Can Ozempic Cause Depression? What the Research Says

Ozempic^® (semaglutide) and other GLP-1 medications have helped many people lose weight and manage chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes. But as their popularity grows, so do questions about possible mental health side effects, including depression.

Can Ozempic cause depression? The short answer is that it’s unlikely for Ozempic to cause depression. Still, online forums and social media have surfaced stories from people saying they’ve felt emotionally different — even depressed — since starting weight loss medications.

That’s raised enough concern for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to start reviewing reports of suicidal thoughts and mental health issues or behaviors tied to GLP-1s.

It makes sense that when more people take a particular medication, there’s also an uptick in adverse effects reported. But it’s also important to understand that anyone can submit one of these claims — they aren’t regulated and can be duplicated.

Even though the FDA hasn’t reported any evidence of a causal link between semaglutide and depression, the mental health side effects associated with weight loss drugs are still worth discussing.

So, can Ozempic cause depression? Here’s what the research says so far.

In a 2024 report, the FDA said it was reviewing reports of suicidal thoughts and actions among patients taking GLP-1 medications. At the time, the agency didn’t find any evidence that GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic cause suicidal ideation or behavior.

The report also highlights a review of clinical trials that found some evidence of these thoughts and behaviors in people taking GLP-1 agonists — but at the same rates as people taking placebos. 

It’s worth noting that many of these reports come through FAERS — the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System — which allows anyone to submit an account.

The reports aren’t always verified, can be duplicated, and don’t establish cause and effect. Still, the volume of mental health-related claims has led the FDA to continue monitoring the situation.

Since then, some major studies have backed up the FDA’s position.

A 2024 analysis of Wegovy^® clinical trials found no increased risk of depression or suicidal thoughts in those without a known history of mental illness. In fact, people on semaglutide were less likely to experience worsening depression than those taking a placebo. But the picture isn’t entirely clear.

Some large-scale real-world studies — which analyze post-marketing data from broader populations — have found a higher rate of psychiatric issues, including depression, among people taking GLP-1s. And emerging genetic research suggests there may be a connection between GLP-1 receptor activity and susceptibility to depressive symptoms, although more research is needed.

Reviewing the Data on Ozempic and Depression

So, what does this all mean? Can Ozempic cause depression?

For most people, semaglutide doesn’t appear to increase the risk of depression. Some research shows it may even help improve mental health outcomes, particularly in those managing obesity or diabetes.

But researchers are still working to understand how these medications may affect people with existing mental health conditions or certain genetic risk factors.

Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Other medications in this category include Saxenda^® (liraglutide), Wegovy^® (which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide), and tirzepatide medications like Mounjaro^® and Zepbound^®.

Some of these medications have drawn more attention for potential mental health side effects.

During clinical trials for Saxenda, a small number of participants reported suicidal thoughts, prompting the FDA to add a warning label about possible mood changes. Wegovy^® carries a similar warning, as does Zepbound.

Ozempic, on the other hand, bears no such warnings for depression or suicidal thoughts on its label.

If you’re experiencing unexpected changes in your moods while taking a GLP-1 medication — or if you’ve had a history of mental health issues — talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the benefits of the medication with any potential side effects and make a plan that supports your overall well-being.

Ozempic works by mimicking the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). The hormone is released in response to food intake, boosting insulin secretion as blood sugar (glucose) levels rise.

For this reason, Ozempic is FDA-approved to help lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic also impacts the brain, acting on GLP-1 receptors located in areas involved in hunger and reward pathways. This interaction promotes feelings of satiety (fullness) and reduces appetite, which can lead to reduced food intake.

Furthermore, Ozempic slows gastric emptying, meaning food stays in your stomach longer.

For these reasons, some healthcare professionals might prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight management. “Off-label” means Ozempic is used for a reason other than its FDA-approved indication for type 2 diabetes.

Like Ozempic, Wegovy^® is made by Novo Nordisk and contains the active ingredient semaglutide. But unlike Ozempic, it’s FDA-approved for weight management.

So, could Ozempic cause depression for some patients, and if so, why? Let’s dig into a few possible reasons.

What’s behind these anecdotal reports of people feeling depressed when taking Ozempic? Can weight loss injections cause depression?

If you’ve experienced feelings of depression while taking Ozempic, you’re not alone — and your experience is valid. Though researchers haven’t established a direct link between GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and depression, the conversation is ongoing, and it’s worth looking at a few potential explanations.

For starters, Ozempic is commonly prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes and, off-label, for obesity — both of which are linked to higher rates of depression. So, it’s possible that some folks taking Ozempic may already be more vulnerable to depression for reasons unrelated to the medication itself.

Underlying physical or mental health conditions, social stigma, hormonal changes, and even the emotional ups and downs that can come with body changes may also play a role.

What’s more, research has shown that obesity may influence the gut microbiome in ways that could affect mood and mental well-being — an area scientists are still actively exploring.

Not only that, but depression is a fairly common mental health diagnosis. Around ten percent of people in the general population have had a major depressive episode at some point. This means it could surface during any life chapter, including when someone starts a new medication like Ozempic.

That doesn’t make your experience any less real. While more research is needed to understand what’s going on, your mental health matters. It’s always worth bringing up any changes in mood with a trusted healthcare provider.

Should You Take Ozempic If You Have a History of Depression?

There’s currently no warning on Ozempic’s prescribing information advising against use in people with depression. Even so, it’s crucial to share your full medical and mental health history with your provider so they can help you weigh the pros and cons and monitor any changes closely.

Although depression and suicidal thoughts aren’t listed as known side effects on Ozempic’s label, it’s understandable that some people have questions.

The most common side effects of Ozempic are gastrointestinal, including:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

More serious side effects might include kidney failure, vision problems, gallbladder issues, thyroid tumors, and inflammation of the pancreas. But these are rare.

There’s currently no proven link between Ozempic or other GLP-1 drugs and developing depression. That said, just because research hasn’t found a definitive connection doesn’t mean people’s experiences aren’t real — and more studies are needed to fully understand how these medications might affect mental health.

In the meantime, here are several symptoms of depression that would warrant speaking with a healthcare professional:

• Ongoing feelings of sadness or emptiness

• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

• Significant unintentional weight gain or loss

• Disturbances in sleep

• Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things

• Feeling mentally or physically slower than normal

• Noticeable restlessness or irritability

• Crying spells without a specific trigger

• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide attempts

Having one or two of these symptoms occasionally doesn’t necessarily mean you’re depressed. But if they stick around for more than a couple of weeks and start interfering with your day-to-day life, it’s time to reach out for support.

Whether the cause is Ozempic, something else, or a mix of factors, a healthcare provider can help you sort through what’s going on. Treatment can include therapy, medication like antidepressants, lifestyle changes, or a combination — and it’s okay to ask for help finding what works best for you.

Can semaglutide cause depression? According to the FDA, there’s currently no clear evidence that Ozempic directly causes depression.

Having said that, research is ongoing — and lived experience matters. If you’re feeling low or noticing changes in your mood while taking Ozempic (or any GLP-1), it’s important to take those feelings seriously and seek support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, suicidal ideation, thoughts of self-harm, or other mental health obstacles affecting quality of life, help is available:

• You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line.

• Other mental health services are also available. One option is to call the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Your mental health matters. If you’re struggling while taking Ozempic, you’re not alone. Let’s get things back on track so you can focus on what else is important to you.

Not sure what treatment plan is right for you? Our free online weight loss assessment can help you figure out if you’re a good match for medications like Ozempic — or one of the many other options available.

You can also explore holistic mental health treatments on our psychiatry platform.