GLP-1 effects on dopamine
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I think some may of missed the point of GLP-1 can chemically shunt dopamine.
After two years of use:
98% increased risk of any psychiatric disorders
195% higher risk of major depression
108% increased risk for anxiety
106% elevated risk for suicidal behavior -
I use retatrutide, and yes, it blunts dopamine signaling in the brain’s reward pathways by activating GLP-1 receptors, which dampens the pleasure and motivation tied to food and other rewards (anhedonia). Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain that controls pleasure, desire, and motivation.
American corporations spend billions of dollars to exploit the brain’s dopamine reward system through social media, online apps, porn, and processed foods to keep people hooked. Most major addictive drugs of abuse activate the brain’s dopamine reward pathway. The effects of alcohol and THC are driven in part by the brain’s dopamine system, which controls reward and motivation as well.
It is weakening the "Thinking Brain". The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for self-control and stopping impulsive urges. Chronic addiction and constant bursts of dopamine can weaken this area, making it harder to resist sudden temptations. So a degree of anhedonia is welcome at times like these. To many it is a blessing. That's why I keep saying reta is more than just a fat loss drug.
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I think some may of missed the point of GLP-1 can chemically shunt dopamine.
After two years of use:
98% increased risk of any psychiatric disorders
195% higher risk of major depression
108% increased risk for anxiety
106% elevated risk for suicidal behaviorI think some may of missed the point of GLP-1 can chemically shunt dopamine.
After two years of use:
98% increased risk of any psychiatric disorders
195% higher risk of major depression
108% increased risk for anxiety
106% elevated risk for suicidal behaviorAs long as we are using AI.
Those exact percentages come directly from an observational study published in late 2024 using electronic health record database data (TriNetX).
While the numbers themselves are real quotes from that paper, the conclusion that GLP-1s "chemically shunt dopamine" to cause severe depression is an oversimplification and clinically misleading. Large-scale evaluations by regulatory agencies like the FDA, as well as broader clinical trial analyses, do not support a direct causal link.Loss of Dopaminergic Coping Mechanisms: For many individuals, eating functions as a primary, immediate mechanism for emotional regulation and dopamine stimulation. When a medication blunts that reward response, a patient loses a core coping mechanism without an immediate replacement, which can manifest clinically as temporary mood disruption, emotional flatness, or heightened anxiety.
I dont even doubt those percntages but numbers can always be misleading without context.
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You want to know what else is just as bad as an overly expressed dopamine? Fear. Fear is just as disruptive as dopamine because both override your logical brain, though they push your behavior in completely opposite directions. While dopamine drives you to seek rewards impulsively, fear drives you to avoid threats reactively. Both disrupt normal decision-making by hijacking the prefrontal cortex—the brain's command center for self-control and logic. That's why many seek distractions and *self medicate (dopamine).
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I think some may of missed the point of GLP-1 can chemically shunt dopamine.
After two years of use:
98% increased risk of any psychiatric disorders
195% higher risk of major depression
108% increased risk for anxiety
106% elevated risk for suicidal behaviorAs long as we are using AI.
Those exact percentages come directly from an observational study published in late 2024 using electronic health record database data (TriNetX).
While the numbers themselves are real quotes from that paper, the conclusion that GLP-1s "chemically shunt dopamine" to cause severe depression is an oversimplification and clinically misleading. Large-scale evaluations by regulatory agencies like the FDA, as well as broader clinical trial analyses, do not support a direct causal link.Loss of Dopaminergic Coping Mechanisms: For many individuals, eating functions as a primary, immediate mechanism for emotional regulation and dopamine stimulation. When a medication blunts that reward response, a patient loses a core coping mechanism without an immediate replacement, which can manifest clinically as temporary mood disruption, emotional flatness, or heightened anxiety.
I dont even doubt those percntages but numbers can always be misleading without context.
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I got an email from the VA recently saying that they are starting to open trials using GLP-1’s for alcohol and drug addiction, which means we will likely see a lot more on this in coming years. They are also starting to investigate psychedelics for TBI and PTSD.
