Can Antibiotics Make You Tired?

 

Infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), strep throat, and others are treated with antibiotics.

Despite their ability to treat potentially dangerous infections, antibiotics can cause unpleasant side effects, such as bloating, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. It is also possible to feel tired or weak after taking some antibiotics, although this is less common.

In this article, I'll describe how antibiotics work, what they're intended for, and how they work. In addition, I will discuss some of the less common side effects of antibiotic use. My final section will cover when you want to speak with a doctor.

Antibiotics Basics

Infections caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, which are powerful medications that eliminate bacteria or slow their growth.

Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, which are only effective against certain bacterial infections.

How Antibiotics Work

In humans or animals, antibiotics destroy bacteria or make it difficult for them to reproduce.

 

Among the forms they can take are:

 

• Taking it orally (via liquids, tablets, sprays, drops, or capsules)
  
  
• A cream or ointment applied topically (to the skin)
  
  
• Injection (intravenously or intramuscularly)

 

Types Of Antibiotics

There are many types of antibiotics.

 

Some of the most common are listed below:

 

• Many conditions, including respiratory tract infections, can be treated with penicillins and penicillin-based antibiotics, among the oldest. Penicillin-based antibiotics include amoxicillin.
  
  
• Common conditions treated with tetracyclines include acne, skin infections, tick-borne illnesses, and respiratory infections.
  
  
• The cephalosporin family of antibiotics treats many infections, including ear infections, pneumonia, and meningitis.
  
  
• Macrolides commonly treat pneumonia, STDs, and other infections in people allergic to penicillin. Macrolide antibiotics include clindamycin and azithromycin.
  
  
• Infections of the skin, sinuses, joints and urinary tract can be treated with fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. However, fluoroquinolones can interact with several common medications and have serious side effects.
  
  
• Sulfonamides: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sold as Bactrim or Septra, is the most commonly prescribed sulfonamide. UTIs and skin infections are often treated with sulfonamides, which stop or slow the growth of bacteria.

 

Uses For Antibiotics

Your doctor may prescribe oral, topical, or intravenous antibiotics for various bacterial infections.

 

• Acne
  
  
• coli
  
  
• Meningitis
  
  
• Pneumonia
  
  
• Sepsis
  
  
• Skin infections
  
  
• Strep throat
  
  
• Tooth infection
  
  
• Urinary tract infections
  
  
• Whooping cough

 

Antibiotics can sometimes save your life, especially if you've been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis or sepsis or are immunocompromised or receiving chemotherapy. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics.

 

Common Antibiotics Side Effects

 

Antibiotics can cause unwanted side effects, just like many other medications.

Antibiotics are commonly associated with the following side effects:

 

• Bloating
  
  
• Diarrhea
  
  
• Indigestion
  
  
• Loss of appetite
  
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
  
• Rash
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Yeast infections

 

Generally, these side effects are mild and resolve after treatment is complete. There are also less common side effects. Fatigue, or a general feeling of weakness or tiredness, is a rare side effect of antibiotic use.

 

You may feel tired after taking these three antibiotics:

 

• Amoxicillin
  
  
• Azithromycin
  
  
• Ciprofloxacin

 

Antibiotics can also cause allergic reactions. Consult your doctor if you have any allergies before taking a new medication.

 

What To Do If Antibiotics Make You Sleepy Or Tired

Consult your doctor if you feel sleepy or tired after taking an antibiotic. You may be able to switch to another medication that does not cause this unwanted side effect.

Several conditions that antibiotics are used to treat can also cause fatigue, so your provider may ask additional questions to determine if your fatigue is a side effect of your medication or if you have the condition itself.

Meanwhile, stay safe by taking the necessary precautions. Feeling tired should not be used as an excuse to drive or engage in potentially harmful activities. You should avoid taking additional substances that could make you tired.

 

When To See A Doctor

Ask your provider if another prescription may be right for you if you're experiencing uncomfortable side effects while taking antibiotic medication. You must receive the appropriate treatment as soon as possible so that you can begin to feel better.

 

How Mobi Doctor Can Help

Mobi Doctor offers online urgent care.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Are The Side Effects Of Antibiotics?

Like most medications, antibiotics can cause unwanted side effects. Your body's balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria can be disrupted for various reasons.

 

Is It Possible To Stop Fatigue Caused By Antibiotics?

Your doctor may be able to switch you to a different antibiotic if you're feeling tired or sleepy while taking antibiotics.

 

Do Antibiotics Cause Tiredness As A Side Effect?

A common side effect of antibiotic use is fatigue or tiredness. Amoxicillin, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin are the most likely antibiotics to cause tiredness.