Does Zepbound Make You Sleepy?

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a trademarked medication used in certain adults to support weight reduction and to help manage sleep apnea.

Can Zepbound make you tired?

Yes. Fatigue (including feelings of weakness, sluggishness, and general malaise) was among the more frequently reported adverse effects of Zepbound in the drug’s clinical trials. Higher dosages were associated with a larger proportion of people reporting this complaint.

The table below displays the weekly Zepbound dose in milligrams (mg), the number of participants assigned to each dose group, and those given a placebo (an inactive treatment).

Note: Renal issues, including acute (sudden) kidney injury, were observed in Zepbound trials, though these events were uncommon. Kidney dysfunction can manifest with fatigue, confusion, dark urine, decreased urine output, and swollen ankles or legs. If you have chronic kidney disease, your likelihood of kidney-related complications from Zepbound is increased. If fatigue occurs along with any of these other signs, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

What causes fatigue with Zepbound?

Several factors may contribute to feeling drowsy or weary while taking Zepbound. This article outlines several common reasons, but other causes could also play a role during therapy with this medication.

Zepbound works by reducing appetite. Eating less means your body receives fewer calories for energy, which can lead to feelings of tiredness.

Many people adopt more active lifestyles after starting weight-loss medications such as Zepbound, which increases energy demands that may not be met if calorie intake has dropped.

Zepbound also has other side effects that can reduce energy. For example, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are common with Zepbound. These gastrointestinal effects can disrupt sleep (adding to daytime fatigue) and can cause dehydration, which itself produces tiredness.

When used in combination with insulin or a sulfonylurea, Zepbound can trigger hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and fatigue is a hallmark symptom of that condition.

What helps with fatigue from Zepbound?

If you’re cutting calories, prioritize nutrient-dense foods so your body still gets adequate carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Poor intake of these nutrients — even if total calories aren’t dramatically reduced — can cause fatigue.

Staying well hydrated is essential. Dehydration can contribute significantly to feelings of tiredness, so drink plenty of fluids, especially water.

Regular physical activity can help raise your energy levels. It doesn’t need to be intense — a 20- to 30-minute walk most days of the week can substantially reduce everyday fatigue.

High-quality nightly sleep is also vital for reducing tiredness and supporting daytime energy.

It’s unclear from Zepbound’s trials exactly how long medication-related fatigue usually persists, but many drug-related side effects tend to improve within a few weeks of starting therapy.

Talk with your prescriber or pharmacist if fatigue is persistent or troublesome. They may offer strategies to help manage this side effect. However, if you experience severe drowsiness together with other signs of kidney trouble (noted above), contact your healthcare provider immediately.

For guidance on diet while taking weight-loss medications, see resources like what to eat on zepbound, which can help you choose nutrient-rich foods to support energy levels.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the information provided is accurate, comprehensive, and current. This article is not a replacement for the expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or another qualified clinician before starting or stopping any medication. Drug information can change and does not cover every possible use, instruction, precaution, interaction, allergy, or adverse event. The absence of specific warnings for a drug or drug combination does not guarantee safety, efficacy, or suitability for every person or situation.