Diabetes drugs like Ozempic are emerging as a surprising and potentially game-changing way to treat addictions, including alcohol-use disorder and smoking, due to the effects they have on the brain, The Wall Street Journal reports.
What Happened: Some people taking Ozempic are reporting they want to drink less or have stopped smoking altogether after starting the drug.
Now, researchers are studying if the pattern holds in large groups. Neuroscientists hope that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and weight-loss drug Wegovy, may be more potent than older diabetes drugs to curb addictive behavior.
Those older drugs have shown promise in animal studies, but had mixed results in trials with people.
Why It Matters: Ozempic has been making headlines for its weight-loss effects, with some users reporting significant weight loss in their hands and wrists to the point where their jewelry no longer fits, as per a New York Post report.
However, the drug also carries a range of side effects that can lead to hospitalization, including thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, changes in vision, hypoglycemia, gallbladder issues, kidney failure, and cancer, according to an Inverse report.
Despite these potential side effects, the use of Ozempic and similar drugs for weight loss has surged, leading to a shortage of the drug for its primary use: helping people with diabetes keep blood sugar levels in check.
This has also led to a flood of ads for Ozempic-style weight-loss drugs on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, according to a NBC News report.
The potential use of Ozempic for treating addictions adds another dimension to the ongoing discussion about the drug’s benefits and risks. As research continues, the full impact of Ozempic on public health remains to be seen.
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