Can lanreotide (Somatostatin analogue) cause mood swings?

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Last updated: May 3, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Lanreotide can potentially cause mood swings in some patients, as it affects hormone levels in the body, which can indirectly impact neurotransmitter function and emotional regulation. Lanreotide (brand names include Somatuline Depot) is a somatostatin analog used to treat conditions like acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors. Mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, and depression, have been reported as side effects of this medication, though they're not among the most common adverse reactions.

Key Points to Consider

  • The most common adverse events associated with somatostatin analogues, such as lanreotide, are gastrointestinal in nature, including diarrhea, nausea, steatorrhea, and gallstone formation, as well as pain at the injection site 1.
  • While mood swings are not listed as a common side effect in the provided studies, the impact of lanreotide on hormone levels, particularly growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1, could potentially influence mood and emotional regulation.
  • The dosage of lanreotide for adults typically ranges from 60 to 120 mg given as a deep subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks, with the specific dose determined by the patient's condition and response to treatment 1.
  • It's essential for patients experiencing significant mood swings while taking lanreotide to discuss these symptoms with their healthcare provider, who may consider adjusting the dose, recommending strategies to manage these side effects, or exploring alternative treatment options if the mood changes significantly impact the patient's quality of life.

Management and Monitoring

  • Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or emotional well-being while on lanreotide therapy.
  • Healthcare providers should be prepared to adjust treatment plans if mood swings or other significant side effects occur, balancing the benefits of lanreotide treatment against potential adverse effects on the patient's quality of life.
  • The decision to initiate or continue lanreotide therapy should be based on the individual patient's response to treatment, the severity of their condition, and the potential impact of the medication on their overall well-being, as supported by recent clinical guidelines and studies 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Lanreotide and Mood Swings

  • There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that lanreotide causes mood swings 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • The studies focus on the treatment of carcinoid syndrome 2, bipolar disorder 3, 5, and schizophrenia 4, but do not mention lanreotide as a potential cause of mood swings.
  • Lanreotide is a somatostatin analogue used to treat carcinoid syndrome, and its effects on mood are not discussed in the provided studies 2.
  • Mood swings are a common symptom of bipolar disorder, and the studies on bipolar disorder discuss various treatments and their efficacy, but do not mention lanreotide 3, 5.
  • The study on schizophrenia mentions the use of antidepressants and mood stabilizers, but does not discuss lanreotide 4.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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