A study published in the Lancet last week investigated millions of U.S. medical records to determine whether semaglutide increased the risk of neurological and psychiatric conditions within the first year of use compared to 3 other common antidiabetic medications. Authors found no association between semaglutide and a higher risk of the 22 studied conditions (eg, psychosis; bipolar disorder; depression; anxiety; opioid and alcohol use disorder; etc.). In fact, patients on semaglutide showed lower rates of cognitive decline and nicotine use. These findings may reduce concern among patients and prescribers about the potential for semaglutide to increase suicidal thoughts. Additionally, the study suggests a possible link between semaglutide treatment and a reduced risk of dementia. However, the authors note the need for targeted, further study.
Deep analysis: The study examined the 12 months following a first prescription of semaglutide compared to sitagliptin, empagliflozin, and glipizide in patients with type 2 diabetes, evaluating more than 19,000 records for each group.