Given the VA’s historical reputation, I see these as good both as a peptide researcher and as a veteran, since these are relatively cutting edge treatments.
@ResearchCat The problem here is that the effect only lasts as long as the person takes the drug. It also only stems the physical urge. It does nothing to help the mental issue behind what's causing the alcoholic to drink in the first place. GLP-1 would be a fabulous tool for alcoholism IF, and only IF, the alcoholic proceeded to get the mental help they needed through therapy, rehabilitation, and/or AA meetings. They would need to address the root cause of their problem. Otherwise, the relapse if they ever had to go off the drug would be detrimental. Just like the drug only fixes your metabolic issues while you take it, the same holds true for addiction.
Thank you for your service.
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Its real, so I guess it depends on how much it effects the individual. Me for example I have no desire to drink or smoke weed, I may have an occasional one and done, but I find myself to be way more productive and sleep is better. I think the whole picture needs to be looked at from 30,000 ft view. For many people if the pleasure of food was a hidden addiction you may need to re calibrate your system. The things that may have brought pleasure before like alcohol or sweet fatty foods for example will be affected by the dopamine recalibration. For me all the healthy changes and challenges have made me feel better and my dopamine is balanced and I now look forward to healthy routine changes like scheduled stretching, breathwork, cardio, healthy meal prep, my only addiction is shopping for peptides and researching healthy lifestyle changes. It all compounds and maybe some struggle with the change more than others but I'm not sure zooming in and looking only at the compound itself as the culprit is the answer. For most people is the caveat, of course there will probably extreme cases out there who just can't take it becasue of some obscure reason genetically. I would say its not a silver bullet but it is a really powerful tool, the work still needs to be done. You may find new pleasures over time and maybe your energy systems or something else needs to be reviewed and supported and the Reta is only making this obvious now as your dopamine system is operating without the huge spike and dips like it did before.
my only addiction is shopping for peptides
Funny how that works...
If you are losing weight at a more rapid weight the body tends to stopre toxins in fat. With your reved up metabolic rate you mmay be detoxifying at a higher rate
Big time fatty detox, and lots of B vitamins and others will further detox, making one feel like crap. B vits should be methylated only and don't OD yourself on them. My main problem is fatigue.
Everyone knows these peps only work as long as you're taking them. I know 2 people who've made the cut after a year off them, but those are paltry numbers. It is what it is. Given these FACTS, I'd still poke.
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@ResearchCat The problem here is that the effect only lasts as long as the person takes the drug. It also only stems the physical urge. It does nothing to help the mental issue behind what's causing the alcoholic to drink in the first place. GLP-1 would be a fabulous tool for alcoholism IF, and only IF, the alcoholic proceeded to get the mental help they needed through therapy, rehabilitation, and/or AA meetings. They would need to address the root cause of their problem. Otherwise, the relapse if they ever had to go off the drug would be detrimental. Just like the drug only fixes your metabolic issues while you take it, the same holds true for addiction.
Thank you for your service.
@kerryh It’s a fair point, but that is the same as with people using GLP-1’s for weight loss. Presumably - even if we know it isn’t true - people using these things are taking a holistic approach.
It’s actually well established that many GLP-1 users experience depression after losing weight because the problems driving them to eat didn’t go away with the weight. But it is still a powerful tool. And having experience with alcoholics, I can say that while the underlying issues remain, a few less lost jobs, car wrecks, and cocaine charges would make addressing the underlying issues more approachable.
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In regards to addiction, a GLP might provide a window. That's all any intervention provides, same as with Rehab. What's most important is that the person is truly sick and tired of where they are. If they want to change their life then they have to use all available resources to chase that new life with the same intensity they chased their addiction.
