GLP1 Drugs May Pose Mental Health Risks, New Study Warns
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A new study published in Current Neuropharmacology has raised alarms about the potential mental health risks associated with Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists—popular medications used in weight loss and diabetes management, including drugs like Ozempic. The international team of 24 researchers used advanced pharmacogenomic computational analysis to uncover links between GLP1 agonists and genes associated with mood regulation, depression, and suicidal ideation (SI).
The study highlights that while GLP1 agonists may benefit individuals with hyperdopaminergia (excess dopamine activity), they could be harmful to those with hypodopaminergia (low dopamine function). Genes such as DRD3, BDNF, and CREB1, which play key roles in mood and reward pathways, were found to be affected by these drugs. Chronic use, researchers say, may disrupt dopamine signaling and increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts.
“This study should not be ignored, despite the hype surrounding the positive clinical outcomes of GLP1 receptor agonists,” said senior author Dr. Kenneth Blum of Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University. “We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of ‘people dying to lose weight.’”
Dr. Mark S. Gold, an addiction psychiatry pioneer and co-author, emphasized, “The paper provides critical evidence for re-evaluating the widespread use of GLP1 receptor agonists. The FDA and other regulatory agencies should carefully consider our findings when it comes to labeling and monitoring these drugs.”
The study advocates for personalized medicine approaches, including genetic testing for hypodopaminergia, to identify individuals at risk before prescribing GLP1 receptor agonists.
As GLP1 drugs grow in popularity, the study serves as a timely reminder of the need to balance benefits with long-term mental health considerations.
Reference: Sharafshah, A., Lewandrowski, K. U., Gold, M. S., Fuehrlein, B., Ashford, J. W., Thanos, P. K., ... & Blum, K. (2025). In Silico Pharmacogenomic Assessment of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP1) Agonists and the Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS) Related Pathways: Implications for Suicide Ideation and Substance Use Disorder. Current Neuropharmacology.
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