Does Semaglutide Make You Tired? How To Avoid Fatigue

Fatigue can be a side effect for some individuals taking semaglutide for weight management or diabetes treatment. Understanding the potential causes of this fatigue and how to manage it is important for maintaining overall well-being. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your specific health needs.

This article explores the causes of tiredness linked to semaglutide and looks at things that might have an impact on feeling tired while using this drug. We'll provide potential strategies to help manage fatigue during semaglutide treatment, including dietary adjustments, hydration, and regular physical activity. These strategies should be personalized in consultation with a healthcare provider. The effectiveness of these strategies may vary, and it is important to discuss them with your doctor.

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Key Takeaways

• Fatigue is a recognized side effect of semaglutide, particularly during the initial adjustment period [1].

• The medication's impact on energy levels varies among individuals, with factors such as dosage and administration methods influencing the likelihood of experiencing tiredness [3].

• Gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, may contribute to feelings of fatigue [1].

• Higher doses of semaglutide are associated with an increased incidence of fatigue and other side effects [2].

• Gradual dose escalation may help reduce the risk of side effects, including fatigue ^[2].

• Patients should monitor their energy levels and communicate any persistent fatigue to their healthcare providers for personalized management strategies.

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Why Do You Feel Tired And Fatigued When Taking Semaglutide?

Semaglutide, a drug doctors prescribe to treat type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss, can influence energy levels. People may feel tired when they first start taking it, and there are several things that can cause this tiredness.

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Eating less plays a part in making people tired. Semaglutide typically begins to suppress appetite within a few days to a week of starting the medication, with more noticeable effects developing over the first few weeks. Because semaglutide cuts down appetite, people might consume fewer calories, which can lead to a short-term lack of energy [5]. These factors can vary in their impact, and it is important to discuss any persistent symptoms with your healthcare provider.

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Stomach issues can also make people tired. Feeling sick, throwing up, and having loose stools can happen when taking semaglutide, and these problems can leave patients feeling worn out [5]. The body uses up energy to handle these stomach troubles, which can result in more tiredness.

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How you take semaglutide and how much you take has an impact on how tired you might feel. Some studies suggest that the method of administration and dosage of semaglutide may influence the likelihood of experiencing fatigue. Higher doses and injectable forms may be associated with an increased risk of fatigue, although individual responses can vary [5]. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the best form and dosage of semaglutide for your specific needs.

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For example, 11% of people who took 2.4 mg of Wegovy® to manage their weight said they felt tired [4]. Clinical trials for Ozempic® showed that less than 0.4% of patients mentioned fatigue as a side effect [6]. It's worth noting that patients who took Rybelsus® didn't report feeling tired as a side effect during clinical trials [8].

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Fatigue symptoms reach their peak about two to six weeks after you start taking semaglutide or up your dose [6]. This time frame matches when your body is getting used to how the medication affects different processes, like making you less hungry and changing how your body responds to insulin [6].

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Many individuals find that fatigue decreases as their bodies adjust to semaglutide. If fatigue persists or becomes bothersome, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to explore management strategies. For most people, the tiredness subsides and we hear about many semaglutide success stories. Individual responses to semaglutide vary, and all treatment plans should be guided by a healthcare provider. 

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As patients' bodies get used to semaglutide and eat less, they can start to feel less sleepy and tired [6]. But if they still feel tired after a month, they should talk to a doctor. This could mean something else is wrong [7]. Semaglutide safety is best practiced when prescribed and monitored by a doctor, so talking to your prescriber if you're worried about anything is highly recommended. 

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Factors That Change How Tired You Feel When Taking Semaglutide

How Much You Take and How You Take It

If you're starting semaglutide, understanding the proper dosing and usage guidelines is essential to ensure effectiveness and safety. The dosage and how you take the medicine can have an effect on how tired you may feel. People who get semaglutide shots tend to feel more tired than those who take it as a pill [5]. Taking more of the drug makes you more likely to feel tired. 

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Semaglutide comes in pill form, as a sublingual suspension, and as an injection. Each type has its pros and cons, and there are several factors to consider when deciding between semaglutide tablets vs injections. Semaglutide tablets work by mimicking a natural hormone that controls hunger and blood sugar. This helps people manage their weight by reducing food cravings.

