Do GLP-1s cause depression or suicidal thoughts?
FDA reviewed this and reported it "found no increased risk" of suicidal thoughts or behavior with these medicines, then asked the makers of Saxenda, Wegovy and Zepbound to remove that warning, on Jan 13, 2026. None of the 10 current GLP-1 labels we read carries such a warning. FDA still asks you to tell a clinician about new or worse depression or changes in mood.
What FDA looked at and what it found
FDA said: “after a comprehensive review, FDA found no increased risk of SI/B with the use of GLP-1 RA medications”. SI/B is its short form for suicidal ideation and behavior.
- A meta-analysis of 91 placebo-controlled trials with 107,910 patients, which also showed no increased risk of anxiety, depression, irritability or psychosis.
- A study of 2,243,138 users in its Sentinel system, comparing GLP-1s with another class of diabetes medicine (SGLT2 inhibitors), which found no increased risk of intentional self-harm.
What it asks of readers: “Tell your health care professional if you experience new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.” If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Reports to FDA about depression or suicidal thoughts
Counts of voluntary reports from patients and doctors. They cannot show that a medicine caused anything and cannot give a rate, and a brand used by more people draws more reports.
| Medicine | Reports naming | All reports on it |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Anxiety: 1,240 · Depression: 1,152 · Suicidal ideation: 474 | 70,863 |
| Mounjaro | Anxiety: 1,049 · Depression: 722 · Suicidal ideation: 375 | 97,440 |
| Trulicity | Anxiety: 695 · Depression: 566 · Suicidal ideation: 90 | 87,279 |
| Zepbound | Anxiety: 604 · Depression: 373 · Suicidal ideation: 113 | 80,835 |
| Wegovy | Anxiety: 503 · Depression: 410 · Suicidal ideation: 219 | 25,993 |
| Byetta | Anxiety: 457 · Depression: 334 · Suicidal ideation: 55 | 52,087 |
| Victoza | Depression: 435 · Anxiety: 377 · Suicidal ideation: 82 | 41,462 |
| Saxenda | Anxiety: 114 · Depression: 100 · Suicidal ideation: 67 | 7,270 |
| Rybelsus and Ozempic tablets | Anxiety: 106 · Depression: 97 · Suicidal ideation: 52 | 7,758 |
| Foundayo | Depression: 19 · Anxiety: 14 · Suicidal ideation: 1 | 3,050 |
Counted through openFDA from FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System, refreshed weekly. One report can name several terms.
Latest FDA label updates
- FDA labelFDA label updated: Zepbound (Eli Lilly and Company), effective 2026-08-28
- FDA labelFDA label updated: Mounjaro (Eli Lilly and Company), effective 2026-08-27
- FDA labelFDA label updated: Foundayo (Eli Lilly and Company), effective 2026-07-29
- FDA labelFDA label updated: Liraglutide (Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc.), effective 2026-07-27
- FDA labelFDA label updated: Liraglutide (NorthStar Rx LLC), effective 2026-06-24
Written from each source's own record as it changes. Every change on GLPcompare
Other side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Acid reflux
- Burping
- Gas
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Hair loss
- Injection site reactions
- Skin sensitivity and tingling
- Taste changes
- Muscle loss
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Low blood sugar
- Kidney problems
- Gastroparesis and severe stomach problems
- Allergic reactions
- Thyroid cancer
- Eye problems
- Fast heart rate
- Aspiration under anesthesia
- Birth control
- Drug interactions
- Metformin
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
Trial rates describe groups, not what one person will feel. Talk to your clinician before starting, stopping or changing a medicine.