Introduction::Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor (GLP1R) agonists have become widespread
anti-obesity/diabetes pharmaceuticals in the United States.
Aim::This article aimed to provide our current knowledge on the plausible mechanisms linked to the
role of Ozempic (Semaglutide), which is generalized as one of the anti-addiction compounds.
Methods::The effects of GLP1R agonists in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder
(SUD) are mediated, in part, through the downregulation of dopamine signaling. We posit that while
GLP1R agonism could offer therapeutic advantages in hyperdopaminergia, it may be detrimental in
patients with hypodopaminergia, potentially leading to long-term induction of Suicidal Ideation (SI).
The alleged posit of GLP1 agonists to induce dopamine homeostasis is incorrect. This study refined
31 genes based on the targets of Ozempic, GLP1R, and related enzymes for SI and 10 genes of the
Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS) test. STRING-MODEL refined 29 genes, and further primary
analyses indicated associations of GLP1R with DRD3, BDNF, CREB1, CRH, IL6, and DPP4.
Results::In-depth silico enrichment analysis revealed an association between candidate genes and
depressive phenotypes linked with dopaminergic signaling. Finally, through primary and in-depth
silico analyses, we demonstrated multiple findings supporting that GLP1R agonists can induce depression
phenotypes.
Conclusion::Our findings suggest that associated polymorphisms seem to have overlapping effects
with addictive behaviors of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) and dopamine regulation. Consequently,
GLP1R agonists may represent a double-edged sword, potentially triggering both antiaddictive
effects and SI by exacerbating depressive phenotypes. Thus, we encourage the scientific
community to perform further empirical clinical studies to confirm this proposed pathway.
Keywords: GLP1, Ozempic, suicide ideation, substance use disorder, dopamine homeostasis, in-depth in silico.