Diet Drug Side Effects Are Helping With Addictions

If you're like me and struggle with self-esteem because you feel sorry you damaged your life and others with your addiction, forget about it. There's nothing wrong with your character, your morals, or your willpower. It's chemical changes in the brain that led to your cravings.

A neurologist is having some success treating cravings and addiction with ultrasound, as I blogged here August 5. Another new hope that seems to be helping people with nicotine addiction comes as a side effect of diet medications. I saw this in a news story:

"Some diabetes and weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, may help reduce nicotine cravings. These drugs contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist that can reduce appetite centers in the brain. Animal studies suggest that GLP-1 agonists may also affect the brain to reduce addiction to nicotine, alcohol, and opioids. Some patients who take these drugs have reported changes in their nicotine cravings, as well as cravings for other substances and compulsive behaviors. However, more research in humans is needed to confirm that these drugs can curb addiction....

"Bupropion, which is found in medications like Wellbutrin and Zyban, is another medication that can help reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke.... Side effects may include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, anxiety, constipation, skin irritation, or dizziness, but these usually go away after about a week." (from Google Search)