Can Ozempic Cause Depression or Suicidal Thoughts?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a type of injectable medication called a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. It’s used for Type 2 diabetes. It has been shown to lower blood glucose, improve hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c or A1C), and cause weight loss. And it’s FDA approved to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with heart disease and to decrease the risk of worsening chronic kidney disease. 

Semaglutide is also prescribed under other brand names. For example, it’s found as Rybelsus, an oral medication, to treat Type 2 diabetes. And it’s also available as Wegovy, in both oral or injectable form for weight loss.

Ozempic and other similar medications have become increasingly popular due to their many health benefits. But there have been lingering concerns — including whether there’s a link between semaglutide and depression and suicidal thoughts. Let’s take a closer look at what the research shows at this point.

Can semaglutide cause depression or suicidal thoughts?

So far, both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the FDA have concluded that GLP-1 agonists — including semaglutide — don’t cause suicidal thoughts. 

In the past, there has been mixed evidence about whether there’s a link. A recent 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, some earlier 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 taking semaglutide actually had lower rates of depression and anxiety than those who weren’t taking the medication. 

In another large study from January 2024, people taking semaglutide for diabetes or to treat overweight and obesity had a lower risk of suicidal thoughts than those using other medications. 

As people continue to use semaglutide, the FDA has continued to monitor for adverse events (an unexpected side effect of a medication). In January 2026, the FDA concluded that taking GLP-1s like semaglutide didn’t increase your risk for suicide or other mental health events such as: 

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Irritability

• Psychosis 

Why do some people who use semaglutide become depressed?

It’s hard to say. 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, close to 1 in 10 people in the U.S. will have a major depression episode at some point during their life. This means that as more people start using semaglutide, more people who use it will also experience depression, simply because depression is so widespread.

What should you do if you think Ozempic is making you depressed?

It doesn’t appear that Ozempic causes depression. But some people may notice symptoms of depression while using this medication, so it’s important to know the signs to look for. 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, as well as the best next steps to take.

Quiz: Am I depressed?

Is there a connection between Ozempic and anxiety?

There’s no connection between Ozempic and anxiety, although 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. 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 Ozempic side effects?

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

• 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 a 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:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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For additional resources or to connect with mental health services in your area, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. For immediate assistance, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text “HOME” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.