glp1sideeffects.com

Users on Reddit have reported a reduction in OCD thoughts and compulsive thoughts, often referred to as "food noise" or general intrusive thoughts, while taking GLP-1 medications. Many describe this as a significant and positive side effect, sometimes even more impactful than the weight loss itself.

Experiences with Reduction in OCD/Compulsive Thoughts:

Several users with diagnosed OCD or who experience obsessive thoughts have noted a marked decrease. One user with diagnosed OCD stated, "the OCD (not hyperbole, actually diagnosed) intrusive thoughts when it came to unsustainable 'healthy' changes that were basically starvation, the inevitable binge cycles, orthorexia, and hyper fixation on body image made life so difficult and unpleasant... The lack of food & body noise has been life changing. "[1] Another user who was diagnosed with OCD over 40 years ago said, "Within days of starting semiglutide (and now liraglutide) the noise - especially food noise - has stopped. Entirely. I have never had such incredible success with any other medication! The peace scares me sometimes. "[11]

The reduction extends beyond food-related obsessions for some. A user on Zepbound reported, "More so than the Vyvanse and even the Adderall booster she put me on, Zepbound has helped stop my obsessive thoughts immensely. Not just about food. Anything intrusive. I don’t sit around and fixate on catastrophizing as much anymore. "[3] Another shared, "The obsessive thoughts, the catastrophizing and fixating, the impulsive short term obsessions (especially with researching and shopping for an item I stop caring about by the time it is delivered), all of that has reduced dramatically. "[2]

Many users describe a quieting of "food noise," which they often link to obsessive or compulsive thoughts about eating. One user mentioned, "since starting the drug, besides the weight loss the biggest miracle is the fact that it cured my BED... food no longer gives me dopamine... i’ve never in all my years of living have been able to live like this. "[16] Another said, "The complete reduction in “food noise” was the most amazing part of my GLP-1 journey. "[6]

The effect can be quite profound, leading to a sense of freedom. A user on Zepbound shared, "I honestly think eating issues are a form of ocd. The peace it has given my mind is something I never knew I could have. "[5] Another stated, "The sense of peace this medication has brought is incredible. "[13]

Some users note a reduction in general impulsive behaviors, not limited to food. "It’s helped with my compulsive behavior. Eating, shopping, drinking, etc…"[14] and "I'm on Zepbound since August and it had the biggest effect not just on food noise, but impulsive behaviors in general. "[4]

Another user on Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) said it "quieted a bunch of dopamine-seeking behavior around drinking and shopping. "[12]

One user found GLP-1s helpful for "any sort of unwanted dopamine seeking behaviors. "[7]

Mechanisms and Broader Impact:

Users and some articles speculate that GLP-1s affect dopamine and reward systems in the brain, which could explain the reduction in compulsive thoughts and behaviors. One comment noted, "It seems like it acts in both the brain and the gut, though exact mechanisms are still being teased out. "[17] Another suggested, "For us binge eaters, I think it’s the way this drug affects dopamine and the reward systems. "[18]

There's discussion about GLP-1s being studied for broader impacts on addictive behaviors. "The drug companies are studying GLP-1's broad impact on all kinds of addictive behaviors, from drugs and alcohol to things like gambling and shopping. "[8] Another user mentioned, "It seems like it messes with the part of the brain that handles addiction in general. "[10]

Remedies or Preventions:

The primary "remedy" or "prevention" for OCD/compulsive thoughts reported in this context is the GLP-1 medication itself. Users are not typically recommending other remedies for this specific side effect, but rather highlighting the medication's positive impact on these thoughts.

Some users combine GLP-1s with therapy to address underlying issues. One user mentioned, "now that the food noise is gone I am going to therapy to heal the root of my disorder and to learn new coping skills instead of turning to food. "[15] Another stated they got the opportunity to practice strategies learned in outpatient treatment because the medication reduced the intensity of their urges. [9]

It's important to note that not everyone experiences this effect. One user on Ozempic said it "really did nothing for the food noise. "[19] However, many others report a significant and positive change in obsessive and compulsive thought patterns.