Does Clindamycin make you sleepy? 

Does Clindamycin make you sleepy? 

No, Clindamycin does not make you sleepy. Sedation is not even listed as a rare side effect of Clindamycin, let alone a common one. Clindamycin is an antibiotic and these medications do not generally change your sleep patterns. 

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal in nature, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, upset stomach, etc. 

If you’re feeling sleepy or tired, it could be the effect of an ongoing bacterial infection in your body that’s causing weakness, which in turn can make you feel sleepy and tired. 

It is also important to make sure that you are not taking any other medication along with Clindamycin that may make you feel sleepy. If we specifically talk about the drug, it’s unlikely to get sleepy on it. 

However, people have different physiological compositions and they react differently to medications. If you’re feeling sleepy and Clindamycin is the only medication that you’re currently taking, it could be a side effect. 

It’s best to talk to your healthcare provider if you’re feeling excessively sleepy or if your mental alertness is significantly impaired. 

What side effects are common with Clindamycin?

Clindamycin is associated with some side effects. These include (1):

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Upset stomach 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Metallic taste in your mouth
  • Throat pain
  • Muscular pain 
  • Joint pain 
  • White and thick vaginal discharge in women
  • Vaginal itching 

Clindamycin can also cause some rare and serious side effects which may require immediate medical attention. Make sure you reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as you can if you suffer from the following side effects (2):

  • An allergic reaction 
  • Redness of skin 
  • Itching 
  • Burning sensation 
  • Blue-purple patches 
  • Tightness of chest 
  • Wheezing 
  • Hoarseness 
  • Inability to breathe 
  • Swelling or tenderness in different parts of the body 
  • Muscle twitching and weakness 
  • Cough 
  • Severe diarrhoea 
  • Confusion 
  • Forgetfulness 

It is important to note that not everyone taking Clindamycin will experience these side effects and they can vary from patient to patient. Factors like age, weight, dosage strength, frequency, underlying health conditions, and overall health can make a difference.

Make sure you properly monitor the side effects and report them to your doctor. People are different and can respond differently to medications. If you are suffering from unusual side effects while taking this antibiotic, please reach out to your doctor. 

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References

1.-

National Library of Medicine (US). Clindamycin. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2021 Mar 15 [updated 2021 Mar 15; cited 2023 Jan 28]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682399.html

2.-

National Health Services. Side effects of antibiotics. [Internet]. NHS; [updated 2022 Sep 22; cited 2023 Jan 28]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antibiotics/