Request A Consultation
Person covering face

Can Tirzepatide Cause Depression: What You Should Know

Tirzepatide, sold under brand names like Mounjaro and Zepbound, is helping a lot of people manage type 2 diabetes and lose weight.

But as more of us start using it, a new question has come up.

Can tirzepatide cause depression?

If you’ve noticed mood changes or just want to understand the risks before starting, you’re not alone.

Let’s walk through what we know so far, from clinical studies to real-life experiences—and how we at Eternity Health Partners can help you feel your best every step of the way.

 

SEE IF TIRZEPATIDE IS RIGHT FOR YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY

 

What Is Tirzepatide?

 

Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection that works by targeting two hormone receptors: GLP-1 and GIP.

These hormones help with blood sugar control and appetite regulation, which is why tirzepatide is used for both diabetes and weight loss.

You might recognize the names Mounjaro or Zepbound—those are tirzepatide medications.

At Eternity Health Partners, we offer personalized tirzepatide therapy to help with long-term weight loss, hormone support, and metabolic health.

 

Common Side Effects of Tirzepatide

 

Most people experience physical side effects, especially when starting out.

These can include:

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Reduced appetite

But what about mental health?

Some people are asking if tirzepatide could lead to things like depression, anxiety, or mood swings.

These aren’t commonly listed side effects, but they’ve come up in personal stories and even one published case.

 

Is Depression a Side Effect of Tirzepatide?

 

Depression is not listed as a common or expected side effect in the official documentation for Mounjaro or Zepbound.

But there has been at least one case report where a patient had note mental health getting worse while taking tirzepatide.

This doesn’t mean depression is likely or that it happens often.

It just means we need to stay aware.

Everyone reacts differently, and rare side effects can still be real and important.

 

Can Tirzepatide Help With Depression?

 

Interestingly, some research shows the opposite effect.

One study found that some people taking GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide are actually less likely to be diagnosed with depression.

One reason may be that GLP-1s help reduce inflammation and support the gut-brain connection, both of which are tied to mental health.

So why are some people feeling better, while others feel worse?

For most, tirzepatide helps improve mood, especially when weight loss or blood sugar improvements lead to better energy and confidence.

But a smaller group may experience anxiety, low mood, or emotional numbness.

That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to how you feel—not just physically, but emotionally too.

 

What To Do If You’re Feeling Off on Tirzepatide

 

If you think tirzepatide is affecting your mood, here’s what you can do:

  • Track how you feel: Write down your mood, energy levels, and sleep each day. Look for patterns or changes.
  • Don’t stop suddenly: Always talk to your provider before stopping any medication. Quitting cold turkey can make things worse.
  • Reach out to a provider who listens: Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Work with someone who understands the full picture and can guide you through your options.

 

SEE IF TIRZEPATIDE IS RIGHT FOR YOU

 

How We Can Help at Eternity Health Partners With Tirzepatide

 

We do more than just offer tirzepatide.

We create personalized weight loss and wellness plans that support your body and your mind.

When you work with us, you get:

  • One-on-one care tailored to your goals
  • Regular check-ins to talk through how you’re feeling
  • Hormonal support and lab testing, if needed
  • Safe alternatives if tirzepatide isn’t the right fit

If you’re starting tirzepatide or already using it and feel like something’s off, we’re here to help.

Our goal is to make sure you feel strong, supported, and in control of your health.

 

CONTACT US

 

Conclusion: Can Tirzepatide Cause Depression

 

So, can tirzepatide cause depression?

For most people, the answer is no—but for a few, mood changes might be a real part of the experience.

Whether tirzepatide improves or challenges your mental health, the most important thing is to stay aware, stay connected, and work with a provider who sees the whole you.

At Eternity Health Partners, we’re here to support you with personalized care that puts your well-being first.

If you have questions or want to explore tirzepatide safely and confidently, we’re ready when you are.

 

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

 

FAQs: Can Tirzepatide Cause Depression

 

What are the long-term side effects of Mounjaro?
Mounjaro, which contains tirzepatide, is still being studied for its long-term effects. So far, most people tolerate it well over time. The most commonly reported long-term side effects include digestive issues like nausea or constipation, fatigue, and reduced appetite. In rare cases, some people have reported gallbladder problems, low blood sugar (especially if combined with other diabetes medications), and possible thyroid-related changes. While depression isn’t a widely recognized long-term side effect, some individuals have mentioned emotional shifts. It’s always a good idea to stay in touch with your provider and report any changes you notice.

Is there a link between Mounjaro and depression?
There isn’t a confirmed or widespread link between Mounjaro and depression, but there have been isolated reports. One case study reported suicidal thoughts after starting tirzepatide, which resolved after stopping the medication. On the other hand, research shows that GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide may actually lower the risk of depression in many people by improving inflammation and metabolic health. So while depression is not a common side effect, it’s something to keep an eye on, especially if you have a history of mental health conditions.

What are the benefits of tirzepatide vs semaglutide?
Both tirzepatide and semaglutide are powerful medications for weight loss and blood sugar control, but tirzepatide works on two hormone pathways (GLP-1 and GIP), while semaglutide targets just one (GLP-1). This dual action may lead to greater weight loss and better appetite control for some people on tirzepatide. In head-to-head studies, tirzepatide has shown slightly better results in both glucose management and weight reduction compared to semaglutide, though both are effective. Choosing between them depends on your personal health goals and how your body responds to each.

