Does Mounjaro cause depression? Research, causes, and what to do
Research has not shown a link between Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and depression, but anecdotal reports suggest mood changes are possible.
Mounjaro is a GLP-1 medication originally approved for type 2 diabetes. It is also a popular option for weight loss because it helps regulate blood sugar and reduces appetite.
While the physical results can be life changing, many people are wondering about Mounjaro’s mental health effects.
This article explores whether Mounjaro contributes to depression, what the science says, and what people are reporting.
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A 2024 study found that people with diabetes or obesity using GLP-1 medications were actually less likely to develop depression or suicidal thoughts compared to people not on the drugs.
However, many people have reported mental health issues as a side effect of weight loss drugs. A study analyzing safety reports in a European database found that psychiatric events, such as depression and anxiety, made up about 1.2% of all reported side effects for common GLP-1 medications.
On online forums like Reddit, there are anecdotal claims from people who report feeling flat and unmotivated after starting the medication. Some people describe a loss of enjoyment in hobbies or daily activities, a condition known as anhedonia.
While scientific studies have not shown a direct link between GLP-1 use and depression, more research is necessary to understand why some people experience mental health side effects.
It is possible that the huge changes the body experiences during GLP-1 treatment can affect a person’s mental health.
Mounjaro works by quieting “food noise” and reducing cravings. For many people, food has been a primary source of comfort, stress relief, or dopamine hits for years.
When the coping mechanism of food is suddenly not there, a person might feel a sense of loss or boredom. Not being able to self-soothe with food is a huge change that may leave a person feeling empty or grieving the loss of that comfort.
The way a person loses weight may also affect their risk of depression. A 2025 study found that healthy weight-loss methods, such as calorie control and exercise, were associated with a lower risk of depression. More extreme methods, such as skipping meals and using diet pills, increased the risk of depression.
Rapid weight loss can also lead to nutritional deficiencies. Low levels of nutrients such as Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D, or simply not eating enough calories, might contribute to low energy and depressive symptoms. Rapid changes in blood sugar can also impact a person’s mood, potentially making them feel irritable or down.
In a 2024 safety analysis, 31,444 adverse side effects were reported by people using semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). Of these, 372 (1.2%) were psychiatric effects.
Depression was the most commonly reported psychiatric side effect, followed by anxiety.
The reason tirzepatide had fewer reports of depression than liraglutide or semaglutide may be because it has been on the market for a shorter time.
It is also worth noting that many clinical trials for these drugs excluded people with a history of severe psychiatric disorders or recent suicidal thoughts. This means there is currently little understanding of how these medications affect people who are already living with severe mental health issues.
As more data becomes available, researchers can gain a better understanding of how different GLP-1 medications can affect the mental health of a broader range of people.
“Yes, it is possible that switching GLP-1 medications can help reduce negative side effects as your body may tolerate one GLP-1 better than another. Consult your doctor on which GLP-1 may be best for you.”
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
It is normal to have bad days, but you should look out for persistent symptoms. Signs of depression can include:
You should never feel like you have to handle these feelings alone. If you experience symptoms of depression or anxiety that last for more than two weeks, interfere with your daily life, or get worse over time, talk with a doctor or a mental health professional.
You should not stop taking Mounjaro without consulting a healthcare professional first, as stopping suddenly may cause unwanted effects.
However, if you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, this is a medical emergency. You should call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or seek immediate medical attention.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
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Current scientific evidence does not show that Mounjaro causes depression or suicidal thoughts, and some studies even suggest it may lower the risk.
However, anecdotal reports from people using the medication suggest that feelings of flatness or anxiety can occur. This may be linked to the loss of food as a source of comfort or to rapid lifestyle changes.
A person must monitor both their mental and physical health while taking any drug and speak with a doctor if they experience changes that concern them.
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.