Over the past few years, semaglutide has taken the diabetes and weight loss communities by storm. But, like any new med, concerns about potential side effects are never far behind.
That's exactly what happened in August 2024, when a study suggested a possible connection between Ozempic and depression. Researchers found an increased risk of suicidal ideation in people taking semaglutide. 1
But then, just two weeks later, another study presented a conflicting perspective. Researchers did not find a link between Ozempic and depression in people without prior mental health issues. 2
So, what’s the deal? Is semaglutide safe, or is there more to be concerned about? Let’s break down these studies and take a closer look at the conversation around semaglutide side effects.
The First Study: Signs of Suicidal Thoughts
Let’s start with the more alarming study.
On August 20, 2024, research published in JAMA Network Open sparked a lot of concern. This study analyzed data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and found a troubling link between Ozempic and depression. 1
What did researchers discover exactly?
- A disproportionality signal: This is a fancy way of saying there was a noticeable spike in reports of suicidal ideation among people on semaglutide. Essentially, those on the drug reported suicidal ideation more often than people not on the medication.
- Impact of antidepressants and benzodiazepines: The study also looked at whether reports of suicidal thoughts were influenced by other meds people were taking, specifically antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines. Interestingly, the link between semaglutide and suicidal ideation remained strong, even for those on benzodiazepines. However, when antidepressants were taken out of the equation, the connection between semaglutide and suicidal thoughts seemed to fade, suggesting that antidepressants might play a role in these mental health issues. 1
Before jumping to any conclusions about Ozempic and depression, it’s important to recognize the limitations of this study. While the data raises a red flag, the researchers did not have access to in-depth information about each patient’s health history, which could impact the results. For instance, factors like underlying mental health conditions or the level of obesity weren’t fully accounted for. 1
The Follow-Up Study: Reassurance
Fast forward to September 3, 2024, and another study was published, this time in JAMA Internal Medicine. This study painted a somewhat different picture of Ozempic and depression. It took a more focused approach, analyzing semaglutide side effect data from four clinical trials involving over 3,000 participants who did not have major psychiatric disorders. 2
The results? Much less worrying. The researchers didn’t find any significant increase in suicidal thoughts or depression among these participants. In fact, people on semaglutide 2.4 mg were no more likely to report depressive symptoms than those taking a placebo. 2
This second study reassures people who are otherwise mentally healthy. It suggests that the potential link between Ozempic and depression that was observed in the first study may only apply to a specific group of people—those with pre-existing mental health issues.
By focusing on a mentally healthy population, this study helped clarify that, for most people, semaglutide side effects may not include depression. 2
So, Is There a Link Between Ozempic and Depression?
At first glance, these studies seem to be saying two very different things. One found a link between Ozempic and depression, while the other did not. But when you take a closer look, they’re not necessarily contradicting each other—they’re just looking at different groups of people.
The first study included people who might have already been dealing with mental health issues, like anxiety or depression. It’s possible that the combination of semaglutide and pre-existing mental health conditions—or the drugs used to treat them—led to the increased reports of suicidal thoughts. 1
On the other hand, the second study only looked at semaglutide side effects in people who didn’t have these underlying mental health issues. For this population, the link between Ozempic and depression wasn’t there. 2
So, does semaglutide cause depression? Based on the data we have right now, it’s hard to say. More research is needed on different populations and how exactly semaglutide impacts mental health.
What Does This Mean for You?
For most people, semaglutide is safe and effective. If you’re someone without a history of mental health problems, the newer study suggests you probably don’t need to worry about semaglutide causing depression or suicidal thoughts. 2
However, if you have struggled with mental health issues in the past, it's important to be a little more careful with semaglutide. The first study doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't take semaglutide, but it's worth chatting with your doctor about it. You may need to keep a close eye on your mood and mental well-being if you start taking it, especially if you already take medications for depression or anxiety.
If you do notice any changes in your mood or mental state while taking semaglutide, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They’ll be able to help you figure out what’s going on and whether semaglutide is the right choice for you.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to the link between Ozempic and depression, the research so far is reassuring. Data shows that people who are mentally healthy don’t seem to experience depression or suicidal thoughts with this med.
However, if you're taking semaglutide and find yourself feeling concerned about your mental health, it's best to reach out to your doctor. They can work with you to figure out whether your mood change is due to semaglutide or another issue. If it is because of semaglutide, they can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits of this med and make sure it's the right choice for you.
The bottom line is this: While more research is still needed on semaglutide side effects, it seems that with proper precautions, most people can safely take this med and see real improvements in their health.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
