A recent study suggests that people using semaglutide, a common drug for diabetes and weight loss, may be more likely to have suicidal thoughts than those taking other medications.
However, experts argue that there is no strong evidence linking semaglutide to mood problems. They said scientific findings on the matter have been inconsistent, reports CNN.
Semaglutide is available under two brand names: Ozempic for diabetes treatment and Wegovy for weight loss. Several companies also make compounded versions of this drug.
According to the publication, its popularity has increased significantly in recent years, as studies have highlighted its benefits, such as reducing the risk of kidney disease and cancer.
The patient description for semaglutide mentions that users should be cautious about depression and suicidal thoughts. There have been mixed findings about whether newer weight loss medications like semaglutide can cause these problems.
However, the European Medicines Agency states that there is no proven link between these drugs and suicide.
Similarly, the US Food and Drug Administration is investigating a potential risk of suicide related to drugs like semaglutide. So far, they have not found strong evidence of an increased risk, but they have not ruled out the possibility of a slight risk due to limited data. Their investigation is still ongoing.
The relationship between eating habits and self-harm
There has long been concern about a possible link between medications that alter eating habits and the risk of self-harm.
Some individuals may experience profound changes in their mood when they lose the pleasure of eating, possibly resulting in harmful thoughts or actions.
For example, a weight loss drug called rimonabant was removed from the market in 2008 because it was linked to an increased risk of suicide.
The drug, which affects brain pathways involved in cravings caused by marijuana use, has never been approved in the United States.
