Ibuprofen and Fatigue: Side Effect and Management

Yes, ibuprofen can be associated with feeling more tired or weak than usual, although this is not among the most common side effects. ^[1] Ibuprofen’s nervous system side effects can include dizziness and somnolence (sleepiness), which can contribute to fatigue. ^[2] Similar labeling notes somnolence and other central nervous system effects, indicating that tiredness may occur in some users. ^[3] Guidance for NSAIDs advises stopping the medicine and contacting a healthcare provider if you become “more tired or weaker than usual,” underscoring that notable fatigue can be a concerning reaction. ^{[4] [5]}

How ibuprofen may lead to fatigue

• Central nervous system effects: Ibuprofen can cause somnolence and dizziness, which many people experience as tiredness or low energy. ^[2] These CNS effects, while not universal, are documented in official product information. ^[3]
• Systemic reactions: NSAID medication guides highlight that feeling unusually tired or weak can occur and should be taken seriously, especially if new or worsening. ^{[4] [5]}
• Indirect factors: Ibuprofen can sometimes irritate the stomach, leading to poor sleep or reduced intake, which might indirectly worsen fatigue. ^{[6] [7]}

When to seek medical advice

• Stop ibuprofen and call a clinician if fatigue is marked or worsening. This is specifically advised in NSAID medication guides that include ibuprofen. ^{[4] [5]}
• Seek urgent care if fatigue occurs with warning symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, one‑sided weakness, slurred speech, or swelling of the face or throat, as these may signal serious adverse events. ^{[8] [9]}

Practical coping steps

• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. This is a core safety principle for ibuprofen to lower side‑effect risk. ^{[10] [11]}
• Try dosing with food or milk if you have stomach upset, which can indirectly affect energy and wellbeing. ^{[11] [12]}
• Hydrate and rest: Adequate fluids and short, regular rest periods can ease mild tiredness associated with NSAIDs. While general advice, it complements safe use recommendations.
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives: These can compound sleepiness or dizziness when taking ibuprofen. ^[6]
• Time your doses: If drowsiness occurs, consider taking ibuprofen at times that won’t interfere with important activities, while staying within recommended schedules. ^[10]
• Review other medicines: If you take drugs that cause sedation, combined effects may increase fatigue; pharmacists and clinicians can help assess interactions. ^[13]
• Consider alternatives if fatigue persists: For some conditions, non‑NSAID options or topical therapies may reduce systemic side effects. ^[14]

Safe dosing and duration

• Do not exceed 3200 mg per day for prescription-strength ibuprofen; for over‑the‑counter use, follow the package instructions and stay within daily limits. ^{[10] [12] [11]}
• Regularly reassess need: If you require ibuprofen frequently and fatigue keeps occurring, discuss other pain strategies with a clinician. ^[13]

Key takeaways

• Fatigue and sleepiness can occur with ibuprofen, though dizziness and gastrointestinal symptoms are more commonly reported. ^{[6] [2]}
• Unusual or worsening tiredness warrants medical review, and significant fatigue should prompt stopping the drug and contacting a healthcare provider. ^{[4] [5]}
• Adjust dose, timing, and supportive habits to reduce impact, and consider alternative treatments if fatigue is recurrent. ^{[10] [11] [14]}