Can Ozempic cause depression? What the research says

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) has published the product information for Ozempic, which describes the most common side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal disturbances. Psychiatric side effects, including depression, are not listed there as an established risk. The EMA did, however, carry out a safety review in 2023 following reports of depressive thoughts among GLP-1 users, but that review did not lead to any changes to the package 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 suicide risk by McIntyre and colleagues, a systematic review published in *Expert Opinion on Drug Safety*, showed that, based on the available evidence, there is no clearly increased risk of suicidal behaviour among GLP-1 users. A later replication study on effects on mood confirms that no consistent causal link has been established between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and increased suicidal behaviour.

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

Also of interest is a study of overweight patients with heart failure, who, in addition to weight loss, also reported semaglutide and improved mood. The patients experienced a better quality of life and improved mood. This is consistent with the broader observation that weight loss in itself can have a positive effect on mental well-being.

Why do some users report feeling down when using Ozempic?

Feeling down whilst using Ozempic is likely to have several indirect causes. Semaglutide acts via GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus, leading to reduced hunger and an increased feeling of fullness. For many people, food 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 it constituting clinical depression.

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

Who should take extra care?

People with a history of depression, anxiety disorders or other psychiatric conditions should be particularly vigilant when starting semaglutide. This is not because Ozempic causes depression, but because this group may be more sensitive to mood swings in general, even in the context of 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 guidelines do not list any psychiatric contraindications for semaglutide, but they do emphasise the importance of an individual assessment in cases of complex comorbidities. If you feel vulnerable in terms of your eating habits or self-image, it is wise to raise this at the start of treatment.

What signs should you take seriously?

Most users do not experience any mental health issues whilst using Ozempic. However, if you notice significant mood changes, it is always wise to take them seriously. Signs that require 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 require a consultation with a doctor, regardless of whether you are using the medicine or not.

You should also contact your doctor if you are unsure. Taking action in good time prevents the symptoms from getting worse.

What should you do if you feel low whilst using Ozempic?

Do not stop taking Ozempic on your own if you feel low; instead, contact your treating doctor or healthcare provider. Stopping abruptly can cause side effects and does not resolve the underlying problem. Your doctor can assess whether your mood is linked to the medicine, the weight-loss process itself, or some other cause.

At Goodweigh, you not only get access to Ozempic and similar medicines, but also personalised guidance from Goodweigh that goes beyond just the scales. Mental health is an integral part of the Goodweigh programme, so you always have someone to lean on 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 is just as important as your weight

According to current scientific research, Ozempic does not cause depression. At the same time, it’s logical that a far-reaching 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 guidance takes this into account. If you have any concerns about how you’re feeling whilst using semaglutide, do speak up. It’s not a sign of weakness, but of caution.