Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

Stopping Mounjaro & Zepbound May Trigger Hallucinations, Mania & Other Psychiatric Symptoms

Stopping GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs May Trigger Hallucinations, Mania & Other Psychiatric Symptoms

Regaining weight is one of common effects of stopping GLP-1 treatment for obesity. But apart from this, users have reported unusual side effects like hair fall, vision loss and even psychiatric symptoms. 

According to two case reports published in the Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, stopping GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may ensue serious psychiatric symptoms in some patients like hallucinations, paranoia, mania and severe depression.

The reports describe two men who developed acute psychiatric symptoms after abruptly discontinuing tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. Both patients needed hospitalisation and psychiatric treatment.

The latest findings raise questions about the possible psychiatric effects of stopping <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/ozempic-mounjaro-users-report-burning-skin-sensation-what-is-allodynia-article-156473406" data-type="tilCustomLink">GLP-1 medicines</a> on the brain.

What Happened To The Two Patients?

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/semaglutide-may-lower-fetal-oxygen-levels-during-pregnancy-sheep-study-finds-article-156491261" data-type="tilCustomLink">Semaglutide May Lower Fetal Oxygen Levels During Pregnancy, Sheep Study Finds</a>

The first case involved a 61-year-old man with a history of depression who stopped taking tirzepatide in August 2025 because of nausea.

Around two months later, he was hospitalised with worsening confusion and erratic behaviour. He experienced paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations, and Cotard's delusion, a rare condition in which a person believes they are dead or no longer exist.

Medical investigations, including brain imaging, an electroencephalogram and tests of cerebrospinal fluid, did not identify a clear explanation for his symptoms. He received antipsychotic medication along with his existing antidepressant treatment.

Although his psychotic symptoms initially improved, he was readmitted weeks later with severe depression and catatonic features, a condition involving symptoms like reduced movement, unresponsiveness and difficulty communicating. He subsequently required electroconvulsive therapy.

The second case involved a 52-year-old man with a history of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/festivals-celebrations-mental-health-when-the-festive-season-becomes-emotionally-demanding-article-156457319" data-type="tilCustomLink">anxiety</a> who abruptly stopped tirzepatide in September 2025 after losing approximately 100 pounds (45 kg) over six months.

About a month later, he developed significant mood and behavioural changes, including irritability, impulsivity, grandiosity and rapid, disorganised speech. Doctors diagnosed a manic episode. He was treated with an antipsychotic and transferred for psychiatric care.

Can Stopping GLP-1 Drugs Affect Mental Health?

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/stopping-ozempic-or-wegovy-may-double-your-risk-of-heart-attack-death-article-156488595" data-type="tilCustomLink">Stopping Ozempic or Wegovy May Double Your Risk Of Heart Attack, Death</a>

GLP-1 receptors are found not only in the digestive system but also in the brain, including regions involved in appetite, reward processing and mood regulation.

GLP-1 medicines influence these regions, which may partly explain why researchers are investigating their effects on mental health.

The authors of the case reports suggest that abruptly stopping the medication could contribute to sudden changes in mood or behaviour in certain vulnerable individuals. They also point towards dopamine signalling and neuroinflammatory processes.

However, researchers could not establish that withdrawal from tirzepatide was responsible for the psychiatric symptoms.

Both patients had pre-existing mental health conditions, which may have contributed to their symptoms. The second patient also had low vitamin B12 levels and increased marijuana use before developing symptoms.

The authors described the psychiatric symptoms after discontinuation of medication as “an underrecognized clinical phenomenon” and called for further research.

GLP-1 Drugs &amp; Psychiatric Symptoms

How to Enjoy Diwali on Ozempic & Mounjaro | Doctors Share GLP-1 Diet Tips

The case reports do not mean that GLP-1 medicines cause psychosis, mania or other psychiatric disorders when stopped.

In January 2026, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said its review of 91 clinical trials involving more than 107,000 participants found no increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviour with GLP-1 medicines.

It also found no increased risk of other psychiatric adverse events, including anxiety, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/delhi-air-pollution-feeling-anxious-as-aqi-rises-experts-explain-the-mental-health-toll-of-breathing-toxic-air-article-156465591" data-type="tilCustomLink">depression</a>, irritability and psychosis, compared to placebo.

