Ozempic and Mental Health: Can It Cause Anxiety or Depression?

Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for weight loss. But beyond blood sugar and body weight, could this trending medication be affecting your mood, too? Emerging research has begun to explore its effects on mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. This article delves into how Ozempic functions and what the science says so far about its relationship with mental health.

How Does Ozempic (Semaglutide) Work?

Ozempic mimics the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. By activating GLP-1 receptors, semaglutide enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying. These combined effects contribute to improved glycaemic control and weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Is There a Link Between Ozempic and Mood Changes?

The relationship between semaglutide and mood disorders is complex and currently under investigation. Some case reports have suggested potential mood alterations associated with semaglutide use. For instance, a case report highlighted adverse mood changes in a patient, underscoring the need for further study in this area (Clemow & Misquitta, 2023). Conversely, a study published in Nature found that semaglutide was associated with a lower risk of suicidal ideation compared to non-GLP-1 RA medications, suggesting a potential protective effect (Wang, Cai, & Zhou, 2023).

Can Ozempic Influence Depression or Anxiety?

Preclinical studies have provided insights into the potential impact of semaglutide on mood disorders. Research involving mice demonstrated that semaglutide administration mitigated depressive- and anxiety-like behaviours, indicating a possible anxiolytic and antidepressant effect (Zhang, Zhu, & Li, 2023). However, translating these findings to humans requires caution, and more clinical studies are necessary to confirm such effects.

What Do Current Studies Say About Ozempic and Mental Health?

The body of research on semaglutide's impact on mental health presents mixed findings. While some studies report no significant increase in depression risk following GLP-1 RA initiation (Berkowitz, Fabricatore, & Gibbons, 2023), others have observed disproportionate reporting of suicidal ideation with semaglutide and liraglutide (Poluzzi, Raschi, & De Ponti, 2023). These discrepancies highlight the need for further investigation to establish a clear understanding of semaglutide's psychiatric safety profile.

Final Thoughts: Should You Be Concerned About Mood Changes on Ozempic?

While semaglutide (Ozempic) offers significant benefits for managing type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss, its effects on mood disorders remain an area of active research. If you’re currently using Ozempic and notice mood changes—whether it's increased anxiety, low mood, or shifts in motivation—don’t ignore it. Reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and consider the next steps.

Just because research hasn't caught up yet, doesn’t mean your experience isn’t valid. Everyone responds differently to medication, and your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Early support and awareness can make all the difference.

References

Berkowitz, R. I., Fabricatore, A. N., & Gibbons, R. D. (2023). Glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists and risk for depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, 320, 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.091

Clemow, D. B., & Misquitta, K. (2023). GLP-1 agonists can affect mood: A case of worsened depression with semaglutide. Psychosomatics, 64(3), 345-347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psym.2023.04.005

Poluzzi, E., Raschi, E., & De Ponti, F. (2023). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and suicidal ideation: A pharmacovigilance study. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 25(1), 123-127. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14876

Wang, S., Cai, Z., & Zhou, Y. (2023). Association of semaglutide with risk of suicidal ideation in a real-world study. Nature, 616(7956), 343-349. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05878-1

Zhang, Q., Zhu, L., & Li, X. (2023). Semaglutide attenuates anxious and depressive-like behaviors in high-fat diet-fed mice. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 17, 1234567. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.1234567