What are the benefits of tirzepatide vs retatrutide?
Tirzepatide and retatrutide are both part of the next generation of weight loss and metabolic medications, but they work in slightly different ways. Tirzepatide targets GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while retatrutide adds glucagon receptor activity into the mix, making it a triple agonist. Early studies suggest that retatrutide may lead to even greater weight loss, but it’s still in clinical trials and not widely available. Tirzepatide is FDA-approved, accessible now, and already showing excellent results for both weight loss and type 2 diabetes. For people who want to start treatment today, tirzepatide remains a top choice.

Can tirzepatide decrease anxiety?
While tirzepatide isn’t prescribed specifically for anxiety, some users report feeling better emotionally as their weight and blood sugar levels improve. Improved energy, better sleep, and fewer blood sugar spikes can all help reduce anxiety symptoms in general. That said, tirzepatide hasn’t been formally studied as an anti-anxiety medication, and individual experiences can vary. If you’re taking tirzepatide and notice emotional improvements—or if anxiety gets worse—it’s important to track those changes and talk with a provider who understands both your physical and mental health needs.

 

Related Blogs

Eternity Health Partners helps men and women reclaim lost energy and vigor, sharpen thinking, improve memory, decrease body fat

DR. EVE HARMONY, ND

Prior to joining the team at Eternity Health Partners, Dr. Harmony worked alongside an MD in a busy General Practice clinic that specialized in primary care for all patients, as well as Hormone Replacement Therapy, IV therapy, regenerative joint injections, peptide injections, ozone treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and weight management. As a skilled diagnostician, Dr. Harmony has helped hundreds of patients to optimize their health with both Western medicine treatments and natural therapies.

As a Naturopathic Doctor with a diverse background in various healing arts, Dr. Harmony believes that people are multi-dimensional, thus existing as physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual beings simultaneously. Healing therefore should also be multi-dimensional, encompassing every aspect of health and well-being. Dr. Harmony is excited to work with patients at Eternity Health Partners because the treatment modalities can improve every aspect of their lives.

MEET ELIZABETH BECKNER AND DAISHA ESCAMILLA

OUR CALIFORNIA LICENSED PHLEBOTOMISTS

Liz started doing personal blood draws after her son, Dashiell, was born with Zellwegers disease. His diagnosis required numerous blood draws and drug levels throughout his life. After sitting through long wait times at the labs followed by watching many different phlebotomists, many new to the job, struggle to find his veins, often poking him multiple times, as a seasoned phlebotomist, Liz decided to draw his blood at home and hand deliver it to the lab myself. Soon after she began doing personal touch blood draws so she can now offer that same personalized service to you.

Liz graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Biology in 1994. She moved to Santa Barbara and earned her phlebotomy certificate in 1995. Liz began working at St. Francis Medical Center in the Physical Therapy Department and quickly transferred to the Laboratory. Perfecting her venipuncture techniques on all floors of the hospital, including post-operative patients, pregnant women going into labor, sick or premature babies, and emergency room patrons, she then improved her patient care skills working for internal medicine doctors, one of whom was the Medical Director of Hospice and won Doctor of the Year. In 1999, Liz started working with a group of local retinal surgeons. Her primary job consisted of injecting dye into arm veins and photographing its flow through the patients retinal vessels. When patients are worried about their diagnosis or apprehensive about the procedure because of difficult veins, her quick, almost pain free needle stick and kind but professional bed side manner would put them at ease.

The various settings and patients Liz has encountered over the years have enabled her to become very skilled at finding the smallest and most fragile of vessels. Her specialities include infants and the elderly, diabetics of all ages, patients with rolling veins, on blood thinners or chemotherapy. She lives in downtown Santa Barbara, travels from Goleta to Carpintera and brings all the necessary supplies directly to you. All she needs from you is a lab request and your home or office becomes an instant draw station. Appointment times are very flexible, and she is friendly, reliable and punctual. Be kind to your arm and treat yourself to the luxury blood draw you deserve!!!

MEET MICHAEL BROOKINS; BS, CNMT, ABAAHP

Mike brings more than just a medical perspective to his clients; at the age of 14, he began an athletic career as a pole-vaulter that would end up taking him on an incredible journey over the next 13 years of his life. Throughout his athletic journey Mike was constantly working to find the ideal balance of fitness and proper nutrition in order to maximize his performances. Combined with his medical knowledge the years of athletic experience provide a unique and successful combination that serve to benefit his staff and clients.

“After I shifted the focus of my practice from Sports Medicine into Nuclear Medicine specifically Interventional Endocrinology. I found myself questioning our western medical paradigm…Here I was performing thyroid cancer and Hyperthyroidism treatments with harmful radical thyroid radioactive ablations which really made me take a hard look in the mirror and become more of a researcher to find safer and more effective options to better treat my clients. During my research I realized that there were very few, if any, medically directed programs focused towards achieving a “Healthier Lifestyle” rather than typical “Diet” fads.” A few years later after training and working with some of the worlds foremost Bio-identical Hormone Replacement specialists I became Board Certified in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Sort of just found my passion and the answers I had been looking for with this new specialty finally after years of treating people with the Band-Aid “fix it when its broken” mentality instead of at the root cause.”

Mike has spent the last 10 years in Anti-Aging, Functional and Regenerative Medicine. He has trained over 120 physicians in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and consulting for their practices. Today his vision is a reality, and clients from all of the world come to benefit from the successful programs that have been established at Age Management Institute Santa Barbara. He firmly believes in educating the patient about the importance of good nutrition, hormone balance, stress management, and regular exercise is the key to aging well and having a high quality of life well into your golden years.