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@ResearchCat The problem here is that the effect only lasts as long as the person takes the drug. It also only stems the physical urge. It does nothing to help the mental issue behind what's causing the alcoholic to drink in the first place. GLP-1 would be a fabulous tool for alcoholism IF, and only IF, the alcoholic proceeded to get the mental help they needed through therapy, rehabilitation, and/or AA meetings. They would need to address the root cause of their problem. Otherwise, the relapse if they ever had to go off the drug would be detrimental. Just like the drug only fixes your metabolic issues while you take it, the same holds true for addiction.
Thank you for your service.
@kerryh I believe if you use it long enough you'll rewire new habits to maintain your new body and mind composition (epigenetics). If you pay attention you will learn your biology, diet, physic, learning what it takes to be in a healthy state. Mind, body and soul. If you have to microdose .5mg of reta for the rest of my life now in then I will, considering the consequences in the state of health most are in. I am out of this system of manage decline slowly killing you and bleeding your wealth.
2M
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@kerryh I believe if you use it long enough you'll rewire new habits to maintain your new body and mind composition (epigenetics). If you pay attention you will learn your biology, diet, physic, learning what it takes to be in a healthy state. Mind, body and soul. If you have to microdose .5mg of reta for the rest of my life now in then I will, considering the consequences in the state of health most are in. I am out of this system of manage decline slowly killing you and bleeding your wealth.
@EXTROPIAN I’m listening to a longevity researcher who is talking about GLP-1’s as a lifelong thing along with metformin and rapamycin. I am not a big fan of taking meds, or taking anything for life, but if we are talking about living past 100 (150 is what he is talking about) and being mentally and physically capable, I am willing to negotiate.
I am playing the longest game.
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@kerryh I believe if you use it long enough you'll rewire new habits to maintain your new body and mind composition (epigenetics). If you pay attention you will learn your biology, diet, physic, learning what it takes to be in a healthy state. Mind, body and soul. If you have to microdose .5mg of reta for the rest of my life now in then I will, considering the consequences in the state of health most are in. I am out of this system of manage decline slowly killing you and bleeding your wealth.
@EXTROPIAN Discussion and semi-debate:
How long is long enough to rewire a person? All supposition and no solid human trials, except for GLP's & very few others; the rest is guesswork. Consider if a person starts at a young enough age (birth thru 20's, perhaps), without extreme injuries and continues at length; yeah, maybe. If any later in life, probably not. My conjecture is just as valid as yours on this subject and I'm sick of the influencers pushing this for their own benefit ($$$$$).Want the obvious answer to pass the century mark? You'll probably have to live as they did in the early 20th century thru about the 1940's, with little chemical (or govt) interference in water and food; the air is questionable, depending upon where you live. To make it work today, you'd more or less end up living as The Amish do. Once the 'clean cycle' is broken and the family unit splits, it's downhill from there.
I can say these things with a type of experience that counts; 40+ hours per week, aged and injured people, some genetics involved, others not. Also, mental and emotional stressors have a major influence on a person's longevity; oftentimes breaking their desire to continue to live. Keep in mind, everyone you once knew and loved are likely gone and the landscape around you has become unrecognizable. I'm sure most here have seen something like this process and I see it every day.
If you still want to live to 100+, stem cells are the way to go, but you really need to save up those nickels and dimes to afford it.
Proud to be on a gubmint watch list
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@EXTROPIAN Discussion and semi-debate:
How long is long enough to rewire a person? All supposition and no solid human trials, except for GLP's & very few others; the rest is guesswork. Consider if a person starts at a young enough age (birth thru 20's, perhaps), without extreme injuries and continues at length; yeah, maybe. If any later in life, probably not. My conjecture is just as valid as yours on this subject and I'm sick of the influencers pushing this for their own benefit ($$$$$).Want the obvious answer to pass the century mark? You'll probably have to live as they did in the early 20th century thru about the 1940's, with little chemical (or govt) interference in water and food; the air is questionable, depending upon where you live. To make it work today, you'd more or less end up living as The Amish do. Once the 'clean cycle' is broken and the family unit splits, it's downhill from there.
