Ozempic, though widely used in recent years, is not officially approved for weight loss but only for diabetes treatment. As more doctors prescribe it for appetite control, concerns grow about potential side effects outweighing the benefits.
Alongside common side effects like nausea, this drug class may occasionally link to adverse mental health side effects, prompting further investigation.
Concerns Rise Over Increasing Reports of Mental Health Side Effects From Ozempic and Wegovy
In the realm of medication, semaglutide falls under the umbrella of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, effectively mimicking a natural hormone to enhance blood sugar control and suppress appetite.
A European drug database logged 481 psychiatric events tied to three GLP-1 drugs-semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide-between January 2021 and May 2023. These events encompassed depression (50%), anxiety, and suicidal ideation (20%), with 20 cases resulting in fatal or life-threatening outcomes, although they constituted only 1.2% of the total reports.
Public health scientist Hajer Elkout and pharmacologist Mansour Tobaiqy underscore the gravity of these events, emphasizing the need for further research to delve into potential causal relationships.
Expressing concern in July 2023, the European Medicines Agency highlighted 150 reports detailing suicidal thoughts and self-injury among individuals using Ozempic, a GLP-1 drug. Subsequently, UK officials echoed these concerns.
Are Mental Health Side Effects Truly Associated with Ozempic and Wegovy?
Despite ongoing investigations into the mental health effects of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, the US Food and Drug Advisory found no evidence of causation.
Contrary to anecdotal claims, a recent study by the US National Institute of Health revealed that those using GLP-1 drugs had a lower risk of suicidal ideation compared to other anti-obesity medications. Some US psychiatrists have controversially prescribed these drugs for mental health issues.
In 2023, Canadian psychiatrist Mahavir Agarwal expressed concern over the lack of data on individuals with mental health issues taking semaglutide, leaving doctors without sufficient evidence.
The European self-reported drug side effects database, while not establishing causal effects, hinted at a potential increase in mental health issues associated with GLP-1 drugs alongside rising prescriptions. Notably, about 65% of adverse event reports were from females, who are often prescribed these medications more frequently, with fatal outcomes more likely in males.
Nonetheless, researchers advocate cautious use and close monitoring in patients with a history or risk of psychiatric disorders until more studies are conducted.
FDA Review: Possible Label Changes for GLP-1 Drugs
GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, are under FDA review, possibly leading to label changes and a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy program. Suicidal thoughts aren't listed for Ozempic and Wegovy, and Novo Nordisk found no such thoughts during clinical trials.
Adverse events include hair loss, aspiration, and gastrointestinal issues, with specific drugs associated with specific problems. The FDA may alter labels and implement a strategy to evaluate risks versus benefits. Physicians recognize challenges but stress the drugs' broad use and effectiveness.
RELATED ARTICLE: Weight Loss Drugs Ozempic, Wegovy Could Lead to Critical Blockages; Trials May Have Missed Deadly Side Effects
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