A recent study shows that people taking the Novo Nordisk (NVO.US) GLP-1 drug semaglutide seem more likely to report suicidal ideation compared to those taking other medications. Semaglutide is the main active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s blood sugar-lowering drug Ozempic and weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Researchers examined adverse event reports related to semaglutide in the World Health Organization’s database. They compared these events with those of liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) – an older GLP-1 drug. People taking semaglutide had a disproportionate risk of suicidal ideation compared to those taking liraglutide.
According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, suicidal ideation and behavior related to semaglutide were also 45% higher compared to other drugs.
Additionally, the risk for those taking semaglutide and antidepressants was nearly four times higher.
However, in a commentary on this article, two French researchers not involved in the study emphasized caution.
They wrote: “Overall, evaluating the role of appetite suppressants in depression and suicide risk is particularly challenging due to the bidirectional relationship between obesity and depression: the risk of depression increases in obese patients, while depression increases the likelihood of obesity.”
Reportedly, in April of this year, the European Medicines Agency concluded that there was no direct link between Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide and other weight loss drugs and suicidal ideation.
Source: Sina Finance
