Can Mounjaro Cause Depression?
Mounjaro is a medicine used to treat obesity by suppressing a patient’s appetite and helping patients reach a healthy weight. It belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 agonists. Other GLP-1 agonists include Saxenda (liraglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Ozempic (semaglutide). Mounjaro was recently approved for use in over 12 million patients via the NHS. Recently, there has been some debate about whether Mounjaro can cause depression.
In recent years, the demand for these medicines has increased enormously, leading to their widespread use. As a result, reports of side effects have also risen. In 2023, the Icelandic medical agency reported three cases of patients taking GLP-1 agonists who experienced suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm.
All three cases involved patients taking either liraglutide or semaglutide. None of these patients were using Mounjaro, which contains the active ingredient Tirzepatide. Following this report, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) began an investigation to determine if a significant link exists between weight loss medicines and depression or suicidal thoughts.
Is There a Link Between Weight Loss Injections and Depression?
In September 2024, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced that current evidence does not show a link between GLP-1 agonists and an increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors. However, the MHRA emphasized that it will continue assessing new data as it becomes available.
Similarly, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted studies to evaluate this potentially serious side effect. In an update released in March 2024, the FDA concluded that their investigation found no link between weight loss medicines and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or self-harm. Although the FDA has not ruled out the possibility entirely, they continue to review current data.
Recent studies have added complexity to this discussion. For example, a study published in the reputable journal Nature suggested an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior in patients taking GLP-1 agonists. According to the findings, these patients faced higher risks compared to those not using these medicines.
Another study conducted in February 2024 identified a potential association between GLP-1 agonists and psychiatric side effects such as anxiety and depression. While these studies highlight a possible link, they both stress the need for further research to establish a definitive connection. It is also important to consider the complicated relationship between obesity and depression, which may influence these findings.
Conclusion
Establishing a direct link between depression, suicidal thoughts, and GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and liraglutide remains challenging. Current evidence from the UK, US, and European regulators indicates no proven connection. These agencies have carefully reviewed all available evidence. However, ongoing research continues to examine this issue with new data.
Notably, Mounjaro was not included in the Icelandic medical agency’s report, as it was not identified as a potential cause. Mounjaro is a GIP and GLP-1 agonist, which may differentiate it from other medications in this class.
If you are seeking help with obesity, consider visiting our Cardiff weight loss clinic. Our pharmacists can provide comprehensive advice and discuss medication options such as Mounjaro and Wegovy with you.
