Feeling tired, weak or nauseous from your meds? Here is what you should do
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Taking medication is important for many health conditions, but what happens when the side effects leave you feeling exhausted, sluggish, or unable to eat? You don’t have to suffer through them alone. Here’s how to manage these issues and feel better.
Medications that may cause these side effects
Certain medications are more likely to cause fatigue, drowsiness, poor appetite, or diarrhea. You may experience these symptoms if you take medication for:
- Infections
- Heartburn, reflux, or upset stomach
- Low mood or other mental health conditions
- Cancer
- High cholesterol or high blood pressure
- Allergies or cold symptoms
- Pain management
- Seizures or Parkinson’s disease
- Sleep problems
- High blood sugar
How to manage fatigue and drowsinessÂ
- Time Your Medication Right
Ask your Scene pharmacist or your provider if you can take your medication before bedtime instead of in the morning to minimize daytime drowsiness. - Prioritize Quality Sleep
Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night. While a short 10-20 minute nap can help, too much daytime napping might make it harder to sleep at night. - Move Your Body
Light exercise, like a short walk or gentle stretching, can boost energy levels and help counteract fatigue. - Hydrate and Fuel Properly
Stay hydrated and eat high-protein meals with foods like meat, fish, cheese, and yogurt. Avoid too much sugar, alcohol, and marijuana, as these can worsen fatigue. - Try Relaxation Techniques
Practices like yoga, deep breathing, or listening to calming music can reduce stress and help with fatigue.
How to manage poor appetiteÂ
- Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Instead of three big meals, try eating smaller meals and snacks throughout the day. - Make Eating Enjoyable
Play music, eat with family or friends, and sit at a nicely set table to make mealtime more appealing. - Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods
Opt for high-protein foods like eggs, nuts, and dairy. Meal replacement drinks like Ensure or Boost may help. Avoid high sugar foods and drinks like candy and soda. - Stay Ahead of Nausea and Mouth Sores
If your medication causes nausea or mouth sores, ask your doctor about treatments to make eating easier. - Drink Fluids Between Meals
Drinking liquids with meals can make you feel full too fast, so try sipping water between meals instead.
When to call your provider or your Scene pharmacist
Your health matters, and we want you to feel your best! If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—reach out to your provider or our Scene pharmacist:
- You’re so tired you can’t stay awake or get through the day.
- You’re sleeping more than 10 hours at a time or feel really weak.
- You’re losing too much weight because you’re not eating enough.
- You have really bad diarrhea for more than a couple of days or feel dehydrated.
- Your words sound jumbled, you feel confused, or you’re having trouble walking.
- You accidentally took too much of your medicine.
- Your medicine makes you feel so bad that you stop taking it.
You’ve got options! If your medicine isn’t working for you, there’s usually another one that might be better. Talk to your provider or our Scene pharmacist—we’re here to help you stay strong, feel good, and keep moving forward! 💪🚀
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Small changes, big winsÂ
Managing medication side effects is all about small, consistent changes. By tweaking your routine, staying mindful of what you eat and drink, and keeping in touch with your healthcare provider, you can improve your quality of life while still getting the benefits of your medication. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist—they’re there to help you feel your best!
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