However, that assessment primarily examined risks associated with taking the medicines. It does not settle the question of whether abrupt discontinuation could be linked with psychiatric symptoms in a small, vulnerable group.

The findings, however, indicate that patients should not stop GLP-1 treatment without discussing it with their healthcare provider. People may discontinue these medicines because of side effects, cost, access problems or other reasons, but a clinician can help change treatment plans.

Anyone experiencing new symptoms like confusion, hallucinations, extreme mood changes, paranoia or unusual behaviour after stopping a GLP-1 medication should seek urgent medical intervention. 

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zepbound

mounjaro

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glp 1 mania

glp 1 Psychiatric Symptoms

us food and drug administration

glp 1 side effects

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Regaining weight is one of common effects of stopping GLP-1 treatment for obesity. But apart from this, users have reported unusual side effects like hair fall, vision loss and even psychiatric symptoms. According to two case reports published in the Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, stopping GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may ensue serious psychiatric symptoms in some patients like hallucinations, paranoia, mania and severe depression. The reports describe two men who developed acute psychiatric symptoms after abruptly discontinuing tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. Both patients needed hospitalisation and psychiatric treatment.The latest findings raise questions about the possible psychiatric effects of stopping GLP-1 medicines on the brain. What Happened To The Two Patients?Also read: Semaglutide May Lower Fetal Oxygen Levels During Pregnancy, Sheep Study FindsThe first case involved a 61-year-old man with a history of depression who stopped taking tirzepatide in August 2025 because of nausea.Around two months later, he was hospitalised with worsening confusion and erratic behaviour. He experienced paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations, and Cotard's delusion, a rare condition in which a person believes they are dead or no longer exist.Medical investigations, including brain imaging, an electroencephalogram and tests of cerebrospinal fluid, did not identify a clear explanation for his symptoms. He received antipsychotic medication along with his existing antidepressant treatment.Although his psychotic symptoms initially improved, he was readmitted weeks later with severe depression and catatonic features, a condition involving symptoms like reduced movement, unresponsiveness and difficulty communicating. He subsequently required electroconvulsive therapy.The second case involved a 52-year-old man with a history of anxiety who abruptly stopped tirzepatide in September 2025 after losing approximately 100 pounds (45 kg) over six months.About a month later, he developed significant mood and behavioural changes, including irritability, impulsivity, grandiosity and rapid, disorganised speech. Doctors diagnosed a manic episode. He was treated with an antipsychotic and transferred for psychiatric care.Can Stopping GLP-1 Drugs Affect Mental Health?Also read: Stopping Ozempic or Wegovy May Double Your Risk Of Heart Attack, DeathGLP-1 receptors are found not only in the digestive system but also in the brain, including regions involved in appetite, reward processing and mood regulation.GLP-1 medicines influence these regions, which may partly explain why researchers are investigating their effects on mental health.The authors of the case reports suggest that abruptly stopping the medication could contribute to sudden changes in mood or behaviour in certain vulnerable individuals. They also point towards dopamine signalling and neuroinflammatory processes.However, researchers could not establish that withdrawal from tirzepatide was responsible for the psychiatric symptoms.Both patients had pre-existing mental health conditions, which may have contributed to their symptoms. The second patient also had low vitamin B12 levels and increased marijuana use before developing symptoms.The authors described the psychiatric symptoms after discontinuation of medication as “an underrecognized clinical phenomenon” and called for further research.GLP-1 Drugs & Psychiatric Symptoms   The case reports do not mean that GLP-1 medicines cause psychosis, mania or other psychiatric disorders when stopped.In January 2026, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said its review of 91 clinical trials involving more than 107,000 participants found no increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviour with GLP-1 medicines. It also found no increased risk of other psychiatric adverse events, including anxiety, depression, irritability and psychosis, compared to placebo.However, that assessment primarily examined risks associated with taking the medicines. It does not settle the question of whether abrupt discontinuation could be linked with psychiatric symptoms in a small, vulnerable group.The findings, however, indicate that patients should not stop GLP-1 treatment without discussing it with their healthcare provider. People may discontinue these medicines because of side effects, cost, access problems or other reasons, but a clinician can help change treatment plans.Anyone experiencing new symptoms like confusion, hallucinations, extreme mood changes, paranoia or unusual behaviour after stopping a GLP-1 medication should seek urgent medical intervention. 