Can Ozempic cause depression? What the research says

Can Ozempic cause depression? What the research says

Short answer: Ozempic is not recognised as a cause of depression. Current research into semaglutide and mental health shows no consistently increased risk, but feelings of low mood may occur indirectly as a result of physical changes during weight loss.

The question of whether Ozempic can cause depression regularly comes up among people starting semaglutide. Understandably so: you’re making a significant change to your body, and you want to know what to expect. At the same time, reports are circulating on social media about users who felt more down whilst using the drug. What is the truth of the matter? In this article, we explain what the current research says, which mechanisms may play a role, and when you should contact a doctor.

Is depression a known side effect of Ozempic?

No, depression is not listed as a known side effect of Ozempic in the official product information. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) published the product information for Ozempic, which describes the most common side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal complaints. Psychiatric side effects, including depression, are not included in this list as an established risk. However, in 2023, the EMA did carry out a safety review following reports of depressive thoughts among GLP-1 users, but that review did not lead to any changes to the patient information leaflet.

What does the research say about semaglutide and mental health?

The scientific evidence in this area is nuanced, but largely reassuring. A study on the risk of suicidality by McIntyre and colleagues, a systematic review published in *Expert Opinion on Drug Safety*, found that, based on the available evidence, there is no clear increased risk of suicidal behaviour among GLP-1 users. A subsequent replication study on mood effects confirms that no consistent causal link has been found between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and increased suicidal behaviour.

At the same time, a broad systematic review of GLP-1 and mental health shows that the picture is more complex. Arillotta and colleagues describe both beneficial effects on binge eating and depressive mood, as well as individual cases of reported complaints. The mechanism is not yet fully understood, and the researchers emphasise that more long-term data are needed. A more recent systematic review of psychiatric effects by Meshkat and colleagues also concludes that GLP-1 agonists may have a potentially beneficial effect on mood, but that vulnerable populations deserve extra attention.

Also of interest is a study involving obese patients with heart failure, which reported not only weight loss but also semaglutide and improved mood. Patients experienced a better quality of life and improved mood. This is consistent with the broader observation that weight loss itself can have a positive effect on mental wellbeing.

Why do some users report feeling down whilst taking Ozempic?

Feeling down whilst taking Ozempic is thought to have several indirect causes. Semaglutide acts via GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus, leading to reduced hunger and increased feelings of fullness. For many people, eating also plays an emotional and social role: eating less can mean deriving less pleasure from meals, reduced social interaction around food, or the loss of a coping mechanism. This can lead to a feeling of emptiness or low mood without there being any clinical depression.

Furthermore, the weight loss process is not always linear, and plateaus or side effects such as nausea and tiredness can affect your mood. For a full overview of possible side effects, please refer to the page on Ozempic side effects and the explanation of side effects associated with weight loss. Would you like to know more about how the medicine works in your body? Then read how Ozempic works.

Who needs to take extra care?

People with a history of depression, anxiety disorders or other psychiatric conditions require extra attention when starting semaglutide. Not because Ozempic causes depression, but because this group may be more sensitive to mood swings in general, including those caused by significant physical changes. The same applies to people currently taking antidepressants or other psychiatric medication: always discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.

The Pharmacotherapeutic Compass does not list any psychiatric contraindications for semaglutide, but emphasises the need for individual assessment in cases of complex comorbidities. If you feel vulnerable regarding your eating behaviour or self-image, it is wise to discuss this at the start of treatment.

Which signs should you take seriously?

Most users do not experience any mental health issues whilst using Ozempic. However, if you notice any significant changes in your mood, it is always wise to take them seriously. Signs that warrant attention include: persistent low mood lasting longer than two weeks, loss of interest in things you normally enjoy, sleep problems that do not improve, or thoughts of harming yourself. These are not recognised side effects of Ozempic, but they always warrant a discussion with a doctor, regardless of whether you are taking medication.

If in doubt, please get in touch. Early intervention prevents symptoms from worsening.

What if you feel more down whilst using Ozempic?

Do not stop taking Ozempic on your own if you feel more down; instead, contact your treating doctor or counsellor. Stopping abruptly can cause side effects and does not resolve the underlying issue. Your doctor can assess whether your mood is related to the medication, the weight-loss process itself, or another cause.

At Goodweigh, you not only get access to Ozempic and similar medication, but also personalised support from Goodweigh that goes beyond just the scales. Mental health is an integral part of the Goodweigh programme, so you always have someone to turn to when things get tough. Would you like to know exactly what Ozempic involves? Then take a look at the page on Ozempic at Goodweigh.

Your mental health matters just as much as your weight

Based on current scientific evidence, Ozempic does not cause depression. At the same time, it’s only natural that a major process of change will also affect your mood. Losing weight isn’t just a physical process: it changes your relationship with food, with your body and, sometimes, with your social circle.

Good support recognises this. If you have any concerns about how you’re feeling whilst taking semaglutide, do speak up. That’s not a sign of weakness, but of taking care of yourself.