What is a common side effect of plasma donation?

Fatigue or light-headedness is a common side effect of plasma donation due to several factors. During the donation process, a significant volume of plasma is removed from the body, which can lead to a temporary decrease in blood volume. This can result in a feeling of tiredness or faintness, especially if the individual did not hydrate adequately before donating or if they have an underlying health condition that affects their blood pressure or volume.

Additionally, the process of donating plasma can strain the body as it works to replenish the lost fluid and components, contributing to sensations of fatigue. It's important for donors to rest and hydrate before and after their donation to help mitigate these effects and recover more smoothly.

While nausea, severe headaches, and extreme thirst can occur in some individuals, they are less frequently reported compared to feelings of fatigue or light-headedness, making the latter the more common experience post-donation.