Many patients and doctors are now asking, “Does Ozempic cause depression?” As the number of people on a GLP-1 prescription medication increases, concerns about Ozempic mental health side effects have become more common. Millions of people are taking semaglutide as a treatment for type 2 diabetes or weight loss support. Understanding the mental health risks and psychological changes that can occur while taking Ozempic is critical. There are many serious mental health issues that can arise.
If you or a loved one has experienced mental health side effects while taking Ozempic or if you lost a loved one to suicide while they were on a weight loss medication or other medications, contact our Texas Ozempic lawyers.
Call (713) 622-7271 to schedule a free consultation.
Ozempic Depression and Other Mental Health Concerns
The prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which help the body produce more insulin while providing glucose control in the liver.
While often prescribed for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it has gained popularity as an off-label weight management medication. While not FDA-approved for all people, doctors are prescribing it off-label for those seeking professional help in weight loss and preventing subsequent weight gain.
However, many people have started to question, “Does Ozempic cause depression?”
Reports have suggested a potential link between GLP-1 and other weight loss medications and mental health concerns, including depression and other psychological changes.
Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, tiredness, and difficulty concentrating.
While the exact link between Ozempic and depression is not fully understood, healthcare professionals should closely monitor patients for any mental health changes while managing their diabetes treatment.
Ozempic Mental Side Effects
While Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, does not warn against any bad side effects of Ozempic related to mental health, some patients have experienced mental health issues or a worsening of pre-existing mental health conditions. Below are some other common mental health problems that have been linked to the medication.
Ozempic Mood Swings
Ozempic may cause mood swings in some people, especially those with a history of depression or anxiety. A 2024 study in Scientific Reports found that glucagon-like peptide 1 GLP-1 drugs show a link to a significantly higher risk of depression, anxiety, and potential suicide, likely due to how the GLP-1 affects regions involved in mood and reward regulation. While not common, the doctor should monitor mental health closely.
Ozempic Brain Fog
Some users have experienced brain fog, described as difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, or mental sluggishness. Clinical trials have not confirmed this as a common potential side effect, but anecdotal reports from the National Library of Medicine suggest it may affect a subset of patients.
Ozempic Bipolar Disorder
Ozempic’s effects on those with bipolar disorder are not well researched, but some users have experienced destabilization, including manic or depressive episodes. Because GLP-1 alters brain signaling in areas that regulate mood and impulse control, it may pose a higher risk for people with underlying psychiatric conditions. Caution is advised for patients with bipolar disorder.
This is concerning for mental health risks, since some doctors are prescribing semaglutide medications to patients with bipolar disorder to combat the weight gain associated with antidepressants.
Does Ozempic Cause Depression?
We’re often asked, “Does Ozempic cause depression or suicidal thoughts?”
A 2024 observational study found that users of GLP-1 medications had nearly double the risk of developing major depressive disorder compared to non-users. This may be related to how semaglutide alters brain signaling. Those taking the drug should watch for worsening depressive symptoms like persistent sadness or suicidal ideation and consult a doctor if they arise.
Depression from GLP-1 could show symptoms of:
- Decreased motivation
- Decreased pleasure in activities that used to bring enjoyment
- Increased sadness, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness
- Thoughts of suicide
- Changes in overall behavior or mindset
- Decreased sense of self-worth
This observation is concerning because another top question is “How long does Ozempic stay in your system?“.
Ozempic has a long half-life of around one week. The medication stays in your system for several weeks after your last dose. This means it can take around 4-5 weeks for the prescription to be fully eliminated. The physical symptoms may linger slightly longer, which will feel like an eternity for those suffering.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts while taking Ozempic, contact your doctor immediately and seek professional help from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist. They can provide you with mental health resources or can put you on other medications to manage your symptoms.
Why Does Semaglutide Cause Depression?
Semaglutide may cause depression in some individuals due to how it interacts with brain systems. It activates GLP-1 receptors, which influence emotional balance and dopamine signaling. By suppressing appetite to control obesity, GLP-1 receptors may also blunt pleasure responses, leading to emotional dullness. Rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, or preexisting mental health conditions may increase the chances of experiencing depressive symptoms.
More trials and studies are being done to show the link between GLP-1 medications and mental health conditions, like depression.
Is Depression a Side Effect of Ozempic?
Depression is not listed as a side effect on Ozempic’s FDA warning label, and the manufacturer Novo Nordisk does not warn against any potential depression-related side effects. However, this does not mean that this drug use cannot cause patients to experience depression or a worsening of any pre-existing depressive symptoms.
The 2024 population-based study, noted above, found that semaglutide users were significantly more inclined to develop depression disorders than non-users.
