite effect on your energy levels. Older tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and some SSRIs like fluoxetine can cause sedation as a side effect.
Tip: Some antidepressants are more stimulating than others. Don’t hesitate to discuss different formulations with your provider.
5. Muscle Relaxants
They’re great after an injury or when dealing with back spasms — but muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine can leave you glued to your couch. Many act similarly to sedatives and can impair alertness long after the pain has subsided.
Tip: Only use them short-term and ideally at night to minimize daytime grogginess.
