Breaking Down Ozempic
- The Ozempic headlines seem to be unending as to what the Hollywood-obsessed weight-loss drug can help treat — and the latest poses the question of whether or not it can help curb addictions like gambling. One user on Reddit claims it helps with their shopping compulsion.
- While it may seem a little outrageous at first and, of course, more evidence is needed, it’s worth considering Ozempic’s effects on the addictive part of the brain.
- According to a study last month in the Annals of Internal Medicine, there were reports of “reduced desire to smoke,” in subjects taking semaglutide.
- Addictions like smoking and drug abuse are often caused by a variety of stressors in people’s lives. Before turning to prescribed medication, there are some simple tips you can try first to help you maintain good mental health and reduce stress in a healthy way. Speak with your doctor or a mental health professional to navigate any compulsive thoughts or addictions.
While it may seem a little outrageous at first and, of course, more evidence is needed, it’s worth considering Ozempic’s effects on the addictive part of the brain. After all, a study published last month found that there was a reported reduced desire to smoke for people taking the drug, which is clinically prescribed for obesity or diabetes, but don’t buy its miracle drug reputation, because there have also been many side effects reported.
Read MoreGLP-1 and Addictive Behaviors
Glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, “is a multifaceted hormone with broad pharmacological potential,” states a 2019 Molecular Metabolism journal, published on NIH.Per Cleveland Clinic, “GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications that mainly help manage blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Some GLP-1 agonists can also help treat obesity.”
Mdlinx.com states that “growing evidence has found that the GLP-1 system is involved in the neurobiology of addictive behaviors, and GLP-1 analogues are now being studied for their potential to curb drug and alcohol cravings.”
Words like “potential” and phrases such as “are now being studied” denote that this possible new finding is not fact, so always be sure to read past the headline, which is responsibly written in question form, meaning, this is not stated as fact — so don’t assume it is.
“A number of anecdotal reports have caused researchers to consider this potential for semaglutide and GLP-1 agonists to serve as anti-addictive agents as well as weight-loss agents.” (Anecdotal, meaning more evidence is needed.)
And reports have been circling on this topic throughout the past year. Professor and Chair, Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences at Penn State Cancer Institute Patricia Sue Grigson, PhD spoke on the drug-seeking aspect in an interview with Scientific American last July, which is what the mdlinx.com article mentions.
“In this scenario, the brain sees the drug as a physiological need — much like the need for food — and GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide, short-circuit that association.”
With a name like Dr. Grigson, a top researcher of substance abuse, this certainly gives the topic legs, or validity. That’s why it’s important to read the full article, always go back to the original sourcing and verify the doctor’s quotes and credentials, which in this case, are solid.
Another article featuring Dr. Grigson in April on Penn State Health notes that these drugs have “made such a splash” that the journal Science named GLP-1 drugs the 2023 Breakthrough of the Year.
Reports on Ozempic Giving a ‘Reduced Desire to Smoke’
According to a study published July 30 in Annals of Internal Medicine, there were reports of “reduced desire to smoke,” in patients taking semaglutide. The ACP Journals compared 222,942 new users of the drug, and its findings from the six-year study, which went from December 2017 to March of last year.
This new use of semaglutide “was associated with a lower risk for medical care related to tobacco use disorder (TUD) in smokers with type 2 diabetes compared with 7 other anti-diabetes medications.”
RELATED: Ozempic Baby Boom? Weight Loss Drug’s Possible Connection To Fertility & Disease Prevention
As far as other proven benefits, Ozempic is also prescribed “to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and known heart disease,” according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration,
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide, the FDA states, “belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.”
The drug “mimics the GLP-1 hormone that is released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating,” prompting the body “to produce more insulin” and reduces blood glucose (sugar). Higher amounts of GLP-1 “interacts with the parts of the brain that reduce appetite and signal a feeling of fullness.”
Semaglutide Carries Side Effects
Semaglutide is an invaluable addition to the repertoire of drugs used to fight diabetes and obesity and strengthen the immune system. However, like all drugs, it carries side effects that must be considered by anyone contemplating treatment.
Side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach Pain
- Constipation or Diarrhea
- Low blood sugar, which can cause dizziness, confusion, sweating, and headaches
Most of these side effects can be managed with lifestyle modifications, such as eating more slowly and avoiding greasy and fried food.
Semaglutide can, occasionally, cause serious side effects, such as:
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney problems
- Allergic reactions
These more serious side effects require prompt medical attention.
Although semaglutide has been approved for blood sugar control in people with type II diabetes — under the brand name Ozempic and for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy — it has not been approved for use as an immune booster and cancer preventative. Thus, it should not be prescribed for that purpose. Those taking it to control their diabetes or weight, however, can expect the additional benefit of improving their immunity and lowering their cancer risk.
The current semaglutide landscape may change in the future as more and more studies discover its benefits beyond controlling diabetes and aiding in weight loss.
Maintaining Good Mental Health
Drug abuse and other addictions are often caused by a variety of stressors in people’s lives. Before turning to prescribed medication, Dr. Marianna Strongin shared some simple tips to help you maintain good mental health and reduce stress in a healthy way.
When it comes to dealing with anxiety, Dr. Strongin says it’s important to have a healthy relationship with your anxiety and get to know it rather than fear it, avoid it, or push it away.
“By learning more about your anxious thoughts and tendencies, one can begin to answer their anxious thoughts even in moments when there aren’t any answers — It’s important to let those thoughts come in and really be able to tolerate them. This is a very powerful coping skill,” Dr. Strongin explained.
WATCH: Treating addiction & mental health issues
Dr. Strongin suggests medications to help with anxiety and depression if other approaches are not as effective. She also urges to explore telemedicine.
“Every psychologist these days has a telemedicine option. Ever since COVID-19, we have all adapted our practices to telehealth and it can be incredibly powerful to be able to receive help from a practitioner in the comfort of your own home,” Dr. Strongin said. “As a clinician, I find it comforting and connecting to be able to treat my patients and have an inside view of their life.”
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you’re struggling with your mental health, here are some questions you may consider asking your doctor to get the conversation started:
- What can I do if my emotions begin to feel overwhelming?
- Are there approaches that don’t involve traditional therapy?
- Should I consider medication such as antidepressants?
- What are the potential side effects should I decide to begin medication?
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