1. Why do antidepressants cause fatigue?

Antidepressants work by altering levels of certain chemicals in the brain that regulate mood, such as serotonin and dopamine. These same chemicals also play a role in regulating sleep patterns. For some individuals taking antidepressants, the medication may disrupt their normal sleep cycle causing them to feel more tired during the day.

2. Is there anything I can do to combat my medication-related fatigue?

Yes! There are several things you can try to help alleviate your symptoms of fatigue:

3. Can I still drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages while taking an antidepressant?

While caffeine itself won't interact with your medication directly, it may worsen feelings of restlessness or anxiety that can come along with some types of depression. Additionally, if caffeine tends to impact your sleep quality, this could make lethargy worse.

4. Is it normal for my doctor not to mention fatigue as a potential side effect?

Some doctors may neglect mentioning this symptom when prescribing antidepressants. However, it's a known potential side effect that should be discussed with your doctor, so that measures can be put in place to help you manage these symptoms.

5. How long does the fatigue last?

Fatigue is a common symptom when starting antidepressants and typically wears off after the first several weeks of use. Nevertheless, there's no set timeline as to how long this will take since everyone responds differently to medication.

6. Could something else be causing my fatigue besides my medication?

It's possible. Certain medical conditions such as thyroid issues and sleep apnea could exacerbate feelings of chronic tiredness regardless of medication status, so it may warrant having a chat with your provider for further exploration.