Depression and Ozempic: Can It Cause Depression?

June 16, 2025

Authored by: Taylor Shaw, B.S.

Edited by: Isaac Reed, AMFT

Ozempic is a semaglutide drug that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017, designed by Novo Nordisk to improve blood sugar levels (glucose), when used along with diet and exercise, for adults with Type 2 Diabetes.¹ This class of drugs, semaglutide or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications were created as receptor agonists for diabetes management. After additional research and clinical trials, the FDA expanded its approval to note Ozempic’s indication to “reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events,” and “reduce the risk of kidney disease worsening” for adults with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease. Beyond this, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted a marketing authorization valid throughout the European Union for Ozempic as a Type 2 Diabetes drug in 2018.²

How does Ozempic work?

Ozempic, along with Wegovy, is a semaglutide, a glp-1 receptor antagonist, designed to “lower serum glucose levels and thereby manage metabolism in affected patients,” essentially hacking the endocrine system to reduce appetite and cravings, and slow down stomach emptying, by suppressing glucagon secretion.³ While designed as a treatment for Type 2 Diabetes, it’s also been used to reduce risk of cardiovascular events and kidney failure, as well as obesity. In recent years, it’s been trending as a weight loss drug, due to the nature of the appetite suppression taking place via the endocrine system. Please consult with your healthcare provider before engaging with any new medications, including but not limited to antidepressants, weight loss drugs, semaglutides, or others.

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Ozempic and Depression

Recent studies have shown conflicting results regarding whether or not Ozempic can “cause” or correlate with depression diagnoses. For example, one study calls out that “People with diabetes taking tirzepatide were 65% less likely to be diagnosed with depression, compared to people not taking GLP-1 drugs; people with diabetes who were taking semaglutide were 45% less likely to be diagnosed with depression.”⁴ On the other hand, another “suggests a potential link between GLP-1RA drugs like Ozempic and the need for antidepressants; GLP-1RA users were more likely to be prescribed antidepressants, highlighting a possible association between the two.”⁵ The results are inconclusive, and so it’s highly recommended that if you’re struggling with symptoms of depression or any mental health conditions, you should consult with a medical professional or seek mental health treatment.

Common Side Effects of Ozempic

Diarrhea
Constipation
Gall bladder issues
Low blood sugar
Digestive issues

Common Symptoms of Depression

Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal Ideation
Loss of Interest
Thoughts of Self-Harm
Mood changes

Different Types of Depressive Disorders

Bipolar Disorder (Bipolar Depression)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Postpartum Depression
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Psychotic Depression

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Psychiatric Treatment for Depression

There are a variety of different antidepressant medications that have been proven as effective treatment (in combination with psychological treatment) for depression. Some types of antidepressants are listed here, but inquire with a licensed medical professional or psychiatrist for detailed information on different treatments. Never take psychiatric medication unless it is prescribed to you, and be sure to consult with medical professionals in case of external risk factors.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNIs)are antidepressant medications that treat different neurotransmitters in order to block the reabsorption of serotonin or norepinephrine, keeping more of the chemicals in the synaptic cleft. Both are effective treatments for depression, but depend upon the individual, and should be approached with medical guidance and professional advice. If you’re currently on medications for any other medical conditions, it’s important to review any over-the-counter medications and their interactions with a medical professional.

Ozempic Knock-Offs and Risks

According to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System, there have been numerous hospitalizations for off-brand, unapproved versions of Ozempic.⁶ Using non-FDA-approved medications can be incredibly dangerous due to risks of medication interactions, effectiveness, and general lack of data surrounding medications. Medication management is an important piece of mental health recovery, prioritizing safety and any mental health concerns when needed. Currently, the following are FDA approved GLP-1 drugs⁷:

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Exenatide (Byetta, Adlyxin)
Lixisenatide (Admelog)
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)

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What is Medication Management?

Medication Management refers to the strategy clinicians may use to monitor and evaluate the medications a client is taking, “to help to identify patient behaviors that may be putting patients at risk for an adverse drug event.”⁸ It’s important for those who are administering prescription drugs to be aware of and monitor any possible side effects, ensuring that clients are receiving the right dose, and that any medication interactions can be flagged immediately for safety purposes. The AMFM care team is trained in medication therapy management, and the mental health care professionals in our residential facilities are prepared to keep track of any prescription medications that you or your loved one may need. To get in touch with our mental health care providers, reach out to us or fill out the contact form below.

Medication Management at AMFM Mental Health Treatment

AMFM clinical teams offer medication management throughout mental health treatment for your convenience and safety. Trying to navigate the proper dosages, keep track of side effects, monitor organization and timely administration of medications at home can be challenging, dangerous and risky without clinical support or supervision. For those struggling with mental health disorders, clinical support can help take something off your plate–walking through mental health challenges is hard enough alone, so having compassionate clinical care on-hand 24/7.

AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers medication management as a part of the treatment plans, if you are attending an inpatient or outpatient in-person program. In this setting, AMFM staffs clinical professionals to help with medication management in order to ensure that none of your medications are having adverse effects, and to prevent any interactions between medications. As a result, you or your loved one can simply focus on your healing journey. If you’re ready to start your mental health journey, give us a call today.

Best Practices for At-Home Medication Management

Keep track of your prescription medications
When a caregiver is providing you with a new medication, be sure to let them know of any current medications you’re taking
Keep track of any over-the-counter medications you’re taking, as they can impact your blood pressure, and might require medication safety measures
When being prescribed medication, inform your primary care provider with a medication list
For older adults struggling with memory conditions, a pill organizer can be helpful to ensure an individual is taking the right medication at the right time
Schedule follow-up appointments in advance for medications prior to refill
Ask your primary care provider if there are any supplements that you should be taking to minimize side effects

Does Health Insurance Cover Treatment for Depression Near Me?

Yes, most health insurance companies provide some form of coverage for depression treatment. This often includes both inpatient and outpatient care, depending on your symptoms. Coverage generally applies to therapy, counseling, and medication management services. Your plan may have limitations, exclusions, or required authorizations.

We encourage you to verify your coverage with AMFM Mental Health Treatment to understand the full scope of your benefits.

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Citations

“News Details.” Novo Nordisk, www.novonordisk-us.com/media/news-archive/news-details.html?id=915253. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

“Ozempic.” European Medicines Agency (EMA), www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/ozempic. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Collins L, Costello RA. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists. [Updated 2024 Feb 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/

“Weight Loss: Drugs like Ozempic May Be Linked to Lower Depression Risk.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/weight-loss-drugs-help-lower-depression-and-anxiety-risk. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Neporent, Liz. “Ozempic and Other Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Antidepressant Use.” Psychiatrist.Com, Psychiatrist.com, 26 June 2024, www.psychiatrist.com/news/ozempic-and-other-weight-loss-drugs-linked-to-antidepressant-use/.

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “FDA’s Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Latif W, Lambrinos KJ, Patel P, et al. Compare and Contrast the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP1RAs) [Updated 2024 Feb 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572151/

“Medication Management Strategy: Intervention | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.” | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/reports/engage/interventions/medmanage.html. Accessed 3 March 2025.