GLP-1 Medications and Depression or Mood Changes: What the Evidence Actually Shows

Do GLP-1 drugs cause depression or suicidal thoughts?

The most direct answer is FDA's 2026 safety review. In July 2023, after postmarketing reports of suicidal ideation and behavior, the agency began investigating whether GLP-1 receptor agonists caused them [1]. On 2026-01-13, FDA announced it had found no increased risk of suicidal ideation or behavior with these medicines [1].

The agency then asked the makers of Saxenda, Wegovy and Zepbound to remove the warning from their labels. Those labels now list the section as removed, dated 02/2026 [1][2][3][4]. FDA's conclusion was class-wide; it was not limited to one product.

What did the FDA review include?

FDA reviewed a meta-analysis of 91 placebo-controlled trials with 107,910 patients, 60,338 of whom were taking a GLP-1 drug, and a Sentinel cohort of about 2.24 million new users [1]. The agency concluded the data did not support an increased risk of suicidal ideation or behavior [1].

Which GLP-1 labels had the warning?

Only three GLP-1 labels carried the suicidal ideation and behavior warning: Saxenda (liraglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) [1]. All three are weight-management labels.

Diabetes-only GLP-1 labels never had the warning [1]. The same drugs have separate diabetes labels — Ozempic for semaglutide, Victoza for liraglutide and Mounjaro for tirzepatide — and those labels did not carry the section [5][6][7][1].

Does the FDA finding cover depression itself?

Not directly. The review's outcome was suicidal ideation and behavior. It was not a test of depression treatment or of mood improvement, so it does not show that GLP-1 drugs lift mood or ease depression [1].

Where can someone get help?

FDA's January 2026 communication lists 988 and 988lifeline.org as free support for people in distress, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week [1].

What is the bottom line?

The evidence FDA reviewed does not show that GLP-1 receptor agonists increase suicidal ideation or behavior. The agency examined 91 trials and a cohort of about 2.24 million new users and found no increased risk [1]. The warning came off Saxenda, Wegovy and Zepbound in February 2026, and diabetes-only GLP-1 labels never had it [2][3][4][1].