Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a brand-name medication prescribed to help with weight loss and sleep apnea in certain adults.
Yes, fatigue (including body weakness, lethargy, and malaise) was one of the more common side effects of Zepbound reported in the drug’s studies. And the higher the dose, the greater the percentage of people who reported this side effect.
The following chart shows the weekly Zepbound dose in milligrams (mg) and the number of people taking that dose, as well as those receiving a placebo (a treatment with no active drug).
| Dose | Placebo | 5 mg | 10 mg | 15 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| People in study group | 958 | 630 | 948 | 941 |
| Percentage with fatigue | 3% | 5% | 6% | 7% |
Note: Kidney problems, such as acute (sudden) kidney failure, were reported in Zepbound studies, but this was rare. Kidney problems may cause fatigue as a side effect, as well as confusion, dark-colored urine, urinating less than usual, and swollen ankles or legs. If you have chronic kidney disease your risk of kidney problems from Zepbound is higher. So if you experience fatigue in addition to any of these other side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Many factors can cause you to feel sleepy or tired during Zepbound treatment. This article discusses several of them, but other factors could also contribute to fatigue during treatment with this medication.
Zepbound is effective at reducing your appetite. When you eat less, your body has fewer incoming calories as an energy source, which can lead to fatigue.
Many people increase their activity levels when starting weight loss drugs such as Zepbound, which requires even more energy that you may no longer be getting from food intake.
Zepbound has other side effects that can lead to fatigue. For instance, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are all common side effects of Zepbound. These digestive side effects can lead to a loss of sleep (thus contributing to tiredness) and cause dehydration, which can cause fatigue.
When taken with insulin or a sulfonylurea, Zepbound can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and fatigue is a primary symptom of this condition.
When cutting calories, it’s important that the calories you do consume are rich in nutrients so your body is getting what it needs to function properly. Not getting enough carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fat (even when you’re not consuming fewer calories) can cause fatigue.
It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Dehydration can lead to tiredness.
Being physically active can help boost your energy levels. It doesn’t have to be extreme — a 20- to 30-minute walk 5 to 7 days per week can be very effective at reducing daily fatigue.
Getting quality sleep each night is also critical in helping manage tiredness.
While it’s not known for certain from Zepbound’s studies how long fatigue from this medication typically lasts, many side effects of most drugs clear up within a few weeks of starting treatment.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have ongoing or bothersome fatigue. They may be able to recommend ways to help manage this side effect. But if you have extreme drowsiness along with other symptoms of kidney problems (as noted earlier in this article), call your doctor right away.
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.