Can Ozempic cause personality changes​ or depression?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes and, off-label, for weight loss. Recently, there have been reports and discussions about whether Ozempic can cause personality changes or depression. While there have been case reports and anecdotal evidence on social media, the majority of scientific reviews have not found an association between Ozempic and suicidal thoughts or actions.
Evidence on Personality Changes and Depression From Ozempic
Mood changes, such as depression, are not mentioned as common side effects in the manufacturer labeling for Ozempic. Interestingly, there is a warning about suicidal behavior and ideation in the Wegovy package insert (another brand name for semaglutide approved for weight loss), but it is based on reports of this side effect with other weight management products. Below is a summary of research on mood changes from Ozempic:
- One study revealed that users have reported anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems related to Ozempic on social media platforms. Some describe these effects as "Ozempic personality," even though the term is not scientifically established.
- The FDA acknowledges reports of new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual mood changes in patients taking GLP-1 drugs and advises patients to seek medical attention if these occur. So far in their review, they have not found evidence that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic cause suicidal thoughts or actions. Monitoring by the FDA is ongoing.
- A recent 12-month study found no increased risk of adverse neuropsychiatric outcomes with semaglutide compared to other diabetes medications.
- In 2024, the EMA has stated that available evidence does not indicate a causal association between GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and suicidal thoughts or actions. This was following a review of electronic health records and other available evidence from different studies.
- An analysis of the World Health Organization Vigibase revealed more reports of suicidal thoughts by people taking semaglutide compared to other diabetes medications. However, this was more common in people already taking medications to treat anxiety or depression.
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When to Get Medical Help
Monitor mood and behavior closely when starting Ozempic, and report any new or worsening depression, anxiety, or unusual mood changes to a healthcare professional immediately.
Do not discontinue Ozempic without medical advice, as untreated diabetes or obesity can also impact mental health.
Summary
While some patients taking Ozempic report mood changes, anxiety, or depressive symptoms that they interpret as personality changes, these effects are not widely documented in clinical trials or official prescribing information. Large-scale studies have not confirmed a direct causal link. Patients experiencing mood changes should promptly discuss these symptoms with their healthcare provider to ensure appropriate management.
References
- Arillotta, D., et. al. 2023. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Related Mental Health Issues; Insights from a Range of Social Media Platforms Using a Mixed-Methods Approach. Brain sciences, 13(11), 1503. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13111503
- De Giorgi, R., et. al. 2024. 12-month neurological and psychiatric outcomes of semaglutide use for type 2 diabetes: a propensity-score matched cohort study. In: The Lancet. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102726
- European Medicines Agency. 2024. Meeting highlights from the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) 8-11 April 2024. Accessed on May 7, 2025 at https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/meeting-highlights-pharmacovigilance-risk-assessment-committee-prac-8-11-april-2024
- Li, J. R., et. al. 2023. Case Report: Semaglutide-associated depression: a report of two cases. Frontiers in psychiatry, 14, 1238353. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1238353
- Manoharan, S. V. R. R., et. al. 2024. GLP-1 Agonists Can Affect Mood: A Case of Worsened Depression on Ozempic (Semaglutide). Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 21(4-6), 25–26. PMCID: PMC11208009 PMID: 38938530
- Ozempic [package insert]. Updated 2025. Novo Nordisk. Accessed on May 6, 2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-531f5f2a2d79
- Schoretsanitis, G., et al. 2024. Disproportionality analysis from World Health Organization Data on semaglutide, liraglutide, and suicidality. JAMA Network Open. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.23385
- US Food and Drug Administration. 2024. Update on FDA’s ongoing evaluation of reports of suicidal thoughts or actions in patients taking a certain type of medicines approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Accessed on May 7, 2025 at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/update-fdas-ongoing-evaluation-reports-suicidal-thoughts-or-actions-patients-taking-certain-type
- Wang, W., et. al. 2024. Association of semaglutide with risk of suicidal ideation in a real-world cohort. Nat Med. 2024 Jan;30(1):168-176. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02672-2
Read next
How do Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound compare for weight loss?
Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound can all lead to long-term weight loss, but only Wegovy and Zepbound are approved by the FDA for this use. In studies, Zepbound has led to a 21% weight loss in adults using the highest dose, while Wegovy has led to about a 15% weight loss.
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How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
Your blood glucose (sugar) levels should start to fully decline within the first week after you start using Ozempic (semaglutide) at your regular dose. However, the full effect can take 8 weeks or longer, as this is a long-acting medication that is injected only once per week. Continue reading
Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is prescribed for long-term weight management while Ozempic is used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and help protect kidney function. They both lower the risk for heart-related complications, but they differ in other approved uses, doses, target populations and costs. Continue reading
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- Ozempic Information for Consumers
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