It sounds counterintuitive—how could moving possibly be helpful when it's the last thing you feel like doing? Research has shown that light to moderate exercise may help improve feelings of fatigue and increase energy levels. So, the next time your fatigue is getting the better of you, try going for a walk around your neighborhood or doing a low-impact exercise like yoga or swimming.

You may be able to use fatigue to your advantage by taking your antidepressant at night. First, check with a doctor to be sure that it's OK for you to take your medication at night; but, taking it at night may help you fall asleep more easily—you'll get the rest you need to feel more alert during waking hours.

Typically, fatigue from antidepressants lasts for a few weeks after you start taking the medication. For most people, the side effects of antidepressants wear off as their bodies become adjusted to the medication. If you're experiencing fatigue for longer than a few weeks after starting an antidepressant, be sure to talk to a doctor.

A doctor will likely have you check back in with them after the first few weeks of taking the antidepressant to see if the fatigue continues. If it does, a doctor can formulate a solution for your excessive fatigue—either by changing your dosage or changing your prescription altogether.

It's best to report any side effects of antidepressants that you're experiencing to a doctor right away. They may tell you to check in after two to three weeks to see if the fatigue you're experiencing has reduced.

Never stop taking an antidepressant without talking to a doctor first, so that you can safely wean off your dosage. Stopping suddenly may worsen your depression symptoms. If your fatigue hasn't improved after a few weeks, a doctor may lessen your dosage or prescribe a slower release preparation of antidepressant.

Or, a doctor may have you try a different antidepressant altogether. Because there is no one-size fits all antidepressant, it may take some trial and error before you and a doctor are able to find a medication and dosage that work best.

In some cases, a doctor may supplement your medication with a second drug that's stimulating, such as Provigil modafinil. However, there are additional side effects linked with stimulant use that include:. More serious side effects of Provigil include rash, blisters, mouth sores, hives, difficulty breathing, frenzied mood, chest pain, hallucinations , anxiety , depression, and suicidal ideation.

Be sure to contact a doctor if you experience these or any other side effects. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

Because antidepressants and stimulants increase serotonin levels, in rare cases, taking both types of medications together may result in serotonin syndrome.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation, restlessness, hyperthermia, nausea, vomiting, tremors, muscle rigidity and more.

Most cases of serotonin syndrome are successfully treated by discontinuing the medications causing the illness. Benzodiazepines are sometimes use to treat symptoms like tremors. Cyproheptadine may also be used as an antidote.

If you're experiencing any symptoms of serotonin syndrome, be sure to contact a doctor immediately or call emergency services. Moderate to severe cases require hospitalization. You're not alone if you find the side effects of antidepressants frustrating to deal with.

Remember to always consult with a doctor prior to making any changes to your current dosage. Under a doctor's supervision, you may try out different dosages, medications, and sometimes, combinations of medications to alleviate your symptoms. Try not to lose hope. In the meantime, you may find that other types of treatment —such as therapy , a support group, and healthy lifestyle changes —may promote optimal health as you search for the right antidepressant for you.

Ramic E, Prasko S, Gavran L, Spahic E. Assessment of the antidepressant side effects occurrence in patients treated in primary care. Mater Sociomed. Mayo Clinic. Tricyclic antidepressants and tetracyclic antidepressants.

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors SNRIs. Cooper JA, Tucker VL, Papakostas GI. Resolution of sleepiness and fatigue: A comparison of bupropion and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in subjects with major depressive disorder achieving remission at doses approved in the European Union.

J Psychopharmacol. Sung DJ, Lee M, Park JK, Park HJ. Combination of antidepressant and alcohol intake as a potential risk factor for rhabdomyolysis. Iran J Public Health.

Kelly K, Posternak M, Jonathan EA. Toward achieving optimal response: understanding and managing antidepressant side effects.

Exceeding 4, mg of acetaminophen daily can result in liver injury. This group of medicines can be used to relieve chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms like pain. Examples include ibuprofen Advil, Motrin and naproxen Aleve, Anaprox.

