7. Antipsychotics. These drugs are used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other serious psychiatric diseases. “Off-label” uses of these powerful drugs include prescribing for agitation and depression. Antipsychotics are central nervous system depressants with side effects of weakness, fatigue and lethargy. It is thought to lower dopamine levels and increase drowsiness. This could lead to chronic fatigue.

Other prescription drugs can cause tiredness and fatigue. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) sound like a mechanical device but these are pills used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). More than 20 million Americans take PPIs for GERD, peptic and stomach ulcers. They reduces stomach acid, so important vitamins and minerals may not get absorbed into the bloodstream resulting in a deficiency, which could lead to muscle weakness and fatigue.

Antibiotic treatments can cause fatigue. Bacteria-causing conditions such as earaches, skin infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis and pneumonia warrant the use of antibiotics. Researchers have long noticed a correlation between antibiotic use and fatigue and tiredness in some people. The cause remains unknown.

Stimulant drugs like caffeine should be avoided because they can cause fatigue at inopportune times. Though it may pick you up for an hour or two, the inevitable crash will come when energy reserves are depleted.

Fighting Fatigue

Counteracting fatigue may be possible, depending on the causes of it, or you may be able alleviate some of the undesirable symptoms. First, make sure you get enough regular sleep. With our hectic schedules, bedtimes can be highly variable. But sleeping seven to nine hours a night is recommended for adults. And going to bed at the same time each night sets up a good night’s sleep.