Anxiety / Panic Attacks (new onset or worsening)
Users on Reddit have reported experiencing new onset or worsening anxiety and panic attacks while taking GLP-1 medications. These experiences vary in intensity and how they manifest.
Experiences with Anxiety / Panic Attacks:
A user taking Liraglutide experienced "serious anxiety problems," and on Semaglutide, they had "mild anxiety (not as bad as liraglutide, but still present). "[4]
One individual reported that GLP-1 medication "made my anxiety and irritability extremely terrible. " They specified that their anxiety was "directly due to the medication and its adverse effects," not related to changes in eating habits. [5]
A user on Zepbound mentioned, "Day of injection / second day hit with such a wave of anxiety, feeling like my chest is tight and heart is beating faster (it’s not). Wondering if my resting heart rate has gone up slightly and if it’s making my body anxious. "[6]
Another user described their experience with Mounjaro: "until at 12. 5mg I thought I was having a stroke and called an ambulance. Panic attack. All obs. Perfect! " They also noted that nausea felt "more like feeling anxious. "[7]
Someone who stopped Mounjaro reported "starting to have panic episodes where I was constantly staving off the feeling that I was about to die. " They later sought therapy for what they assumed was anxiety. [8]
A user who stopped Semaglutide cold turkey after reaching their goal weight described entering "a world of hell" six weeks after their last injection, including "Unreal panic attacks to the point of calling 911. " They were then encouraged to go back on the medication and taper. [9]
A user with a history of anxiety and depression found that GLP-1 medication made their "anxiety and irritability extremely terrible. " [11]
A psychologist taking a GLP-1 (tirzepatide) reported physical symptoms of anxiety: "I have more energy overall and also physical symptoms of anxiety during the 2-3 days following each shot. I feel ‘revved up’, a little shaky, but no cognitive/emotional anxiety symptoms. I can certainly see how these physical symptoms could trigger thoughts/feelings of anxiety in some people. "[12]
One user with PCOS reported "debilitating anxiety and insomnia" as side effects. [13]
Some users describe a feeling of being "revved up" or experiencing adrenaline rushes. One user stated, "I get adrenaline rushes that make me feel like I need to scream or run or crawl out of my skin. I am in a constant state of fear that have caused me to become hopeless. " They attribute this to the medication's effect on dopamine. [10]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A user mentioned using "Lots of CBT to sort this out" when describing nausea that felt like anxiety. [7]
Managing Blood Sugar and Diet: One user experiencing anxiety wondered if it was related to blood sugar and questioned if they needed more exercise or dietary adjustments. They were already focusing on "plenty of protein and drinking so much water (at least 80 oz). Electrolyte packet in one water. Eating something sweet if I feel my blood sugar is low. Greek yogurt, cheese stick as snacks. Protein bar, protein shake, minimal carbs. "[6]
Seeking Professional Help: A user who developed panic episodes after stopping Mounjaro went back to therapy. [8]
Awareness and Support Groups: One user highlighted a Facebook group for people experiencing these side effects, emphasizing that "Doctors don’t even know much about these side effects yet. " They also mentioned that it takes at least 5 weeks for the medication to leave the system. [10]
Lowering Dosage: A user with bipolar disorder who experienced depression as a side effect noted they are on a low dose (0. 5) due to side effects. [14] Another user mentioned that if a patient on Ozempic/Wegovy 1 mg starts getting depressed, they drop them down to 0. 5, suggesting anxiety might also be dose-dependent. [3]
It's important to note that some users with pre-existing mental health conditions reported worsening symptoms, while others found their anxiety improved or were able to reduce other medications. [15, 16] One user mentioned that the GLP-1 medication took away "all of the food noise that really caused a lot of anxiety.
Experiences with Anxiety / Panic Attacks:
- Some users report new or increased anxiety and panic attacks.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Tapering off medication: One user who experienced severe panic attacks after stopping cold turkey was advised by their provider to "go back on the medication and taper.
It's important to note that some users with pre-existing mental health conditions reported worsening symptoms, while others found their anxiety improved or were able to reduce other medications. [15, 16] One user mentioned that the GLP-1 medication took away "all of the food noise that really caused a lot of anxiety.