Certain symptoms should ring warning bells, so get the pharmacist involved if a customer reports any of the following alongside tiredness:

• Significant and unintentional weight loss
• Signs that could indicate a neurological problem (e.g. loss of vision or coordination)
• Symptoms of malignancy (e.g. a lump, rectal or post-menopausal vaginal bleeding, difficulty swallowing or vomiting blood) or an infection (e.g. night sweats or a fever)
• Suspected carbon monoxide poisoning (symptoms would include headache, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness and a raised heart rate)
• Anything that indicates an undiagnosed chronic condition (e.g. depression or breathing difficulties that could suggest COPD)
• Persistent or recurrent tiredness (although not lifelong), which might point towards chronic fatigue syndrome.

Tiredness or drowsiness can be a side effect of many medicines – from prescription drugs such as painkillers, sedatives and blood pressure medication to over-the-counter remedies for hayfever and herbal products. So always ask the pharmacist to step in if someone is complaining of tiredness and says they are taking any medicines at all.

Did you know?

Customers might feel tired to exercise, but regular exercise will make them feel less tired in the long run and give them more energy.