Semaglutide has a
Highlights
- Fatigue is a side effect of semaglutide (Wegovy) affecting 1 in 10 patients.
- Semaglutide-related fatigue varies across individuals and may present as exhaustion, tiredness, physical weakness, lethargy, low energy, sleepiness, or mood swings.
- Tiredness may occur when starting semaglutide treatment and during upward dose adjustments.
Semaglutide (Wegovy) is approved as a weight-loss medication and an obesity treatment under certain brand names, and is also used to manage blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. It works by mimicking the action of the natural hormone
Like all medications, semaglutide has side effects, and this article will discuss the possibility of fatigue as one of those. Let’s explore why and when it might occur, what helps, and when to seek help.
Does Semaglutide Make You Tired?
Semaglutide can cause fatigue; it’s a common side effect affecting between
Everyone might describe semaglutide drowsiness differently:
- Physically, I’m exhausted.
- I have no energy and don’t do much during the day.
- I’ve become so lazy that I have problems starting things.
- I’ve lost interest in doing the things I used to enjoy.
- It just makes me feel terrible, especially when the dose increases again.
- I’m not concentrating or thinking clearly.
- I’m feeling weak and tired all the time; it’s not just my body, but my mind as well.
- I have horrible mood swings; I can’t handle everyone’s nonsense.
Next, let’s look at why this is happening.
Why Am I So Tired on Semaglutide? Common Causes
There are several reasons you might be feeling tired on semaglutide. Some feel fatigued because of the medication’s weight-management effects, while in others, common side effects of semaglutide can exacerbate tiredness.
Reduced Caloric Intake
- Suppressing appetite
- Making you feel full faster
- Reducing your cravings for the unhealthy foods
So you’re taking in fewer calories and therefore have less energy than you used to, which can make you feel weak or exhausted.
Blood Sugar Changes
Your body processes food differently with semaglutide, resulting in stricter blood sugar control. When you eat, semaglutide stimulates insulin production, which may cause low blood sugar (glucose) levels, especially in people with diabetes. Glucose is the ‘fuel’ that your brain and muscles use, so if there isn’t enough of it, they under-perform and tire easily.
Dehydration
Approximately
Sleep Disruptions
Common semaglutide treatment side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, heartburn, bloating, and abdominal pain, are uncomfortable. This can disrupt sleep and reduce its quality, and a lack of quality sleep can make you tired.
Nutrient Deficiencies
If your appetite is severely affected or if you’re vomiting and not keeping food down for an extended time, you’re
Fatigue is a semaglutide side effect, but other side effects may worsen tiredness:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Bloating
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
This may sound scary, but the side effects don’t last forever.
How Long Does Semaglutide Fatigue Last?
To minimize drowsiness and other common side effects, your healthcare provider will start you at a very low semaglutide dose and increase it slowly. Even so, with each increase in dose, fatigue may be worse for the first few weeks, then begins to ease as the body adjusts.
The expected adjustment period is approximately 2 to 4 weeks, although response is individualized. That is why you need to be on a dose for at least four weeks before the next increase. If the semaglutide-related fatigue lasts longer than expected, there are options to stay on the dose for longer or drop to a lower dose.
Most
How to Deal With Semaglutide Fatigue
- Stick to Your Prescription. The ‘start low and go slow’ dosage changes are frustrating, but will reduce the risk of semaglutide fatigue. Don’t be tempted to self-adjust.
- Eat a Balanced Diet. Because you’re eating less on semaglutide, you need to make sure your diet is providing sustained energy. Consult a nutritionist for advice on a healthy, balanced diet containing lean proteins, nutrient-dense meals, and foods with low glycemic index.
- Have Light Physical Activity. Exercise burns energy; while you’re tapering up your semaglutide (Wegovy), walk and perform gentle resistance exercises instead of heavy cardiovascular training.
- Learn the Sleep Basics. Although semaglutide can make you sleepy, avoid daytime naps, as this will further disrupt natural sleep patterns, causing a vicious cycle. Prioritize sleep hygiene practices such as ensuring a dark, cool bedroom, going to bed at the same time, and avoiding screens before bedtime.
- Manage GI Side Effects. Almost every second person feels nauseous when taking semaglutide, so here are tips to try:
Eat smaller portions[8] more frequently- Eat bland, low-fat foods like crackers, toasts, and rice
- Avoid spicy food and alcohol
Eat slowly[9] - Stop eating when you’re full
- Don’t lie down after eating
- Stay Hydrated. Avoid dehydration by drinking an average of 8 glasses of water per day. You might need more or less fluids, and an easy way to monitor your hydration is to check if your urine is clear and has a light yellow color. If you’re vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, ask your doctor if rehydration solutions containing electrolytes are appropriate.
If none of these strategies is helping with the exhaustion, it’s time to get medical advice.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Call your healthcare provider soon if fatigue persists beyond four weeks or interferes with your daily life; they may consider running additional blood tests to rule out other causes of tiredness. Fatigue can happen because of many reasons, from nutrient deficiencies and insufficient sleep to serious conditions like anemia and thyroid issues. Only after a detailed evaluation a provider will identify an underlying cause.
Seek urgent same-day care if you’re tired and:
- You’ve fainted, collapsed, or are confused
- You’re not able to get out of bed
- Vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours
- Diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours
- Stomach pain is severe, or you also feel it in your shoulder blade or back
- Feeling unusually tearful, worried, or having mood swings
- Having the urge of harming yourself
Conclusion
Semaglutide is an effective weight-management medication but it commonly causes fatigue when you start taking it and when the dose increases. Importantly, semaglutide fatigue doesn’t affect everyone, and usually it is temporary and manageable, settling soon after you’ve reached a maintenance dose.
For this reason, it’s important to start your weight loss journey with qualified healthcare professionals. The MEDvidi team provides online personalized weight loss plans and ongoing support, so schedule your virtual consultation today to get support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does semaglutide give you energy?
Can semaglutide make you sleepy or drowsy?
Yes, it can make you sleepy, drowsy or tired; fatigue is a common side effect when you start the medication and every time after the dose increases. It does settle after reaching the maintenance dose.
Is it normal to feel exhausted on semaglutide?
Yes, it can be normal to feel exhausted on semaglutide, especially in the first couple of weeks of starting it or after a dose increase. However, fatigue usually goes away over time; consult with your clinician if you feel severely exhausted or if this feeling doesn’t fade over time.
