Does Metformin Affect Mental Health?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Chronic treatment with metformin for 24 weeks improved cognitive performance , as assessed by the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised, in depressed patients with T2DM. In addition, metformin significantly improved depressive performance and changed the glucose metabolism in depressed patients with diabetes.

Can metformin cause anxiety and depression?

Background. Metformin is commonly prescribed to manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of childbearing age and is associated with high prevalence rates of depression and anxiety .

Is metformin good for mental health?

Cardiovascular disease and diabetes treatments were found to reduce the risk of self-harm and admission to hospital in patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or non-affective psychosis.

Can metformin affect depression?

Patients taking metformin had a lower risk of depression than those taking no medication , with an adjusted OR of 0.567 and 95% CI of 0.323–0.997 (P < 0.05).

Can metformin affect bipolar disorder?

Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent which corrects glucose resistance in women with PCOS; metformin also has direct anti-inflammatory effects which the authors suggest may contribute to decreasing risk for bipolar disorder .

Does metformin cause mental fog?

In a retrospective study, diabetic patients who were taking metformin had worse cognitive performance than those not taking the drug (odds ratio 2.23, 95% CI 1.05-4.75), Eileen Moore, PhD, of the University of Melbourne in Australia, and colleagues reported online in Diabetes Care.

How does metformin affect the brain?

Metformin works by activating stem cells in the brain, which can self-renew and give rise to different types of brain cells to replace those killed by injury . Because brain injury in early life can lead to lifelong cognitive problems, the researchers now wanted to find out if metformin also promoted cognitive recovery.

Does metformin affect serotonin?

Metformin increased brain serotonin by reducing circulating levels of branched-chain amino acids, a type of amino acid that decreases the levels of tryptophan entering the brain.

Can metformin make you happy?

The study suggested that metformin increased serotonin levels in the brain, a hormone associated with wellbeing and happiness . This led to reduced anxiety-like behaviours which the researchers referred to as “one of the most visible and early symptoms of depression”.

Is metformin used for schizophrenia?

To the Editor: Metformin has been reported to be a useful add-on medication in reversing metabolic complications due to antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia patients . However, treatment with metformin can reduce the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).

Why would a psychiatrist prescribe metformin?

Atypical antipsychotic medications are notorious for inducing weight gain and metabolic syndrome. To reduce these effects , psychiatrists are encouraged to prescribe metformin to affected patients.

What is an alternative to metformin?

Precose, Januvia, Victoza, Glucotrol XL, and Actos are some metformin alternatives. Get the full list here. Metformin is an oral prescription medication used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Is metformin an antidepressant?

Summary points. Metformin has antidepressant effects . Metformin can affect the classical signaling pathway in the mechanism of depression. Increased α-ketoglutarate levels after metformin treatment.

Can you take metformin and antidepressants?

Consistent with the imaging data, behavioral assays also showed improvement of depressive behaviors after combination therapy. Furthermore, the addition of metformin to psychotropic medications significantly enhanced both antidepressant and antipsychotic behavioral effects , and further improved PFC neuronal activity.

Can metformin help with PMDD?

New research presented at the APA earlier this month indicated that the addition of metformin at 500 mg bid resolved menstrual irregularities in most women treated with antipsychotic medications . (Metformin is a medication used alone or with other medications, including insulin, to treat type 2 diabetes.)

Does PCOS make you bipolar?

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder , according to study results published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. However, treatment with metformin may slightly reduce the risk for bipolar disorder.

Can hormones cause mania?

Anabolic steroid hormones (like testosterone) can cause symptoms of mania , including agitation, irritability, suspiciousness, and even hallucinations.

Does metformin cause dementia or memory loss?

Metformin has been associated with a lower dementia risk ; 4 however, its effects on memory have been inconsistent.

Does metformin cause cognitive decline?

Metformin Use Is Associated With Slowed Cognitive Decline and Reduced Incident Dementia in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: The Sydney Memory and Ageing Study.

What are the long term side effects of metformin?

The medication can cause more serious side effects, though these are rare. The most serious of these is lactic acidosis , a condition caused by buildup of lactic acid in the blood. This can occur if too much metformin accumulates in the blood due to chronic or acute (e.g. dehydration) kidney problems.

Is diabetes linked to depression?

If you have diabetes — either type 1 or type 2 — you have an increased risk of developing depression . And if you’re depressed, you may have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.