Does Ozempic make you depressed? Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes mellitus. As its use has expanded, concerns have emerged about potential links to depression and mood changes. Currently, no established causal relationship exists between Ozempic and depression based on clinical trial data and regulatory assessments by the MHRA and EMA. However, individual patient reports have prompted ongoing pharmacovigilance. This article examines the evidence, reported mental health effects, and guidance for patients experiencing mood changes whilst taking Ozempic.
Quick Answer: No established causal link exists between Ozempic (semaglutide) and depression according to MHRA, EMA, and clinical trial data.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. As its use has expanded, questions have emerged regarding potential links between Ozempic and mental health changes, particularly depression. Currently, there is no established causal relationship between Ozempic and depression based on clinical trial data and regulatory assessments.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have reviewed post-marketing surveillance data and have not identified depression as a recognised adverse effect of semaglutide. The EMA's Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) concluded in 2024 that no causal link has been established between GLP-1 receptor agonists and suicidal ideation or self-injury. Clinical trials of semaglutide, including the SUSTAIN programme, did not show a signal of increased depression in adverse event reporting compared to placebo or active comparators.
However, individual case reports and patient experiences have prompted ongoing pharmacovigilance. Some patients have reported mood changes whilst taking Ozempic, though establishing causality remains challenging. Multiple factors may contribute to mood alterations in people with diabetes, including the psychological burden of chronic disease management, fluctuations in blood glucose levels, concurrent medications, and lifestyle changes associated with weight loss. It's worth noting that people with type 2 diabetes have a higher baseline prevalence of depression compared to the general population.
Healthcare professionals should maintain awareness that whilst depression is not a recognised side effect of Ozempic, patients may experience mood changes for various reasons. Any significant alteration in mental wellbeing warrants clinical assessment to identify underlying causes and provide appropriate support. The absence of a proven link does not diminish the importance of addressing patient concerns about mood changes during treatment, in line with NICE guidance (NG28) on holistic diabetes care.
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Start HereThe Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for Ozempic, as approved by the MHRA, does not list depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric disorders among the recognised adverse reactions. The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal in nature, including:
Nausea (very common, affecting more than 1 in 10 people)
Diarrhoea (very common, affecting more than 1 in 10 people)
Vomiting (common)
Constipation and abdominal pain (common)
Decreased appetite (common)
Despite the absence of depression in official product information, some patients and healthcare providers have anecdotally reported mood-related concerns. These reports typically describe:
Low mood or emotional flatness
Reduced motivation or interest in activities
Anxiety or irritability
Changes in emotional responsiveness
It is important to contextualise these reports within the broader patient experience. People with type 2 diabetes have an increased prevalence of depression compared to the general population—approximately two to three times higher according to NHS and NICE guidance. This elevated baseline risk makes it challenging to attribute mood changes specifically to medication rather than the underlying condition or other life circumstances.
Additionally, rapid weight loss—a common outcome with GLP-1 receptor agonists—can itself influence mood and emotional wellbeing. Some individuals experience psychological adjustment challenges as their body composition changes. If substantial weight loss or significantly reduced food intake occurs, consultation with a dietitian may be beneficial to ensure nutritional adequacy.
The MHRA continues to monitor safety signals through the Yellow Card reporting scheme. If you suspect you have experienced a side effect from Ozempic, you can report it directly to the MHRA via the Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or through the Yellow Card app.
If you develop persistent low mood, depression, or significant changes in your mental wellbeing whilst taking Ozempic, it is essential to seek medical advice promptly. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your GP or diabetes specialist, as abrupt cessation may affect your glycaemic control.
Immediate steps to take:
Contact your GP or diabetes care team to discuss your symptoms. They can assess whether your mood changes may be related to Ozempic, your diabetes management, or other factors.
Keep a symptom diary noting when mood changes occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This information helps clinicians identify patterns and contributing factors.
Monitor your blood glucose levels carefully, as both hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia can affect mood and cognitive function.
Ensure adequate nutrition despite reduced appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists can significantly decrease food intake, potentially affecting overall wellbeing.
Your healthcare provider may recommend:
Comprehensive assessment to exclude other causes of depression, including thyroid dysfunction, anaemia, and B12 deficiency (particularly if you also take metformin).
Review of concurrent medications that may contribute to mood changes.
Psychological support or referral to mental health services if depression is confirmed, regardless of its relationship to Ozempic.
Consideration of alternative diabetes treatments if a temporal relationship between Ozempic and mood changes is suspected.
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience suicidal thoughts, severe depression, or thoughts of self-harm. If you feel you might act on thoughts of self-harm or cannot keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. For non-emergency support, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or contact the Samaritans (116 123) who provide 24-hour confidential emotional support. NHS urgent mental health helplines are also available in all areas of England.
NICE guidelines emphasise the importance of holistic diabetes care that addresses both physical and psychological wellbeing, recognising that mental health significantly impacts diabetes self-management and outcomes.
Understanding Ozempic's mechanism of action provides context for considering its potential effects on mental health. Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the action of endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1, an incretin hormone released by the intestine in response to food intake.
Primary pharmacological actions include:
Glucose-dependent insulin secretion: Stimulates pancreatic beta cells to release insulin when blood glucose is elevated
Suppression of glucagon secretion: Reduces inappropriate glucagon release from pancreatic alpha cells
Delayed gastric emptying: Slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach, promoting satiety
Central appetite regulation: Acts on GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus and other brain regions involved in appetite control
The presence of GLP-1 receptors in the central nervous system has prompted research into potential neurological and psychiatric effects. These receptors are found in areas regulating not only appetite but also reward, motivation, and emotional processing. Preclinical studies in animal models suggest GLP-1 may have neuroprotective properties, though the clinical relevance of these findings to human mood regulation remains uncertain.
The central appetite effects of semaglutide are likely mediated by brain GLP-1 pathways, as described in the European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) for Ozempic. However, the extent of direct human central nervous system penetration by semaglutide and whether therapeutically relevant concentrations reach mood-regulating brain regions remains unclear.
Indirect mechanisms that might influence mental health include:
Metabolic improvements: Better glycaemic control and weight loss often improve quality of life and psychological wellbeing
Gastrointestinal symptoms: Persistent nausea or discomfort may negatively affect mood
Nutritional changes: Reduced food intake could affect overall wellbeing
Body image and identity: Rapid physical changes may trigger psychological adjustment challenges
Ongoing research continues to explore the complex relationship between metabolic medications and mental health, but current evidence does not support a direct depressogenic effect of Ozempic.
No, depression is not listed as a recognised adverse reaction in the UK Summary of Product Characteristics for Ozempic. The MHRA and EMA have reviewed safety data and have not identified depression as an established side effect of semaglutide.
Contact your GP or diabetes care team promptly to discuss your symptoms. Do not stop taking Ozempic without medical advice, as this may affect your blood glucose control. Your healthcare provider can assess whether mood changes relate to the medication or other factors and provide appropriate support.
People with type 2 diabetes have a two to three times higher baseline risk of depression compared to the general population. Mood changes may relate to the psychological burden of chronic disease, blood glucose fluctuations, concurrent medications, rapid weight loss, or other life circumstances rather than Ozempic itself.
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