Starting a new weight loss medication like Mounjaro can be nerve-racking. You may be apprehensive about injecting yourself or getting the dose and schedule right. If you experience anxiety or depression, you may also worry that Mounjaro weight loss injections could impact your mood and mental health.
Rest assured that all of those concerns are valid, and it’s totally normal to feel a little worried. But weight loss medications are actually pretty easy to use and get used to. Once you’ve got to grips with how Mounjaro works and the Mounjaro dosage guide, here’s what’s good to know about Mounjaro, depression and anxiety.
Is there a link between Mounjaro and anxiety?
Can Mounjaro cause depression and anxiety? A small number of people have reported mood changes - which include anxiety - after starting Mounjaro. So, it may seem that mental health problems and Mounjaro are linked. However, these reports are rare. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has found no evidence of a link between GLP-1 agonists (weight loss medications that mimic a natural hormone to suppress appetite, such as Mounjaro or Wegovy) and the risk of depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm.
Why, then, might a few people feel more anxious when they start taking Mounjaro? There are two working theories. Weight loss medications cause hormonal changes in your body to stop you feeling as hungry. Some hormonal changes can make you feel more anxious or depressed. Your blood sugar levels are also affected when you take GLP-1 agonists, and low blood sugar can cause anxiety. Mounjaro can also slightly increase your heart rate. And a faster heart rate can lead to physical symptoms of anxiety.
Research on Mounjaro, depression and anxiety
GLP-1 medications are still reasonably new, so research is thin on the ground. One study found no association between the use of GLP-1 weight loss medications and increased risk of depression or anxiety. Nonetheless, there have been reports of mood worsening and anxiety although further studies are needed. Some people find that their mood improves on weight loss medications, but researchers point out that this could be down to lifestyle changes and weight loss rather than the drug itself.
To be extra cautious, it’s a good idea to keep track of your mental health while using Mounjaro so you can easily spot any changes. Keep in touch with your healthcare provider while you’re taking the medication. They’ll be able to give guidance and help you address any changes if they arise.
If you’re thinking of using Mounjaro and already experience anxiety and depression, give your clinician a heads-up beforehand. This will mean they’re ready to support you if your mood or mental health shifts once you get started.
Can you take Mounjaro if you have anxiety?
There hasn’t been any evidence to show that anti-anxiety medications and Mounjaro affect each other. So at the moment, it’s considered safe to use Mounjaro if you have anxiety and are taking anti-anxiety medication. Though it’s worth mentioning that some mental health medications can increase your appetite, which might reduce the effects of Mounjaro.
But if you’re taking Mounjaro alongside anti-anxiety medication, stay in touch with your mental health team and keep up with any ongoing therapy while you do. If you’re thinking about starting Mounjaro and are currently taking anti-anxiety medication, speak to your healthcare provider beforehand. They’ll help you keep an eye out for any mood changes that could crop up.
How to manage anxiety while on Mounjaro?
Monitor your blood sugar
You can check your blood sugar levels at home and make sure they don’t get too low (which could make you feel more anxious). Flash glucose monitors and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are available to some people for free through the NHS. You can also buy them if you don’t meet the NHS criteria.
It’s a good idea to be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) including:
- Feeling hungry
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling anxious or irritable
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Tingling lips
- Heart palpitations
- Feeling tired or weak
- Changes in your vision such as blurred vision
- Feeling confused
If you think you might have low blood sugar, eat or drink something that will raise it quickly, such as a small glass of fruit juice. And be sure to mention your symptoms to a clinician or nutritionist who might recommend some diet changes and ensure you’re eating enough.
Practise mindfulness
Mindfulness and meditation practices are about awareness and focusing on the present. They can be calming, lower anxiety, and relieve tension for some people. Simple and quick breathing exercises may also help.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help you relax and reduce your anxiety. Running, walking, swimming and yoga help some people feel less anxious.
Keep track of your feelings
Understanding your anxiety and where it comes from is key. To learn more about your anxiety, try keeping a journal. Make a note whenever you feel anxious. Write down how it feels and what you’re doing when that feeling pops up. This can help you to identify patterns, which could make the anxiety easier to manage.
Seek support
If you notice a significant shift in your anxiety or mood, speak to a healthcare professional and tell them how you’re feeling. They might suggest medication or talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which are available on the NHS. If you want to talk to someone, reach out to Samaritans or Mind.
Your Mounjaro journey
Anxiety isn’t a common side effect of weight loss medications, but some people do experience it while they’re taking them. That’s why it’s important to keep your healthcare provider updated if you notice any changes in your mood or mental health.
Voy’s weight loss programme comes with access to a team of health coaches who will support you every step of the way. Find out if you’re eligible by taking our short quiz.
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