I can say these things with a type of experience that counts; 40+ hours per week, aged and injured people, some genetics involved, others not. Also, mental and emotional stressors have a major influence on a person's longevity; oftentimes breaking their desire to continue to live. Keep in mind, everyone you once knew and loved are likely gone and the landscape around you has become unrecognizable. I'm sure most here have seen something like this process and I see it every day.
If you still want to live to 100+, stem cells are the way to go, but you really need to save up those nickels and dimes to afford it.
@Eleanor Don't forget, we are the rats. The trial is live. Dial down the chatter, more presence, more experience and enjoy the ride.
The greatest story ever told is yours. So live it the best you can. These peptides are a blessing. I now in then still question. Why are these peptides all the sudden out at a time when most are metabolically unhealthy? -
@EXTROPIAN I’m listening to a longevity researcher who is talking about GLP-1’s as a lifelong thing along with metformin and rapamycin. I am not a big fan of taking meds, or taking anything for life, but if we are talking about living past 100 (150 is what he is talking about) and being mentally and physically capable, I am willing to negotiate.
I am playing the longest game.
@ResearchCat in this state of the world I'm not hopeful for the future so I'm good with not extending my lifespan too long. But while I'm here Id like to be as healthy as possible to have a better quality of life.
Just someone with a fridge full of research and a browser history that would concern my doctor.
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@ResearchCat in this state of the world I'm not hopeful for the future so I'm good with not extending my lifespan too long. But while I'm here Id like to be as healthy as possible to have a better quality of life.
@ResearchCat in this state of the world I'm not hopeful for the future so I'm good with not extending my lifespan too long. But while I'm here Id like to be as healthy as possible to have a better quality of life.
@beekind That's the idea! Thank you!
@extropian I can't help but be amused when someone tells a 70+ year old to "enjoy the ride", as if I haven't lived to the fullest already. And "live it the best you can". What the heck fire do you think I'm doing?! NO offense meant; I just can't help but chuckle, so thanks for that.
These peptides are a blessing. I now in then still question. Why are these peptides all the sudden out at a time when most are metabolically unhealthy?
Agree with that completely.
Proud to be on a gubmint watch list
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@ResearchCat in this state of the world I'm not hopeful for the future so I'm good with not extending my lifespan too long. But while I'm here Id like to be as healthy as possible to have a better quality of life.
@beekind That's the idea! Thank you!
@extropian I can't help but be amused when someone tells a 70+ year old to "enjoy the ride", as if I haven't lived to the fullest already. And "live it the best you can". What the heck fire do you think I'm doing?! NO offense meant; I just can't help but chuckle, so thanks for that.
These peptides are a blessing. I now in then still question. Why are these peptides all the sudden out at a time when most are metabolically unhealthy?
Agree with that completely.
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@Eleanor I am 55 and still on the roller coaster ride anticipating the next turn. Is wonder completely gone after 70? Ah man, I want off this ride! lol And a red head. Irish?
@EXTROPIAN Slainte Bro!
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@ResearchCat in this state of the world I'm not hopeful for the future so I'm good with not extending my lifespan too long. But while I'm here Id like to be as healthy as possible to have a better quality of life.
@ResearchCat in this state of the world I'm not hopeful for the future so I'm good with not extending my lifespan too long. But while I'm here Id like to be as healthy as possible to have a better quality of life.
The future is going to be great. There will be some bumps and bruises, but if you rip the overlays of politics off, this is a great time to be alive - and the only one you get.
There is a very common human frailty that we indulge that the time we live in is both worse than every other time, and more consequential than every other time. Right now, everyone thinks the 80’s and 90’s were the best. But it’s kind of like everyone who is done with boot camp tells you stories about how great it was.
From a secular perspective, we are in what is called a fourth turning, which is going to be rough no matter what the current batch of idiots is doing. But most of us will be alive for the upswing. (Basically, we are at the ‘weak men make hard times’ period of the cycle. It is an actual thing, as it turns out.)
I was listening to David Sinclair this week and he was talking about how the first person who will live to be 150 is alive today. That’s amazing. Probably won’t be me.
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