The drug semaglutide, typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, may have a new potential use. Recent data suggests that its use could lead to a decrease in the consumption of psychoactive substances. In a large-scale study, researchers found a promising link between semaglutide medication and tobacco consumption.
The study followed the medical records of over 200,000 individuals who began taking medication for type 2 diabetes, including nearly 6,000 people using semaglutide-based medications like Ozempic. The results showed that the use of semaglutide was associated with a lower risk of medical care related to Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD) in diabetic smokers compared to seven other antidiabetic medications. Those who used semaglutide were less likely to have a medical consultation that included a TUD diagnosis, a prescription for smoking cessation medication, or advice on quitting smoking during the study period.
However, the study authors caution that while the results are consistent with the hypothesis that semaglutide could be beneficial for smoking cessation, the study’s limitations prevent definitive conclusions. The findings should not be interpreted as justification for clinicians to use semaglutide off-label for smoking cessation. This study did not measure tobacco consumption, such as the number of cigarettes smoked per day, cravings, or withdrawal symptoms. Further research is needed to understand how semaglutide affects these factors to determine if these medications can be used for smoking cessation.
Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of additional research to determine the appropriate dosage and potential side effects before using these successful medications for smoking cessation. Preliminary research suggests that semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications may interact with the brain’s reward system in a way that helps modulate cravings, whether for food, nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs.
In conclusion, while the study provides promising insights into the potential use of semaglutide for smoking cessation, further research is necessary to fully understand its effects and ensure safe and effective use for this purpose. It is essential to continue studying how semaglutide and similar medications can aid in quitting smoking and address the challenges associated with tobacco addiction.