Does Doxycycline make you tired?
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?
While tiredness is not listed as a common side effect of doxycycline, some people report feeling unusually fatigued during or after treatment. The scientific reasons are not fully understood, but here are some possible explanations:
- Your body is fighting an infection. Your body’s natural reaction to fighting an infection can often cause fatigue, regardless of the antibiotic. Doxycycline itself does not generally cause drowsiness directly, but the effort your immune system uses to heal may leave you feeling drained.
- 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.
- Side effects. You might feel tired from certain side effects of doxycycline, like stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Distinguishing Between Doxycycline Side Effects and Infection Symptoms
It can be difficult to tell whether tiredness is due to doxycycline, the underlying infection, or something else. Here's how you might differentiate:
| Symptom | More Likely Due To | What To Do |
| Mild, gradually improving fatigue | Infection recovery | Continue medication, rest |
| Sudden, severe, or worsening tiredness | Rare side effect (liver, blood) | Contact your healthcare provider |
| Fatigue with fever/chills after starting antibiotic | Possible new issue or reaction | Seek medical advice |
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 yourself 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Doxycycline Make Everyone Tired?
Not everyone experiences tiredness on doxycycline. If tiredness occurs, it is usually mild and short-lived. Persistent or severe fatigue is uncommon.
How Long Does Tiredness Last After Taking Doxycycline?
Most side effects should resolve within a few days after completing your course. If fatigue continues for more than a week after stopping doxycycline, talk to your doctor to rule out other causes.
Why Do I Feel Weird After Taking Doxycycline?
It's not uncommon for people to feel "weird" after taking doxycycline, and this sensation can mean different things for different individuals. Here are some possible reasons for these feelings:
- Digestive Changes: Doxycycline can irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms like nausea, bloating, indigestion, or a metallic taste in the mouth. This discomfort may contribute to an overall “off” feeling.
- Mild Side Effects: Some people experience headaches, dizziness, or a sense of mild confusion after taking doxycycline. These side effects are typically temporary and resolve as your body adjusts to the medicine.
- Fatigue and Lethargy: While not common, some individuals report tiredness or low energy during treatment, which may make them feel out of sorts.
- Gut Flora Disruption: Antibiotics like doxycycline can disturb the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut. This can not only affect digestion, but sometimes mood and energy, leading to a vague sensation of feeling "weird."
- Sensitivity to Sunlight: Doxycycline increases sensitivity to sunlight, and even minor sun exposure can lead to a sense of not feeling well.
- Interaction with the Infection: The underlying infection itself may also contribute to feeling unwell, regardless of the antibiotic being taken.
When Should I Be Concerned About Tiredness From Doxycycline?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if your tiredness is accompanied by:
- Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Severe weakness or shortness of breath
- Confusion or chest discomfort
Key Takeaways
- Feeling a bit tired is usually temporary and more often linked to infection than to doxycycline itself.
- Be aware of rare but serious side effects.
- Simple steps—hydration, nutrition, and proper rest—can help manage mild fatigue.
- Notice any severe or persistent symptoms and talk to a healthcare professional right away.
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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