Can Ozempic Cause Depression?

It’s no secret that medications often come with the risk of side effects. Ozempic, a medication that treats type 2 diabetes, is no exception. But, is it true that Ozempic can cause depression?

The link between Ozempic and depression is not exactly clear. However, if you experience depression while taking Ozempic, it is important to speak to a medical professional right away. Gulf Coast Recovery Center offers depression treatment in Tampa, Florida, if you experience depressive symptoms while on Ozempic.

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide injections. When taken along with a diet and exercise program, Ozempic helps to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, according to MedlinePlus, “Semaglutide injection (Ozempic) is also used to reduce the risk of a stroke, heart attack, or death in adults who have type 2 diabetes along with heart and blood vessel disease.”

Ozempic can be helpful when other medications fail to help control blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes. Still, like other medications, it is important to understand the side effects. Then, you can weigh the pros and cons of taking Ozempic.

What Are the Side Effects of Ozempic?

Some side effects of Ozempic are common. You can take additional precautions to manage side effects, which your doctor can recommend before you begin taking Ozempic. Common side effects tend to be short-term issues.

The most common side effects of Ozempic include the following:

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Constipation

However, in rare cases, you could have serious side effects. This could impact your long-term health and wellness. Ozempic may cause the following serious side effects:

Inflammation of the pancreas
Changes in vision
Low blood sugar
Kidney and gallbladder problems
Allergic reactions

If you experience any serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately. In addition to the serious side effects listed above, you could have other issues not listed. Among these is a concern that Ozempic might cause depression.

There isn’t enough information or research to determine definitively if Ozempic can cause depression. Regardless, some people have experienced symptoms of depression while on Ozempic.

Frontiers in Psychiatry outlines a case study where two patients experienced depression about one month after taking Ozempic. In these cases, both patients noticed an improvement and a reduction in depressive symptoms after they stopped taking Ozempic. Therefore, it is possible—but not definitive—that Ozempic increased depressive symptoms.

Still, more research needs to be conducted to make any definitive conclusions about Ozempic and depression. The authors of the above-mentioned study note that “Further case registration studies are needed to clarify the relationship between semaglutide [Ozempic] and depression.”

In other words, if you feel depressed when taking Ozempic, this could be caused by the medication or caused by other factors.

What Should I Do if I Feel Depressed on Ozempic?

If you feel depressed when taking Ozempic, you need to seek professional help as soon as possible. The best place to go first is to the doctor who prescribed Ozempic. That way, they can recommend alternatives if you need to stop taking Ozempic.

However, if you have severe symptoms of depression, like suicidal thoughts or actions, you need emergency care right away. You can also call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 for immediate assistance.

Regardless of the cause, depression is a serious mental health disorder that affects millions of Americans each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “During 2020, 18.4% of U.S. adults reported having ever been diagnosed with depression.” Symptoms of depression can significantly impact your quality of life and can even become life-threatening.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?

Depression looks different for everyone. Some people have symptoms that are readily apparent, like weight changes or a disheveled appearance. But other people could appear fine on the outside while they struggle on the inside.

If you are concerned about getting depression while on Ozempic, be aware of the following signs and symptoms:

Withdrawing from friends and family
Sleeping too much or not enough
Overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness
Being unable to enjoy pleasurable activities
Difficulty thinking, planning, or concentrating
Irritability and mood swings
Fatigue and a lack of energy
Headaches and muscle pains
Change in appetite
Lack of personal hygiene or disheveled appearance
Suicidal ideations and behaviors
Abusing drugs or alcohol to self-medicate

The signs and symptoms above can be serious and life-threatening when left untreated. Talk to your doctor right away to discuss potential causes and treatment options. Whether Ozempic causes your depressive symptoms or not, depression is a treatable condition and you have several options to get better.

How Is Depression Treated?

Depression is best treated by taking a comprehensive approach that addresses multiple areas of your health and well-being. Although depression is a mental health disorder, your symptoms can impact all aspects of health, including physical, social, and emotional wellness. Because of this, Gulf Coast Recovery offers an array of options to treat depression.

Our depression treatment in Tampa includes the following:

Psychiatry: Medications can help to treat symptoms of depression. Your psychiatrist will prescribe medications that address the chemical imbalances that cause depressive symptoms.
Psychotherapy: Both group and individual therapy are critical components to treating depression. During individual therapy sessions, you get one-on-one counseling that helps you learn ways to cope with stress and other triggers. Group therapy provides additional peer support, feedback, and an opportunity to practice your new coping skills.
Holistic Approaches: Depression affects all areas of your health and wellness. Holistic treatment options include exercise, nutritional guidance, and mindfulness activities. As a bonus, holistic approaches could help to treat type 2 diabetes—which may be necessary if you must discontinue Ozempic.
EMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an innovative type of therapy that treats trauma-related mental health disorders. However, since traumatic events can cause depression, EMDR therapy could be an effective treatment approach for you.
Brainspotting: Similar to EMDR therapy, Brainspotting involves the use of eye movements that trigger traumatic responses. This can help you with any underlying trauma related to your depression.

The best approach for depression treatment is a mix of the above as you build a personalized plan that works for you.

Get Help for Depression in Tampa Today

While it is not known if Ozempic can cause depression, you don’t need to suffer from depressive symptoms regardless of the cause. Gulf Coast Recovery Center offers depression treatment in Tampa, Florida, to help you or a loved one who struggles.