Which of the following describes a common side effect of benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. One of the well-documented side effects associated with the use of benzodiazepines is fatigue. This occurs because these medications have a central nervous system depressant effect, which can lead to drowsiness, sedation, and an overall feeling of tiredness. While some patients may benefit from the calming effects, the resultant fatigue can interfere with daily activities and alertness.

In contrast, other options do not align closely with the primary side effect profile of benzodiazepines. Weight gain is not typically associated with benzodiazepine usage; rather, it is more commonly linked to other types of medications or changes in lifestyle. Agitation is also not a common side effect; rather, benzodiazepines tend to reduce anxiety and agitation in users. Nausea can occur but is not as prevalent or defining a side effect as fatigue. Therefore, fatigue is a significant and recognizable side effect of benzodiazepines, which helps to clarify its identification in the context of this question.