Ozempic is a popular injectable drug used for treating type 2 diabetes. Treatment is straightforward and requires only a weekly self-administered injection. The active ingredient in Ozempic is the same one used in Wegovy, an approved weight-loss drug. While Wegovy mental side effects are recognized, most people are unaware that Ozempic has similar effects. These are commonly known as Ozempic depression.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2017. Its generic name is semaglutide, the same as for Wegovy. The drug is approved to reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. It’s also recommended for adults who have type 2 diabetes, and it may help treat those with heart and kidney disease.
GLP-1 Drug
Ozempic is a GLP-1 antagonist. It has the same effect as the GLP-1 hormone released by the alimentary tract when you eat. GLP-1 is responsible for releasing insulin from the pancreas. The insulin takes glucose out of the bloodstream and transports it into your body’s cells to provide energy and nourishment.
Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t produce enough insulin. Glucose levels build up in the bloodstream to create a condition known as high blood sugar. This can cause fatigue, blurred vision, unhealed sores and excessive thirst. Untreated type 2 diabetes is a serious health issue as it can cause heart and kidney disease, nerve damage and foot problems. Ozempic stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin, which helps transport the glucose to your cells to nourish your body.
Use for Obesity Treatment
Because Ozempic has the same ingredient as Wegovy, it wasn’t long before it was used for weight loss. The primary difference is that Ozempic isn’t approved by the FDA for slimming, and the dosages are different. The FDA recommends Wegovy for people who are obese and have cardiovascular disease. It isn’t recommended for people with normal body mass who want to slim. Once started, you must continue to take Ozempic or Wegovy for life or your body weight will increase.
Ozempic and Wegovy Mental Side Effects
As more people use Ozempic, there are worrying signs of mental health effects. These occur with those using the drug for diabetes as well as for weight loss. Recorded consequences include:
- Mood changes. Some type 2 diabetes sufferers experienced severe feelings of low self-esteem, paranoia and depression while taking Ozempic.
- Anxiety. Other reported mental effects include extreme anxiety and restlessness.
- Sleep disturbances. Some people taking Ozempic experience severe insomnia.
- Depression. There have been verified reports that Ozempic worsened depression. It may cause depression in individuals who have a past history of mental illness.
Weight Loss, Body Image and Psychological Impact
Other recorded Ozempic side effects include loss of weight, hormonal changes, facial changes and gastrointestinal problems.
- Hormonal Changes
There are indications that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, indirectly influences the hormonal balance in certain users. Key hormones that are affected include progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. Ozempic may also alter menstrual cycles and affect the intensity of menstruation. - Psychological Changes
Besides controlling blood sugar levels, Ozempic interacts with receptors in the brain, including dopamine and serotine. These neurotransmitters regulate emotions and mood. For some people, the rapid loss of weight from taking Ozempic may cause anxiety. This weight loss can affect self-esteem, especially in those who don’t need to lose weight. Taking higher doses of Ozempic increases the likelihood of psychological side effects. - Ozempic Face
An undesirable consequence of taking Ozempic is that you may develop what is known as an Ozempic face. The skin on your face can sag, you may develop wrinkles and your face may have a hollowed look and sunken eyes. These changes are caused by the relatively rapid weight loss associated with taking Ozempic and other semaglutide medications. - Ozempic Personality
Although not recognized as a condition, some people develop an Ozempic personality. This term refers to changes in personality that some people experience when taking the drug. It’s known that Ozempic affects neurotransmitters in the brain. This, together with dietary changes, is likely responsible for any personality changes experienced while taking the drug. - Gastointetinal Problems
Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs slow the movement of food through the digestive system. Apart from keeping blood sugar stable, this process keeps you feeling full longer. In some instances, the flow of food from the stomach into the small intestine reduces to the point that the stomach becomes almost paralyzed. This phenomenon seems to primarily affect people using higher doses of Ozempic for weight loss purposes.
Considering Mental Health Before Using Ozempic
Ozempic is effective for treating type 2 diabetes, and it contains the same ingredients as Wegovy, an approved weight-loss drug. However, before using it, you should consider the potential mental health risks discussed above.
Who Is at Risk?
Not everyone who uses Ozempic will experience mental health issues. There’s relatively strong evidence to indicate that people with preexisting mental health issues are more susceptible. Other people may be unaffected.
Why Is There Controversy?
Wegovy mental side effects are well documented. However, clinical trials for Ozempic found no evidence to indicate an increase in mental health issues among trial participants. This wasn’t the case with a disproportionality analysis of GLP-1 antagonists by the World Health Organization. This investigation found an increase in suicidal thoughts and ideas among people who used antidepressant drugs while also taking semaglutide. It’s important to bear in mind that Wegovy and Ozempic have the same active ingredient.
Managing Dosage to Minimize Mood Changes
If you’re using Ozempic, whether for diabetes or weight loss, it’s important to be aware of possible mental health issues. There’s a correlation between the frequency and dosage of Ozempic and possible side effects. If the drug is influencing your mood or causing gastrointestinal problems, speak to your doctor. Reducing the Ozempic dose can minimize anxiety and mood and other changes.
Getting Help for Ozempic-Related Mental Health Issues
If you or a loved one is experiencing personality changes while taking Ozempic or Wegovy, you may need help. The severity of these symptoms seems to be worse with people who have a history of depression or mental health issues. Contact us now at Sun Health Center for an appointment. Our neuro therapy can help your depression and help manage your Ozempic treatments.
