Is Ozempic Safe if You Have Depression?
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Semaglutide (Ozempic) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat type 2 diabetes and is commonly used off-label for weight loss. Many experts and patients alike wonder whether it could also help with diabetes or weight gain among people with depression.
But, researchers don’t know for sure if Ozempic is safe for those with coexisting depression or how it may affect their depressive symptoms. That’s because people with mental health diagnoses like depression were excluded from clinical trials for the drug.
Here’s what researchers know so far about Ozempic and depression.
Ozempic and Depression: What Does the Research Say?
Experts have not yet studied Ozempic in people with a diagnosis of depression (also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression). But there are some conflicting reports that hint at how the drug may affect mental health in general.
The Potential Benefits
“Reports have shown a lower incidence of anxiety and depression in GLP-1 analog users [like semaglutide] compared with nonusers, possibly due to anti-inflammatory effects on neuroinflammation and reduced concern about weight gain,” says Roshani Sanghani, MD, an endocrinologist in private practice who sees patients via telemedicine.
These medications can act on receptors in the brain that are known to reduce inflammation and stimulate neurogenesis (growth of brain tissue). The activation of these receptors in the brain has been linked to decreased behaviors associated with anxiety and depression in rats, per the review. They may have similar effects in humans, but this has not yet been studied.
These early findings suggest GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic could even play a role in treating depression in the future, per the review. But, more studies are needed before that happens.
The Possible Risks
As noted earlier, people with depression were excluded from the clinical trials for Ozempic. That means it’s not fully known how the drug affects people with the condition.
“These findings do not support concerns of increased suicidality in patients who are prescribed semaglutide, and they suggest that semaglutide can be safe for those with mental health conditions, though more research is needed,” says Dr. Volkow.
Should People Be Screened for Depression Prior to Starting Ozempic?
While there are no current guidelines that require depression screening before receiving Ozempic, both Drs. Sanghani and Volkow say screening should happen before it’s prescribed.
“It is important for clinicians to continue screening for suicidal ideations and mental health conditions in patients with obesity and diabetes so that proper support can be given to those at risk and harmful health outcomes can be prevented,” says Volkow.
Sulagna Misra, MD, a physician who treats obesity in private practice in Los Angeles, agrees. “Active suicidality, uncontrolled major depressive disorder, and certain psychological issues may cause a contraindication to taking these medications [meaning some with these conditions should not use these drugs],” Dr. Misra notes.
The Bottom Line: Is Ozempic Safe for People With Depression?
Although some studies suggest these medications may improve mental health in general in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, Ozempic hasn’t been studied in people with coexisting clinical depression.
More research is still needed, especially among people with mental health conditions like depression, says Volkow. “We also recommend studies to evaluate the potential side effects of taking semaglutide long-term among those with obesity or diabetes, as well as other at-risk populations,” she adds.
Until more research happens, Ozempic should only be considered on an individual, case-by-case basis for those with coexisting depression, says Misra.
RELATED: A Therapist Speaks: Is Wegovy or Zepbound Right for Weight Gain Related to Psychiatric Medication?
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