Ozempic is widely known to cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, but the medication can also cause fatigue. This extreme lack of energy is believed to affect anywhere between 0.4-11% of people taking Ozempic.
It isn’t fully understood why Ozempic (semaglutide) can make you tired. It may be due to the drug’s effects on your body, such as:
- Regulation of blood sugar: Ozempic mimics a natural hormone in the gut called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). As the medication does this, your blood sugar levels decrease. However, having lower-than-usual blood sugar levels can make you feel tired, especially as your body adjusts to taking Ozempic.
- Reduction in appetite: By increasing the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, Ozempic reduces your appetite, which can lead to lower calorie intake. Calories are your body’s source of energy. Therefore, consuming fewer calories can lead to lower energy levels.
- Dehydration: Ozempic commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea and vomiting. As you have diarrhea and vomiting, your body may lose too much fluid and become dehydrated. Dehydration can cause symptoms like fatigue and reduced alertness.
Ozempic fatigue is typically temporary and goes away as your body adjusts to the medication. As your body adjusts, there are several ways you can improve your energy levels while you’re taking the medication:
- Get adequate sleep: Poor sleep can lead to daytime fatigue. Try to prioritize good sleep habits, such as establishing a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding late naps, and limiting caffeine. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night to combat fatigue.
- Stay hydrated: Taking in enough fluids can help prevent fatigue and maintain your energy levels. If you’re having diarrhea or vomiting, you may consider drinking electrolyte drinks or oral rehydration solutions. Otherwise, aim to consume about 9-13 cups of water per day.
- Eat a nutritious diet: Food provides the body with energy, so it is a good idea to consume nutritious foods to support your health. These foods include lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Stay physically active: Regular exercise can improve your energy levels and reduce fatigue. Therefore, it is important to build your exercise routine around activities you enjoy so you’ll be more likely to stick with them.
If you’ve tried these strategies and you’re still feeling fatigued, it may be a good idea to reach out to your doctor. They can discuss other ways to lower your fatigue or the possibility of adjusting your Ozempic dosage or switching you to an alternative medication.
