Ozempic can cause people to feel tired, but this was a rare side effect in the drug’s studies. Tiredness or fatigue may also be a symptom of other Ozempic side effects.
Ozempic is a brand-name glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed to:
- help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise
- reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- reduce the risk of complications from chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults with type 2 diabetes
Fatigue (tiredness or low energy) was a rare side effect reported in Ozempic’s studies, and it typically improves over time.
Read on to learn more about fatigue with Ozempic, ways to help improve fatigue, and some common side effects of the drug.
Some people reported fatigue (an overall tiredness or lack of energy) in studies of Ozempic, but it was an uncommon side effect. How long Ozempic fatigue lasts will vary between people depending on several factors, including your dosage and treatment plan.
Fatigue can also be a symptom of kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, using Ozempic may worsen your condition. While Ozempic is approved to help slow kidney disease progression, there have been reports of acute (sudden) kidney injury and worsening of CKD with Ozempic since the drug was made available on the market.
Acute kidney injury in these cases is usually due to dehydration (loss of fluids) caused by some of the drug’s other side effects. To learn more, see “More common side effects of Ozempic” later in this article.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Ozempic. They can decide whether the drug is safe for you.
Medical perspective“GLP-1 agonists may cause fatigue and other side effects. These effects often improve within a few weeks as your body becomes more familiar with the medication, but it may take longer for some people. You should call your doctor if your symptoms are severe or interfere with your daily life.”
— Alex Nguyen, PharmD, RPh, CPh
What to know about the side effects of GLP-1 medications
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
If you’re experiencing fatigue while using Ozempic, there are a few ways to help increase your energy levels.
Focus on sleep quality: A good night’s sleep is important for your mental and physical health and overall quality of life. Not only can sleep difficulties contribute to fatigue, but some studies have also shown that these issues may affect weight gain and could increase the risk of developing
Focus on nutrition and regular exercise: Food is your body’s primary energy source. Without enough food that contains essential nutrients, your body won’t be able to work correctly and stay healthy. Regular exercise can also help boost your mood, and a 2022 research review showed that exercising can help reduce fatigue.
Be proactive about your mental health: Fatigue is also a common symptom of depression. Supporting your mental well-being can help you feel more energetic and connected. However, if you’re more tired than usual and have other symptoms of depression, talk with a doctor about depression screening.
More common side effects of Ozempic reported in the drug’s studies were digestive side effects, including:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- constipation
These side effects are typically mild and go away on their own. If you’re experiencing side effects that are bothersome or don’t go away, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to manage them.
Like most drugs, Ozempic can cause side effects. Fatigue (tiredness) is possible with Ozempic, but this was a rare side effect in the drug’s studies. Improving your sleep quality and supporting your mental health are ways you can help reduce fatigue.
Common side effects of Ozempic are digestive side effects such as nausea and constipation. These are usually mild and go away on their own.
If you have questions about being tired while using Ozempic, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.