Does diclofenac sodium 75 mg make you sleepy? Understanding the side effects

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

While not a primary indication, drowsiness is listed as a potential side effect of diclofenac sodium 75 mg tablets. Studies and patient experiences confirm that some individuals may feel sleepy, tired, or dizzy after taking this nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Quick Summary

Drowsiness is a reported, though not universally experienced, side effect of diclofenac sodium 75 mg. While often mild and temporary, it warrants caution, especially when driving. Factors like dosage and individual sensitivity influence its occurrence, and management strategies can help mitigate its impact. Always follow a healthcare provider's instructions.

Key Points

Drowsiness is a documented side effect: Some individuals may feel sleepy or tired when taking diclofenac sodium, although it is not considered a universal or extremely common reaction.
Severity is variable: The level of sleepiness can range from a mild, temporary feeling to more pronounced drowsiness that affects daily functioning.
Exercise caution with activities: Because of the potential for dizziness and drowsiness, individuals should be cautious when driving, cycling, or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
Dosage and formulation play a role: Higher doses and oral forms of diclofenac are more likely to induce systemic side effects like drowsiness than lower doses or topical versions.
Management is possible: Strategies like taking the medication at night, avoiding alcohol, and practicing good sleep hygiene can help mitigate the effects of drowsiness.
Consult a healthcare provider: If drowsiness is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other serious symptoms, it is essential to contact a doctor to discuss management or alternative treatment options.

Is Drowsiness a Common Side Effect of Diclofenac Sodium 75 mg?

As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac sodium works by reducing the body's production of prostaglandins, which cause pain and inflammation. While the primary effects are pain relief and reduced swelling, all medications carry a risk of side effects. For diclofenac sodium 75 mg, drowsiness, sleepiness, or fatigue is a recognized side effect, though it is not one of the most common.

Clinical information and patient reports show that while many people take diclofenac without experiencing this effect, others may find themselves feeling tired or drowsy, especially during the initial stages of treatment. The severity can vary, with some describing it as mild and temporary, and others finding it more disruptive to their daily activities. It is also important to differentiate between general fatigue, which might be a symptom of the underlying condition being treated, and medication-induced sleepiness.

Factors That Can Influence Drowsiness

Several factors can influence how a person reacts to diclofenac and whether they experience drowsiness. These include:

Individual Sensitivity: People react differently to medications. A small subset of the population may be more sensitive to diclofenac's effects on the central nervous system, leading to drowsiness or dizziness.
Dosage: Higher doses of diclofenac may increase the likelihood and severity of side effects, including drowsiness. Overdoses are known to cause extreme drowsiness.
Formulation: Oral tablets, whether immediate-release (IR), delayed-release (DR), or extended-release (ER), are typically more associated with systemic side effects like sleepiness compared to topical versions, such as gels. The 75 mg tablets are often delayed-release (DR) or extended-release (ER), meant for sustained pain relief, and can affect individuals differently.
Drug Interactions: Taking diclofenac with other medications that cause drowsiness, such as certain antidepressants, muscle relaxants, or antihistamines, can compound the effect. Alcohol consumption, in particular, should be limited or avoided, as it can heighten the risk of drowsiness and other serious side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding.
Medical Conditions: Pre-existing health conditions can play a role. For example, individuals with liver or kidney problems may process the medication differently, potentially leading to increased side effects.

How to Manage Diclofenac-Related Drowsiness

If you experience sleepiness from taking diclofenac, several strategies can help you manage the side effect safely. The most important step is to discuss the issue with your doctor or pharmacist.

