New study links Ozempic and Wegovy to suicidal thoughts
A new study has found a link between weight reduction drugs and reports of suicidal thoughts.
Semaglutide, the drug sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, has been widely used for weight loss despite only being approved for the treatment of diabetes.
An analysis of data on the adverse drug reactions database of the World Health Organisation found a disproportionate number of people reporting suicidal thoughts while using semaglutide.
The research published in JAMA Network also found that the effect was "significant" compared to other diabetes medication, and that people with anxiety and depression were more likely to report suicidal thoughts when taking the drug.
The researches have called for "urgent clarification" and larger studies around how semaglutide medications impact the brain.
"The study raises key questions about whether additional precautions are needed when prescribing semaglutide," Trevor Steward, a neurobiology researcher from the University of Melbourne said.
However, there are a few limitations with the study as there were a lack of information about the dosages, and did not adjust for things like alcohol and substance misuse and off-label use.
While the study did not find a direct cause between suicidal thoughts and the use of semaglutide, it is important to raise concerns, especially for those who may want to use these drugs based on information they found on social media, and therefore do not fully understand the risks.
The use of semaglutide for weight loss in Australia is considered 'off label', meaning that it has been prescribed for purposes outside of its approved use.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) believes that these prescriptions have been driving shortages, which they are trying to address and believe will last until 2025.
Images: Shutterstock