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Man Overdoses on Weight Loss Drugs in Suicide Attempt, Doctors Warn of Mental Health Risks
25 Aug
Summary
- 67-year-old man overdosed on semaglutide, a weight loss drug
- Overdose led to multiple organ failure and life-threatening complications
- Doctors call for mental health screening for patients on GLP-1 medications
According to a recent news report, a 67-year-old man from Israel had a harrowing experience with weight loss drugs that nearly cost him his life. The man, who had been prescribed semaglutide to treat his type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss, had been self-injecting the medication at a higher-than-recommended dose for over a year.
As his mental state deteriorated, the man decided to inject his entire monthly semaglutide prescription all at once, resulting in a four-fold overdose. This led to a range of serious side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and extremely low blood sugar levels, a condition known as hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can trigger dizziness, confusion, seizures, and even death.
Fourteen days after the overdose, the man was admitted to the hospital with multiple organ failure, hypoglycemia, and other severe complications. Doctors were able to treat him, and his condition gradually improved. However, this incident has prompted a call for patients receiving GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide, to be screened for common mental health disorders.
Recent studies have revealed a concerning link between weight loss drugs and suicidal thoughts or actions, particularly when taken alongside antidepressants. Experts are urging caution and closer monitoring of patients on these medications to ensure their mental well-being is not compromised.
