Semaglutide’s Neuropharmacological Effects: From Glycemic Regulation and Weight Loss to Potential Implications in Substance Use Disorders – A Narrative Review

Title:Semaglutide’s Neuropharmacological Effects: From Glycemic Regulation and Weight Loss to Potential Implications in Substance Use Disorders – A Narrative Review

Volume: 12

Author(s): Jes Sebastian Denis Völker*, Ioana Valentina Micluția and Ramona-Cristina Vinași

Affiliation:

• Spitalul Clinic Judeţean de Urgenţă Cluj (Cluj County Emergency Clinical Hospital), Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Abstract: This narrative review delves into the potential therapeutic implications of semaglutide, a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, in the context of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). By systematically exploring databases from 2011 to 2023, and incorporating foundational works from 2004, a total of 59 articles were identified as pertinent to the topic. Utilizing the SANRA scale for assessment, the quality and relevance of these studies were rigorously evaluated. Preliminary findings indicate that semaglutide may play a pivotal role in modulating behaviors associated with SUDs, potentially providing fresh perspectives on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these disorders. While the precise pathways of action for semaglutide remain to be fully deciphered, its recurrent mention in the literature underscores its emerging importance in the field of SUD research. As the understanding of semaglutide's influence expands, it holds promise as a focal point in future studies, warranting further in-depth exploration to ascertain its full therapeutic potential.

Cite this article as:

Völker Denis Jes Sebastian*, Micluția Ioana Valentina and Vinași Ramona-Cristina, Semaglutide’s Neuropharmacological Effects: From Glycemic Regulation and Weight Loss to Potential Implications in Substance Use Disorders – A Narrative Review, Current Psychopharmacology 2024; 12 : e301223225100 . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0122115560282952231218061257