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Eating Fewer Calories

Semaglutide has an influence on appetite, which can cause people to eat fewer calories. This drop in food intake can lead to short-term energy shortages [5]. When people consume less, they might feel tired as their body tries to adapt to this new way of working.

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A balanced semaglutide diet plan should include foods rich in nutrients. This means eating lots of fruits, vegetables, proteins without much fat, and grains that haven't been processed. This kind of diet can help while working alongside the medication for better weight loss management.

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Gastrointestinal Side Effects

If you’re wondering how long semaglutide stays in your system, it has a half-life of about a week. This means it can linger in your system for several weeks after you take your final dose. Typical side effects like feeling sick, throwing up, and having loose stools can make you lose water and feel tired [5] [6]. Take Wegovy® as an example. People who took 2.4 mg of it said they felt sick (44%), had loose stools (30%), and threw up (24%) [5].

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Changes in Blood Sugar

Semaglutide influences blood sugar by boosting insulin production and delaying stomach emptying. When blood sugar drops too low (hypoglycemia), it can lead to fatigue [6].

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You need a medical consultation and a prescription from a doctor to get compounded semaglutide for both the injectable form and oral forms. Your doctor will decide if semaglutide is right for you and which type: either the injectable form of semaglutide (Wegovy^®, Ozempic^®) or one of the oral forms of semaglutide (Rybelsus^®, SubMagna™).

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Adjustment Period

Feeling tired can worsen about two to six weeks after you start taking semaglutide or when you up your dose [7]. This timing matches up with your body getting used to how the medicine changes things, like making you less hungry and helping your body use insulin better [7].

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Compounded semaglutide can be used when tailored dosing or specific formulations are needed that aren’t available in standard prescriptions, offering more flexibility for individual patient needs. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the compounded version is safe, effective, and sourced from a reputable source like Eden.

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Compounded semaglutide may be considered in specific cases where tailored dosing or formulations are required. It is essential to discuss these options with a healthcare provider. Ensure that any compounded medication is sourced from a reputable pharmacy, and consult with your healthcare provider about its suitability for your treatment.

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Ways to Fight Tiredness from Semaglutide

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Drinking Enough Water and Eating Right

Drinking enough water plays a key role in dealing with tiredness caused by semaglutide. When you stay hydrated, your body works better, and you might feel less stomach pain and bloating [4]. Eating well and getting enough protein helps keep your muscles strong as you eat less [4]. It's best to skip fatty, sweet, and packaged foods that could make side effects worse [4].

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Exercise and Physical Activity

Physical activity on a regular basis can influence energy levels and help fight tiredness linked to semaglutide use. Even small amounts of exercise, like taking a walk, can help [1]. Keeping active helps to support metabolism, heart health, and better sleep [4]. Feeling weak during exercise can be a common side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide [8].

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Sleep Hygiene and Rest

Sleep plays a key role in fighting fatigue from semaglutide. A steady bedtime routine and good sleep habits can make a difference [1]. Experts suggest you don't eat right before bed to sleep better [4]. You should try to sleep seven to nine hours each night to boost your energy [9].

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Stress Management Techniques

Using stress management methods like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help reduce tiredness caused by semaglutide [1]. These habits boost overall health and help manage energy levels. If side effects don't go away or become a problem, you should talk to your doctor about ways to handle them that work for you [8].

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Final Thoughts: Feeling Tired While Using Semaglutide

Semaglutide can affect energy levels, with tiredness being a known side effect, especially when patients first start treatment. Several things can cause this fatigue, such as eating fewer calories, stomach issues, and that the drug changes blood sugar levels. The amount of medicine and how it's given can also influence how likely patients are to feel tired and how severe that tiredness might be.

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While fatigue from semaglutide can be challenging, you can take steps to handle it. Drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and maintaining good sleep habits are key to fighting tiredness. For most people, feeling tired doesn't last forever and improves as your body gets used to the medicine. But if you stay tired or it starts to bother you, make sure to talk to your doctor to find ways to manage it that work for you.

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FAQ

1. How can I manage fatigue while using semaglutide?

Fatigue is a frequently reported side effect of many medications, including semaglutide. To alleviate fatigue, regular walking can be beneficial. Walking not only boosts blood circulation and oxygen supply to your muscles and tissues but also enhances your stamina and helps diminish the sensation of tiredness.

