{"id":62365,"date":"2024-01-03T09:30:20","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T14:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62365"},"modified":"2025-05-05T10:02:51","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T14:02:51","slug":"does-ozempic-make-you-tired","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-ozempic-make-you-tired\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Ozempic make you tired?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ozempic<\/span><\/a> (active ingredient semaglutide) is touted as a \u201cmiracle drug\u201d for its ability to lower blood sugar for people with Type 2 diabetes and <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> to help people with obesity reach a healthy weight. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, the brand-name Rx is in a class of drugs called <\/span>glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists<\/span><\/a> that \u201cwork on a type of receptor in our small intestines,\u201d explains Dawn Mancuso, MD, a primary care provider and medical weight loss specialist at Madison Wellness & Aesthetics Center in Madison, Alabama.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis GLP-1 receptor triggers brain and metabolic actions to help us release insulin from our pancreas, limit the release of stored glucose in our bodies, slow down our digestive systems, and, ultimately, lets our brains know we have eaten and are full.\u201d That\u2019s how it works its magic for blood glucose and weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

The benefits are well-known\u2014and well-documented in the popular press\u2014but what about the potential downsides? Strange side effects, such as \u201cOzempic face\u201d and \u201cOzempic butt,\u201d have also made the news. Are tiredness and fatigue one of them? The short answer is yes\u2014for some people, fatigue is a potential side effect of this injectable medication.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Does Ozempic make you tired?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cIn <\/span>clinical trials<\/span><\/a>, Ozempic caused fatigue in up to 11% of the population studied,\u201d says <\/span>Eliana Lovett, Pharm.D.<\/span><\/a>, a Health Outcomes Strategies Pharmacist for Walgreens, in Atlanta, Georgia.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA small percentage of people report a fatigue or tiredness that lasts a few weeks after starting,\u201d <\/span>Dr. Mancuso<\/span><\/a> adds. It\u2019s most common while you\u2019re increasing the dosage in the first two to six weeks of starting the medication. \u201cIn general, many of Ozempic\u2019s side effects are greater during the first two to six weeks of initiation or titration (i.e., increasing dose) and will taper off after that,\u201d Dr. Lovett says. As your body and metabolism adjust to Ozempic and your decreased calorie intake, these feelings of drowsiness and fatigue will likely also begin to dissipate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does Ozempic make you tired?<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u201cAt this time, there is no specific mechanism known for how Ozempic causes fatigue, although it is hypothesized that one reason may be the sudden plunge in blood sugar levels as people on Ozempic are eating much less and are suddenly in major calorie deficits.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, the exact reason this side effect occurs is not completely understood. It may be the decrease in food intake that helps the medication create its intended results. The good news is that for most people, it\u2019s temporary.<\/span><\/p>\n

It all boils down to how Ozempic affects your body: \u201cThe way Ozempic works is by both decreasing appetite and helping your body be more sensitive to insulin and release less glucagon\u2014controlling your blood sugar,\u201d Dr. Lovett explains. \u201cBecause it is affecting various different processes in the body, it does take time for your body to acclimate, which is why fatigue symptoms may peak around two to six weeks.\u201d This is very common for other diabetes medications as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does semaglutide fatigue last?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

How long feelings of fatigue from semaglutide lasts can vary among individuals. Typically, most patients experience fatigue in the <\/span>first month<\/span><\/a>, with this and other side effects diminishing after month two and onward. Fatigue may also increase for a couple of weeks after dosage increases. Most <\/span>semaglutide side effects<\/span><\/a> are short-term, resolving after your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you experience persistent fatigue, consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to combat fatigue from Ozempic<\/span><\/h2>\n

Luckily, there are ways to help overcome Ozempic tiredness and stabilize your energy levels\u2014with these strategies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay hydrated<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cThe easiest way to combat this fatigue is to be sure you are staying hydrated,\u201d Dr. Mancuso says. <\/span>Drinking enough water<\/span><\/a> helps your body maintain proper function. It can also help flush out your system, which may offer relief from some of the other most common side effects of Ozempic, such as stomach pain and bloating.<\/span><\/p>\n

Improve your sleep quality<\/span><\/h3>\n

It may seem obvious, but <\/span>getting more rest<\/span><\/a> can help combat Ozempic-related tiredness. \u201cSleeping adequately\u2014and that includes making sure <\/span>not to eat too close to bedtime<\/span><\/a>\u2014also helps improve fatigue,\u201d Dr. Mancuso explains. When you\u2019re resting enough, it can help your body acclimate to the medication more effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

Focus on nutrition<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cAlong with eating a healthy diet, focus on taking in adequate protein,\u201d says Dr. Mancuso. \u201cThis will help avoid muscle loss while your body adjusts to a reduced calorie intake.\u201d Just be sure to <\/span>avoid certain types of food<\/span><\/a> that can make the side effects of Ozempic worse, such as greasy foods, sugary foods, processed foods, and certain cruciferous vegetables, if you are having gastrointestinal side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Get regular exercise<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cStaying active with regular exercise as best you can may help,\u201d says Dr. Mancuso, who suggests going for a walk\u2014even if you feel too tired to hit the gym. \u201cThis physical activity will help boost metabolism, improve mental health, support heart health, and <\/span>improve your quality of sleep<\/span><\/a>.\u201d Check with your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure to \u201cgo\u201d regularly<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cKeeping a good bowel regimen can also help improve symptoms of fatigue,\u201d says Dr. Mancuso, \u201cas these compounds can slow the entire gastrointestinal tract when not excreted regularly,\u201d and affect weight management. Stay regular by <\/span>consuming enough fiber, staying hydrated, and taking a stool softener<\/span><\/a>, such as docusate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take B12 supplements<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cAlongside Ozempic, many doctors recommend <\/span>taking B12 to aid with blood sugar<\/span><\/a>, energy, and overall metabolic processes in the body,\u201d Dr. Mancuso says. If you\u2019re experiencing extreme tiredness from Ozempic, that\u2019s something you could discuss with your healthcare practitioner or pharmacist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Check for drug interactions<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dr. Lovett says looking at the bigger picture can also help: \u201cReview your medication list with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure there is no drug interaction that is exacerbating the issue.\u201d Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including Rx and OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Because Ozempic affects gastric emptying, you may need to adjust the timing of your meds. Your healthcare provider can guide you on this.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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