Weight Loss Drug Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reducing Alcohol Dependence

Small study reveals significant reduction in Alcohol Use Disorder symptoms, leading to further clinical trials.

Semaglutide, a drug primarily used for weight loss and diabetes, has been found to significantly reduce symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in a small study.
The study, conducted by the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, involved six patients who were prescribed semaglutide for weight loss but also had AUD.
All six patients experienced a significant reduction in their AUD symptoms, even those who didn't lose much weight while on semaglutide.
The findings have led to further clinical trials, including one funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Semaglutide, which is found in the weight loss drug Wegovy and the diabetes medication Ozempic, is thought to work by mimicking the feeling of being satiated, which could potentially suppress cravings for alcohol.