Potential side effects are nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, and kidney injury. These medications e. They can also help to relieve nausea.

Side effects may include drowsiness, somnolence, lightheadedness, dry mouth, and a fast heart rate. Melatonin is a hormone the body produces naturally, which is involved in regulating the circadian rhythm responsible for sleeping and wakefulness patterns.

It can help improve sleep quality and make you less tired during the day. It is also used to relieve jet lag and sleep problems due to shift work. Melatonin is generally effective and well-tolerated. Therefore, it is a good short-term solution for sleep problems. However, there is limited information regarding the long-term use of melatonin.

L-Carnitine plays a vital role in energy production by transporting fatty acids into the cells. Some people benefit from supplements like L-carnitine for symptoms like fatigue, pain, and depression. A wide range of medications can be used to treat poor sleep in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Your doctor will first ensure you have good sleep habits. These include having a regular bedtime and sleeping in a quiet, dark, cool bedroom, in addition to limiting screen time before bedtime.

Over-the-counter sleep aids may also be recommended to improve your sleep. Other options include certain types of antidepressants , benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxants, which are described below. Like all prescription medications, these drugs can cause a wide range of side effects.

You should work with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits and explore other treatments as well. Several drugs are stimulants, meaning they increase the activity of brain chemicals.

Examples include modafinil Provigil , armodafinil Nuvigil , methamphetamine Desoxyn , methylphenidate Ritalin, Metadate , and amphetamine salts Adderall. These medications can help relieve symptoms such as fatigue, daytime sleepiness, memory problems, and brain fog.

Side effects of stimulants can include insomnia, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, headache, and loss of appetite. Low doses of drugs like amitriptyline Elavil , nortriptyline Pamelor , trazodone Desyrel , doxepin Sinequan , and mirtazapine Remeron are used in chronic fatigue syndrome for their calming effects.

However, these medicines can take weeks to have an effect. Possible side effects include dry mouth, lightheadedness, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, and mild tremor. Available under the brand name Flexeril, cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that may help symptoms like muscle spasms and pain.

Potential side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, urination problems, leg swelling, and problems with short-term memory. Medications like gabapentin Neurontin and pregabalin Lyrica may be helpful with pain and restless leg syndrome.

Common side effects include drowsiness, lightheadedness, and weight gain. Benzodiazepines like clonazepam Klonopin and alprazolam Xanax promote sleep and relieve anxiety.

This medicine can also help with muscle spasms and restless leg syndrome. Possible side effects include lightheadedness, drowsiness, slow reaction time, poor coordination, tolerance, and dependency when used for long periods.

Zolpidem Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic drug that eases sleep problems it can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep. Potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, daytime drowsiness, tolerance and dependency. Promethazine Phenergan is used to relieve nausea and vomiting, though, it can also be helpful in easing restlessness.

It can work as a sleep aid in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Possible side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, rash, hives, and problems with thinking clearly especially for elderly people.

Doctors sometimes prescribe prescription pain medications if over-the-counter medications do not relieve pain symptoms in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Some antidepressants may be used for this purpose.

Opioid pain relievers, such as OxyContin , Vicodin , Fentanyl , and Tramadol , are rarely used because of their side effects, including a high risk of dependency and withdrawal. Some of the considerations to keep in mind during treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome include:.

Before you start taking medications for chronic fatigue, you may want to try some easy solutions such as:. Does Health Insurance Cover Therapy and Mental Health Services? How to Know if Anxiety Medications Are Right for You.

Skin Care. Do Antibiotics Make You Tired? Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Which antibiotics? What to do Other side effects Interactions Other fatigue-causing medications Takeaway Fatigue is not a common side effect of antibiotics. Share on Pinterest. Antibiotics that may have a side effect of tiredness.

What to do if antibiotics make you tired. Other side effects of antibiotics. Potential interactions with antibiotics. Other medications that can cause fatigue. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Mar 26, Written By Scott Frothingham. Share this article. Read this next. How Do Antibiotics Work?

Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Side Effects of Antibiotics: What They Are and How to Manage Them. What Are the Most Effective Natural Antibiotics?