While trials did not show a consistent potential link, real-world data indicate that depression may be rare but possible, especially in people with a history of mental illness.
Additionally, Wegovy uses the same active ingredient. However, its FDA label shows depression as one of the potential side effects of the medication.
Ozempic: Suicidal Thoughts
In 2023, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) launched a review after several reports of suicidal thoughts and self-harm were linked to GLP-1 medications. The investigation was triggered by Iceland’s Medicines Agency and focused on semaglutide and liraglutide.
After a nine-month review of clinical trials, observational data, and post-marketing reports, the EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) concluded in April 2024 that there is no evidence of a causal link between semaglutide and suicidal ideation or depression. As a result, the EMA did not update the product labeling.
However, a 2024 study analyzing global pharmacovigilance data found a higher-than-expected number of suicidal ideation reports among semaglutide users compared to other diabetes medications. The mechanism is not fully understood, but it may relate to how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect neurotransmitters. Those with a personal or family history of depression or bipolar disorder may be more inclined to adverse events.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts while taking Ozempic should seek immediate medical treatment or contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Does Ozempic Make You Anxious?
Some Ozempic users report experiencing anxiety, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. While anxiety is not listed on the FDA label, symptoms of anxiety may occur due to how semaglutide affects regions involved in stress response, food regulation, and dopamine signaling. In the 2024 study listed above, GLP-1 users had a 108% increased risk of anxiety compared to non-users, suggesting a possible connection.
Can Ozempic Cause Panic Attacks?
While the GLP-1 medication is not linked to panic attacks on the FDA black box label, some users have experienced sudden episodes of intense anxiety, heart racing, and shortness of breath. Although a controlled GLP-1 infusion study found no evidence that these drugs trigger panic in healthy individuals or those with panic disorder, real-life reports and observational information suggest a possible connection.
Does Ozempic Make You Irritable?
Some Ozempic users have experienced irritability, particularly during the early stages of treatment. While irritability is not listed on the FDA label, studies show this may stem from how semaglutide alters hunger and signaling related to reward and regulation. Individuals with a family history of disorders may be more prone to these effects.
Does Ozempic Make You Tired?
Ozempic users have also reported experiencing fatigue, especially within the first few months of use. Since Ozempic can lead to decreased appetite and decreased food intake, many people believe that this is the reason why the drug can lead to fatigue and an overall lack of energy. However, more clinical trials need to be conducted to know for sure whether or not there is a link between Ozempic and decreased energy.
Can Ozempic Cause Memory Loss?
Memory loss is not recognized as one of the potential side effects of Ozempic. In fact, extensive research suggests the opposite: semaglutide may support cognitive health.
Preclinical and observational studies have linked GLP-1 to memory improvements and reduced inflammation in models of Alzheimer’s disease. A large observational analysis showed that individuals taking semaglutide had no increased risk of neurological or psychiatric conditions, including memory loss, compared to those on other diabetes treatments.
What Ozempic Does to Your Brain
Ozempic (semaglutide) is known for regulating blood sugar and supporting weight loss, but its impact on the brain can also result in mental health side effects. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, the medication alters brain activity in ways that influence the patient’s mood, behavior, and emotional regulation.
While this class of drugs can curb overeating, it may also reduce interest in pleasurable activities, potentially contributing to emotional blunting in some individuals.
Because Ozempic and similar drugs dampen the brain’s reward response to eating, a similar effect may occur with other stimuli. Detachment has been noted, especially in those prone to depression or who have a history of mental health disorders. Also, some patients struggle with focusing, motivation, and emotional response.
Mental health side effects don’t always happen, but they are possible. Anyone experiencing depression, anxiety, emotional numbness, or other behavioral changes while on prescription medication should consult their doctor promptly.
Contact a Texas Ozempic Lawsuit Attorney For a Free Consultation
Manufacturing companies that develop, market, and sell diabetes and weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are responsible for thoroughly testing their medications for mental and physical side effects. When pharmaceutical companies put patient safety on the back burner, users can suffer from serious potential side effects and harm as a result of negligent FDA warnings.
If you or a loved one has experienced adverse effects while taking Ozempic, like anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, it’s essential to seek legal guidance. At Reich & Binstock, our experienced pharmaceutical injury attorneys in Houston, TX, are here to help.
We understand how devastating mental health side effects can be and are dedicated to helping Ozempic users seek compensation for their losses. Pharmaceutical companies, such as Novo Nordisk, should be held accountable for any injuries caused by their products, and we at Reich & Binstock plan to do just that.
Ready to take the first step toward justice? Call (713) 622-7271 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with one of the Texas pharmaceutical injury lawyers at our firm.