Timing of Dose: If your healthcare provider approves, taking your diclofenac dose in the evening or before bed may help mitigate daytime sleepiness.
Monitor Your Reaction: Pay close attention to how you feel after taking the medication. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or perform other tasks that require alertness until you understand how diclofenac affects you.
Stay Hydrated: Staying well-hydrated is important, especially when taking NSAIDs, to support kidney function and overall health.
Address Sleep Hygiene: Practice good sleep hygiene to promote restful sleep and counteract medication-related tiredness. This includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring your sleep environment is conducive to rest.
Avoid Compounding Factors: Steer clear of alcohol and other sedating substances that could worsen drowsiness.
Consider Alternatives: If drowsiness is severe and persistent, your doctor may suggest an alternative pain management strategy. Options could include a lower dose, a different NSAID, or a non-NSAID pain reliever like acetaminophen.

Comparing NSAIDs and Drowsiness

While diclofenac can cause drowsiness, it's worth noting how it compares to other common NSAIDs. The effect is not unique to diclofenac; other NSAIDs can also cause dizziness or sleepiness in some individuals.


Feature	Diclofenac Sodium 75 mg	Ibuprofen	Naproxen
NSAID Class	Nonselective COX-1 & COX-2 Inhibitor	Nonselective COX-1 & COX-2 Inhibitor	Nonselective COX-1 & COX-2 Inhibitor
Drowsiness Risk	Reported potential side effect for some individuals.	Possible, but considered rare.	Potential side effect for some individuals.
Common Side Effects	Dizziness, headache, stomach upset, nausea, fluid retention.	Stomach upset, nausea, headache, dizziness.	Dizziness, headache, stomach upset, heartburn.
Potency	Considered more potent for arthritis pain relief compared to standard doses of ibuprofen.	Less potent than diclofenac for severe pain, but widely used for mild to moderate pain.	Longer-acting compared to ibuprofen, often dosed less frequently.
Onset of Action	Varies by formulation (IR, DR, ER).	Relatively fast-acting.	Slower onset, but longer duration of action.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild, transient drowsiness is a known side effect, certain symptoms should prompt immediate medical consultation. You should stop taking diclofenac and contact your doctor if you experience severe drowsiness or if it's accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as:

Extreme fatigue or unusual tiredness.
Confusion or difficulty concentrating.
Blurred vision or other changes to eyesight.
Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.
Symptoms of a gastrointestinal issue, like black or tarry stools or vomiting blood.
Signs of liver problems, including yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice) or persistent nausea.

Conclusion

For some people, diclofenac sodium 75 mg can indeed cause drowsiness or sleepiness. While it is not a universally experienced or primary effect of the medication, it is a possibility that patients should be aware of. The best course of action is to monitor your body's reaction and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. Adjusting the timing of your dose, practicing good sleep hygiene, and avoiding other sedating substances can help manage this side effect. Always follow your doctor's instructions for dosage and duration to minimize the risk of adverse reactions while effectively treating your underlying condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

The likelihood of experiencing drowsiness can be dose-dependent, meaning higher doses may increase the risk. However, individual sensitivity is also a major factor, and some people may experience sleepiness even at lower doses. Always take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible, as prescribed by your doctor.

The onset of side effects varies between individuals and depends on the formulation. With oral tablets, effects typically occur within a few hours of taking the dose. Some people report that any initial sleepiness wears off as their body adjusts to the medication.

No, it is strongly advised to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking diclofenac. The combination of diclofenac and alcohol can increase the risk of drowsiness and raise the risk of serious gastrointestinal issues, including bleeding.

If diclofenac causes excessive or disruptive drowsiness, you should talk to your doctor. They may suggest adjusting your dose, changing the time you take the medication (e.g., at night), or exploring an alternative pain treatment.

Yes, topical formulations of diclofenac, such as gels or patches, are less likely to cause systemic side effects like drowsiness because less of the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream compared to oral tablets.

Yes, it is possible. Fatigue and dizziness are common symptoms and can be associated with the underlying condition causing the pain. If you're unsure if your sleepiness is related to the medication or your illness, consult your doctor.

While some people experience sleepiness, others report insomnia as a rare side effect. The impact on sleep can vary by individual. If you notice a change in your sleep patterns after starting diclofenac, discuss it with your doctor.