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Does Doxycycline make you tired?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on Aug 15, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Feeling tired is not a commonly-reported side effect of doxycycline. Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that may be used to treat a variety of infections and acne. Some people might feel tired during their treatment with doxycycline due to the underlying cause. For example, you can feel more weak or tired when your body is fighting an infection. Contact your healthcare provider if your fatigue is severe or does not seem to be getting better.

Why do I feel tired while taking doxycycline?

There are a few reasons why you might feel fatigued while taking doxycycline.

  1. Your body is fighting an infection. Fatigue is commonly a natural result of your immune system fighting off an infection. This will typically get better after a few days and you should regain your energy back.
  2. Sun sensitivity. Doxycycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can make it easier for you to get a sunburn. Having a sunburn is one cause of fatigue.
  3. Side effects. You might feel tired from certain side effects of doxycycline, like stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

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Tips for treating fatigue while taking doxycycline

If you feel more tired during your treatment with doxycycline, there are a few things you can try to help you feel more energized:

  • Take breaks and rest often
  • Make sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep at night
  • Wear sunscreen or clothing to protect your skin from getting a sunburn
  • Stay well hydrated
  • Eat healthy foods to nourish your body
  • Take doxycycline with food to prevent an upset stomach
  • Avoid alcohol, which can weaken your immune system

Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel so drowsy or tired that it is hard to perform your normal daily activities. They will want to examine you to rule out more serious health conditions that could be causing you to feel fatigued.

This is not all the information you need to know about doxycycline for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Doxycycline hyclate [package insert]. Updated October 2023. Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC. Accessed on August 15, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3fb9f5ad-90a2-4858-bc34-f800d8b2fa90&audience=consumer

Patel, R. S., et. al. 2023. Doxycycline Hyclate. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed on August 15, 2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555888/

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