
5) Beta blockersīeta blockers wear many hats and include medications such as metoprolol (Lopressor), carvedilol (Coreg), bisoprolol (Zebeta), and propranolol (Inderal). The higher the dose, the worse the fatigue with topiramate.

The drug carries the nickname Dopamax because those taking it may feel “dopey.” Topiramate is commonly used to treat seizures and prevent migraine headaches, and for weight loss ( Qsymia contains topiramate). Topiramate causes drowsiness and fatigue in up to 15% of people using it. Those taking bupropion are less likely to suffer symptoms of sleepiness and fatigue than those treated with SSRIs. Providers tend not to prescribe them as often as other antidepressants due to their greater potential for side effects.Īnother option? Studies have shown that bupropion (Wellbutrin) is just as effective as SSRIs for the remission of major depressive symptoms. They too can cause drowsiness and fatigue, among other side effects. They are used to treat depression and anxiety, and they are used off-label for chronic pain and to prevent migraines.

They include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) and can also cause drowsiness and fatigue.Īmitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor) are an older type of antidepressant known as tricyclic antidepressants. The serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are similar medications used to treat depression, anxiety, and sometimes, chronic pain. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluoxetine (Prozac), taken for depression or anxiety, can make you feel sleepy. Trazodone, an older antidepressant, causes sleepiness in 42% of people taking it and is commonly prescribed for insomnia. Several antidepressants may cause fatigue to different extents. 3) AntidepressantsĪntidepressant medications are used not only to treat depression and anxiety but also chronic pain and even insomnia. Commonly prescribed muscle relaxants cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), carisoprodol (Soma), and tizanidine (Zanaflex) are hugely sedating.

Many folks taking muscle relaxants for back or neck pain have no idea these may make them feel drowsy for a few days. Over-the-counter medications containing “Nighttime” in the name or ending in “PM,” like Tylenol PM, usually contain diphenhydramine or doxylamine and can cause drowsiness, too.Īlthough they are sometimes called “non-sedating” antihistamines, allergy medications such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin) can also cause fatigue. Hydroxyzine (Atarax) is an antihistamine that requires a prescription and also causes drowsiness. These are medications used for allergies, hives, nasal congestion, itchy rashes, or as a sleep aid.ĭiphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom) are both very sedating and are available over the counter.
