Racing Thoughts / Intrusive Thoughts
Users on Reddit report varied experiences regarding racing or intrusive thoughts while on GLP-1 medications. Many find that these medications actually reduce or eliminate intrusive thoughts, particularly "food noise," which is often described as a type of obsessive or intrusive thought about food. Some users also report a reduction in other types of intrusive or anxious thoughts. However, a few users mention experiencing increased anxiety or new/worsened anxious thoughts.
Experiences with Racing/Intrusive Thoughts:
Another user shared, "The complete reduction in “food noise” was the most amazing part of my GLP-1 journey. "[12]
A user on Zepbound said, "Zepbound has helped stop my obsessive thoughts immensely. Not just about food. Anything intrusive. I still have to take Xanax a couple times a week for the physiological effects of anxiety, but I don’t sit around and fixate on catastrophizing as much anymore. "[4]
Similarly, another user noted, "I think that all of my food noise was a form of anxiety, because I would sit around obsessing about food and what and when I would eat next and what kind of little treat did I get for whatever all the time. The same way I sit around and obsess over other things I’m anxious about. "[11]
One user described the relief: "it’s been kinda liberating not thinking about food all the time. "[9]
Another user on tirzepatide mentioned, "It has significant impact on dopamine and food interactions. So you can more clearly navigate your thoughts surrounding food. You may realize you dont need certain food your cravings make you feel like you need in the moment. "[10]
A user on Mounjaro/Zepbound stated it "killed the food noise for me and effectively ended my binge eating disorder. "[13]
Some users with ADHD found GLP-1s helpful for obsessive thoughts: "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. "[6]
Another user with ADHD said, "Yes it was useful for ADHD. Stopped any mindless eating or eating impulsively out of boredom. Took away obsessive thoughts about food and, most surprisingly, helped with general impulse control for any sort of unwanted dopamine seeking behaviors. "[14]
Increased Anxiety/Intrusive Thoughts (Less Common):
One user on Liraglutide and Semaglutide reported, "Also I experienced serious anxiety problems. On Semaglutide I gained weight, had constipation, had mild anxiety (not as bad as liraglutide, but still present). "[2]
A psychologist taking a GLP-1 noted, "Anxiety: this med is pretty activating for me. 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. "[3]
Another user experienced panic episodes: "I was starting to have panic episodes where I was constantly staving off the feeling that I was about to die. " This user later found Vyvanse for ADHD helped with these feelings and food issues more effectively. [8]
A user taking GLP-1s for PCOS, not for weight, stated, "What I will say is that I've had a history of anxiety and depression. This medication made my anxiety and irritability extremely terrible. "[15]
One user mentioned, "Lots of nausea, but not like if you feel sick more like feeling anxious. Lots of CBT to sort this out. "[7]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
For anxiety that might be triggered or worsened, one user mentioned continuing to take Xanax for physiological anxiety symptoms despite the GLP-1 helping with obsessive thoughts. [4]
Another user who experienced anxiety-like nausea found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helpful: "Lots of nausea, but not like if you feel sick more like feeling anxious. Lots of CBT to sort this out. "[7]
One user who experienced increased anxiety and irritability due to the medication itself did not mention a specific remedy within the provided text, implying the medication was the direct cause. [15]
Some users combine GLP-1s with other medications. For instance, one user mentioned, "I also started Lexapro last year for CPTSD/GAD which has helped with the other “gremlins. ”" in addition to the GLP-1 reducing food noise. [12]
It's important to note that some users with ADHD find that GLP-1s help with impulsivity and obsessive thoughts beyond just food. [4, 6, 14] However, one user mentioned that while GLP-1s took away food noise that caused anxiety, it also made their ADHD medication (Elvanse) feel less effective and led to mood dysregulation, describing it as a "joyless life.
Experiences with Racing/Intrusive Thoughts:
- Reduction in Intrusive Thoughts/Food Noise:
- Many users describe a significant reduction in "food noise," which they equate to intrusive thoughts about food.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- The primary "remedy" reported is the GLP-1 medication itself, which for many, reduces intrusive thoughts, especially food-related ones.
It's important to note that some users with ADHD find that GLP-1s help with impulsivity and obsessive thoughts beyond just food. [4, 6, 14] However, one user mentioned that while GLP-1s took away food noise that caused anxiety, it also made their ADHD medication (Elvanse) feel less effective and led to mood dysregulation, describing it as a "joyless life.