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2. ‍Will the feeling of fatigue diminish over time when taking semaglutide?

While some individuals experience fatigue when starting semaglutide, this side effect generally diminishes as the body adjusts to the medication. 

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3. Is feeling drowsy a common side effect of semaglutide?

‍Drowsiness can occur as a side effect of semaglutide, along with other symptoms such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), headaches, anxiety, hunger, and dizziness.

4. Does semaglutide decrease energy?

Semaglutide can have an impact on energy levels, particularly during the initial stages of treatment. Fatigue is a recognized side effect, affecting 11% of people taking Wegovy® (2.4 mg dose) in clinical trials ^[5]. The medication's influence on appetite and calorie intake may contribute to feelings of tiredness ^[6]. Additionally, gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can indirectly affect energy levels ^[7].

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5. Does semaglutide Make You Tired?

While fatigue is possible with semaglutide, it appears to be less common compared to higher doses of semaglutide. Less than 0.4% of patients reported feeling tired as a side effect during clinical trials for semaglutide ^[5]. Individual experiences may vary, and some users might experience fatigue due to reduced calorie intake or gastrointestinal side effects ^[7].

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6. How long does fatigue from semaglutide last? 

The duration of fatigue can vary among individuals. For many, fatigue is temporary and tends to improve as the body adjusts to the medication ^[2]. Typically, fatigue symptoms peak around two to six weeks after starting semaglutide or increasing the dose ^[1]. If fatigue persists beyond one month, it's important to consult a healthcare provider ^[1]. Strategies to manage fatigue include staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity ^[10].

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References

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1. Hawkins-Jarrett Z, Aungst C. The 12 Semaglutide Side Effects You Should Know About. GoodRx Health. Published December 14, 2023. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.goodrx.com/ozempic/semaglutide-side-effects

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2. Merative, Micromedex. Semaglutide (Subcutaneous Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Published 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide-subcutaneous-route/side-effects/drg-20406730?p=1

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3. Vuskovich T. Does Semaglutide Make You Tired? - Blog | Everlywell: Home Health Testing Made Easy. Everlywell. Published September 14, 2023. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.everlywell.com/blog/weight-management/does-semaglutide-make-you-tired/

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4. Liles M. Does Ozempic make you tired? The Checkup. Published January 3, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/does-ozempic-make-you-tired/

5. Blundell J, Finlayson G, Axelsen M, et al. Effects of once‐weekly semaglutide on appetite, energy intake, control of eating, food preference and body weight in subjects with obesity. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 2017;19(9):1242-1251. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.12932

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6. Friedrichsen M, Breitschaft A, Tadayon S, Wizert A, Skovgaard D. The effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly on energy intake, appetite, control of eating, and gastric emptying in adults with obesity. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 2021;23(3):754-762. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14280

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7. Gibbons C, Blundell J, Tetens Hoff S, Dahl K, Bauer R, Bækdal T. Effects of oral semaglutide on energy intake, food preference, appetite, control of eating and body weight in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 2020;23(2):581-588. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14255

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8. NOVI . What Are The Side Effects Of Semaglutide And What Can You Do To Relieve Them? NOVI Health. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://novi-health.com/education/what-are-the-side-effects-of-semaglutide-and-what-can-you-do-to-relieve-them

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9. Smith H. Does Semaglutide Make You Tired? Usenourish.com. Published April 12, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.usenourish.com/blog/does-semaglutide-make-you-tired

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10. Merative, Micromedex. Semaglutide (Subcutaneous Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Published 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide-subcutaneous-route/side-effects/drg-20406730

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is forgeneral informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute forprofessional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not berelied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blogis not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers areadvised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medicalconcerns. Use of this blog's information is at your own risk. The blog owner isnot responsible for any adverse effects, or consequences resulting from the useof any suggestions or information provided in this blog.

‌Disclaimer: The FDA does not approve compounded medicationsfor safety, quality, or manufacturing. Prescriptions and a medical evaluationare required for certain products. The information provided on this blog is forgeneral informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute forprofessional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not berelied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blogis not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers areadvised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medicalconcerns, including side effects. Use of this blog's information is at your ownrisk. The blog owner is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequencesresulting from the use of any suggestions or information provided in this blog.

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