Fatigue

Also known as Trouble with exercise, Exercise intolerance, Tiredness, Exhaustion, Lack of energy, Have no energy, Feeling run down, Feeling worn out, Lethargy, and Feeling tired

What causes it?

The most common causes of fatigue are high blood pressure, depression, and obstructive sleep apnea (osa). Other possible causes, such as coronary atherosclerosis, are more rare.

What symptoms are related?

Within all the people who go to their doctor with fatigue, 38% report having shortness of breath, 35% report having weakness, and 33% report having dizziness.

What might my doctor prescribe?

Common Tests and Procedures

Patients with fatigue often receive hematologic tests, complete blood count, glucose measurement, electrolytes panel, electrocardiogram, lipid panel, other diagnostic procedures (interview; evaluation; consultation) and hemoglobin a1c measurement .

Common Medications

The most commonly prescribed drugs for patients with fatigue include darbepoetin alfa (aranesp), modafinil (provigil), glatiramer (copaxone), interferon beta-1a (avonex), peginterferon alfa-2b (sylatron), natalizumab (tysabri), ribavirin, armodafinil (nuvigil), erlotinib (tarceva), immunoglobulins, intravenous (gammagard), caffeine / ergotamine, sodium ferric gluconate complex (ferrlecit) and chlorothiazide .

Who is at risk?

Groups of people at highest risk for fatigue include age 75+ years.