Is semaglutide linked to suicidal thoughts? Recently, two studies have come to opposing conclusions, stirring debates over the safety of GLP-1 drugs.
A new global study published in JAMA Network Open on August 20 claims that semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, may increase the risk of suicidal ideation. This study examined medications like Ozempic and Wegovy and found them linked to higher risks of suicidal thoughts compared to other diabetes medications. They suggest that individuals managing depression or anxiety who also take semaglutide might face a greater risk.
Conversely, a study in JAMA Internal Medicine published on September 3 argues that there is no increased risk of depression or suicidal behavior from semaglutide. In fact, they found a slight reduction in depressive symptoms among participants. According to lead author Thomas Wadden, PhD, this study offers reassurance for those without significant mental health concerns using semaglutide.
However, the research may not be entirely unbiased. Several authors of the second study are affiliated with Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of semaglutide medications, and the study received funding from the company. Despite these conflicts of interest, findings from other studies, such as one in Nature Medicine (January 2024) and research from 2018 and 2021, found no link between semaglutide and suicidal thoughts.
Organizations like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are currently reviewing the risk of suicidal thoughts associated with GLP-1 drugs. Similarly, the FDA and other regulatory bodies are conducting their own investigations. Although no definitive concerns have been identified, the reviews are ongoing.
Understanding the impact of GLP-1 agonists on mental health is crucial, especially because people with psychiatric conditions are often excluded from clinical trials. Since these drugs are widely used, it’s important to grasp how they affect individuals in real-world settings. The JAMA Network Open study utilized data from the World Health Organization to explore whether semaglutide and similar drugs are linked to suicidal ideation and self-harm.
Despite the lack of a definitive link, experts advise caution. Rachel Goldberg, an eating disorder therapy specialist, warns that we are still in the early stages of understanding the mental health impacts of these drugs. She suggests that GLP-1s may influence the effectiveness of psychiatric medications, potentially exacerbating mental health issues. Similarly, psychiatrist Sarah Boss emphasizes the potential risks of using these medications off-label and advises consulting with specialists to mitigate any adverse effects.
Ultimately, the association between semaglutide and suicidal thoughts remains a topic of debate. Mir Ali, MD, and other experts point out that the rare incidence of suicidal ideation makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Therefore, more comprehensive research is essential to understand the true impact of these medications.
While recent studies offer conflicting views on the link between semaglutide and suicidal thoughts, the ongoing debate underscores the need for further research. For now, experts recommend cautious use, particularly for those with underlying mental health conditions.
Source: Healthline