A new study is raising serious alarms about a popular weight-loss drug called semaglutide, found in medications like Wegovy and Ozempic. This study suggests that using semaglutide might make some people more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Here’s what you need to know:
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers looked at a huge database from the World Health Organization (WHO) that tracks side effects of various drugs. They compared reports of suicidal thoughts and behaviors linked to semaglutide with those linked to a similar drug, liraglutide (known as Victoza and Saxenda), and other medications used for diabetes and weight loss.
The results were startling: people taking semaglutide were 45% more likely to report suicidal thoughts compared to those on other drugs. On the other hand, liraglutide didn’t show any significant link to such issues.
How Many People Are Affected?
From the data, the study found 110 cases of suicidal thoughts linked to semaglutide and 160 cases tied to liraglutide. However, about half of these cases were from people using the drugs for reasons not officially approved, which could complicate things.
What’s the Concern?
The rise in reports for semaglutide was much higher than for liraglutide, increasing from almost nothing in 2017 to 0.8% in 2023. In contrast, liraglutide’s increase was much slower. Experts are worried because a higher rate of these reports might indicate a real problem, even though it doesn’t prove that semaglutide directly causes suicidal thoughts.
What Do Experts Say?
Some experts stress that while this data shows a strong association, it doesn’t confirm that semaglutide causes these issues. Dr. Roger McIntyre, a psychiatrist, says the findings call for more research to understand the potential risks. He notes that many weight-loss drugs affect the brain and could lead to mental health issues.
Is Off-Label Use a Problem?
A significant number of cases involved people using semaglutide in ways not approved by doctors, like combining it with antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. This combination might increase the risk of suicidal thoughts even more.
What’s Next?
Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medical Agency have looked into this issue but haven’t reached a clear conclusion yet. The study’s authors urge for more investigation to figure out why semaglutide might be linked to these severe side effects.
What Should You Do?
If you’re taking semaglutide or any similar drug and have concerns about mental health, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the risks and decide on the best course of action.
Stay informed and make sure to follow up with your doctor if you’re using these medications. Your health and safety are the top priorities.
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