GLP-1 drugs could be useful in treating some behavioral health conditions, early research shows.
Recent research has found the medications could be helpful in treating alcohol addiction and reduce the risk of opioid overdoses. One study found the drugs could have a positive effect on mental health.
Other research has investigated a possible link between GLP-1 drugs and suicidal thoughts. In 2023, the FDA probed whether GLP-1 drugs could be linked to suicidal thoughts but found no definitive link. Some research has found the risk of suicidal thoughts is lower among GLP-1 drugs than other forms of weight loss drugs.
GLP-1 drugs, which include Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, have grown increasingly popular. Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists are approved to treat Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy and Zepbound are approved for weight loss.
A May poll from KFF found 1 in 8 adults have taken a GLP-1 drug, and 4 in 10 adults with diabetes have taken a GLP-1.
Here are five things to know about GLP-1s and mental health.
- In January, the FDA said a preliminary review did not find evidence that GLP-1 drugs cause suicidal thoughts or actions. The agency said it could not definitively rule out that a small risk could exist and said it continues to look into the issue. In April, European regulators said GLP-1s did not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
- Other research on the link between GLP-1s and suicidal ideation has found mixed results. A study published in Nature in January found individuals taking GLP-1 drugs Ozempic and Wegovy had a slightly lower incidence of suicidal ideation than those taking other forms of weight loss drugs.
- An analysis published in JAMA Network Open found that the use of semaglutide — the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy — may be linked to increased suicidal ideation, especially when used with an antidepressant.
- Novo Nordisk said its clinical trials also did not find an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, but added it will work with regulators to monitor the safety of the medicine.
- Some research shows the medicines could have a positive effect on mental health. A study from Epic Research found patients taking Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy were less likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression compared to those who did not receive the drugs.
- Researchers are investigating other possible uses for GLP-1 drugs. A clinical trial conducted at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill found semaglutide could treat alcohol use disorder. Preliminary findings showed patients prescribed semaglutide had fewer instances of heavy drinking than those prescribed a placebo.
- A study conducted in Sweden found that GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy may help reduce alcohol consumption among those with alcohol use disorder. Individuals taking a GLP-1 drug were less likely to be hospitalized for alcohol-related events than those not taking the medications.
- Other research has investigated GLP-1 drugs' effect on opioid use disorder. Research published in JAMA Network Open in September found GLP-1 drugs could significantly reduce the instance of overdoses among those with the disorder.
- Another study, published in Addiction in October, found similar results. The study found patients with opioid use disorder who were taking a GLP-1 drug had a 40% lower incidence of overdose than patients not taking the drugs. Patients with alcohol use disorder taking GLP-1 drugs had a 50% lower rate of alcohol intoxication than those not prescribed the drugs.
- Beyond treatments for anxiety, depression and addiction, researchers are investigating whether the drugs have the potential to treat conditions including dementia, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, kidney disease, cancer and sleep apnea.
Editor's note: This article was first published Aug. 29 and updated with additional details on Dec. 5.