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Some people are having hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms after stopping GLP-1 drugs
Two men developed serious psychiatric symptoms after abruptly stopping tirzepatide, a GLP-1 drug used for weight loss and diabetes. The case reports raise concern that stopping these medicines may affect mood and behaviour, although they cannot show that the drug withdrawal caused the symptoms.
One man, aged 61, was hospitalised two months after stopping because of nausea; he experienced paranoia, hallucinations and a belief that he was dead, and later needed inpatient treatment and electroconvulsive therapy. A 52-year-old man, who had lost 100 pounds in six months, was admitted with symptoms of mania a month after stopping. Researchers say GLP-1 drugs may influence brain circuits involved in emotion and reward, but more research is needed.
In short
- Two men had severe psychiatric symptoms after stopping tirzepatide.
- One developed hallucinations; the other showed signs of mania.
- Researchers say the possible link needs further study.
Explained simply
GLP-1 medicines, including tirzepatide, are used to treat type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss. They act on hormone pathways involved in blood sugar and appetite, and may also affect brain systems linked to mood and reward.
The reports describe two men who developed severe psychiatric symptoms weeks after stopping tirzepatide. Case reports can alert doctors to possible patterns, but they cannot establish what caused the symptoms or how often this might happen.
The reports matter because many people use these medicines and may stop taking them for reasons such as side effects. Researchers say more evidence is needed to understand whether stopping GLP-1 drugs can affect mood or behaviour.
Health Medicine Mental Health World