Can Ozempic Cause Depression or Suicidal Thoughts?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a type of injectable medication called a GLP-1 agonist. It’s approved by the FDA for Type 2 diabetes, and has been shown to lower blood glucose, improve hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c or A1C), and cause weight loss. Semaglutide is also prescribed as Wegovy, an injectable medication for weight loss, as well as Rybelsus, an oral medication, to treat Type 2 diabetes.  

Ozempic and other similar medications have become increasingly popular. But there are lingering concerns — including whether there’s a link between semaglutide, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Let’s take a closer look at what research shows at this point.

Can semaglutide make you depressed or cause suicidal thoughts?

So far, both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the FDA have concluded that GLP-1 agonists — including semaglutide — do not cause suicidal thoughts. But there’s mixed evidence about whether there’s a link. This is an important distinction to make. A link is just the first step toward proving that something causes a specific health outcome. A link alone does not prove that there’s a cause-and-effect relationship.  

Here’s the data that’s available so far. A new study based on a World Health Organization (WHO) database was published in August 2024. In this study, researchers found an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in people taking semaglutide compared to other diabetes medications. This was especially true for people who were also taking antidepressants. But the overall risk was still low. 

However, other reports tell a different story. A large study from February 2024 looked at over 4 million people with and without diabetes. It found that people using semaglutide actually had lower rates of depression and anxiety than baseline. In another large study from January 2024, semaglutide was linked to a lower risk of suicidal thoughts in people who have Type 2 diabetes or are considered overweight or obese.  

As people continue to use semaglutide, the FDA and WHO will continue to monitor for adverse events — and update the general public as needed. In the meantime, the FDA urges healthcare professionals and anyone using Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus to watch for symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, or any other changes in mood or behavior. 

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Are other GLP-1 agonists linked to depression or suicidal thoughts?

It’s possible. But again, it’s a complex topic. 

For example, in clinical trials, a small number of people taking Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) experienced suicidal thoughts. As a result, the company that makes Saxenda and Wegovy currently lists “depression or thoughts of suicide” as a possible side effect for these medications. But they do not list it as a side effect for Ozempic (semaglutide). 

The August 2024 study mentioned above also found a link between semaglutide and suicidal thoughts. But they didn’t specify if this was for Wegovy or Ozempic. And the researchers also did not find the same link with liraglutide. 

So, what’s the bottom line? At this point, the FDA and the EMA say that GLP-1 agonists do not cause suicidal thoughts. This includes many other GLP-1 agonists not mentioned in this article, like dulagutide and exenatide. 

But remember: These are just preliminary conclusions. As the FDA and other organizations continue to gather more information about GLP-1 agonists, the scientific community will learn more about any potential connection between these medications, depression, and suicidal thoughts. In other words, time will tell. 

Why do some people who use semaglutide become depressed? 

It’s hard to say. Research is ongoing to see if semaglutide causes depression directly, or if the two are linked by another cause, or if it’s simply through coincidence.  

For example, many people who use Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus are already at greater risk for depression before they start these medications. That’s because both diabetes and excess weight are linked to depression. 

Depression itself is also a common illness. In fact, in the U.S., close to 1 in 10 people will have a major depression episode at some point during their life. This means that as more and more people start using semaglutide, more and more people who use it will also experience depression, simply because depression is so widespread.

How can you tell if Ozempic is making you depressed?

It’s not clear that Ozempic does cause depression. But some people may notice symptoms of depression while using this medication. 

Common symptoms of depression are: 

• Low mood

• Loss of pleasure

• Sleep changes

• Restlessness or slowness

• Fatigue or low energy

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Trouble thinking clearly

• Loss of appetite or weight loss

• Suicidal ideation, or thoughts about death

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to a healthcare professional. They’ll help you figure out what’s causing your symptoms, and whether you need to stop using Ozempic.

Quiz: Am I depressed?

Should you take Ozempic if you already have depression? 

It depends. There’s no FDA warning that cautions against using Ozempic if you have depression. And so far there’s no clear evidence that using Ozempic will make your depression worse. 

That being said, it's still a good idea to carefully watch for any changes in your mood when using Ozempic — especially if you have a history of depression. If you begin to notice any changes, talk to a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Is there a connection between Ozempic and anxiety?

There’s no clear-cut connection between Ozempic and anxiety. Some people using Ozempic have reported anxiety as a side effect. But there’s also some evidence that anxiety may actually be less likely in people using Ozempic.  

Researchers and government organizations continue to investigate if there’s a link. But, just like with depression, it’s difficult because people living with diabetes or excess weight are already more likely to have anxiety or other mood disorders in general.

What are other side effects of Ozempic?

Ozempic is generally easy to use, but it can cause side effects in some people. Common side effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Abdominal pain

• Headache

• Tiredness

• Dizziness

• Heartburn or indigestion

More serious risks may include:

• Gallstones

• Kidney damage

• Pancreatitis

• Symptomatic low blood sugar

• Eye problems

• Fast heart rate

Ozempic shouldn’t be taken by people at risk for certain thyroid cancers or who are allergic to its ingredients. Talk with your healthcare professional about your risk of taking Ozempic based on your medical history.

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Written by:

Frank Schwalbe, MD

Frank Schwalbe, MD, is an assistant professor of anesthesiology at the Yale School of Medicine. He has practiced anesthesiology for 30 years.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone, and help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

For additional resources or to connect with mental health services in your area, call the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).