From the Guidelines
Janumet, a combination medication containing sitagliptin and metformin, is not directly associated with causing anxiety, but anxiety symptoms are common in people with diabetes, and screening for anxiety is recommended as part of diabetes care. According to the most recent guidelines from 2024, consideration should be given to screening people with diabetes for anxiety symptoms, fear of hypoglycemia, or diabetes-related worries 1. Anxiety symptoms may be related to the underlying condition of diabetes, its management, or other factors such as fear of hypoglycemia or concerns about meeting blood glucose targets.
Key Considerations
- Anxiety symptoms and diagnosable disorders are common in people with diabetes, with a lifetime prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder estimated to be 19.5% in people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes 1.
- The causes of anxiety in patients with diabetes can be multifactorial, including fears related to hypoglycemia, not meeting blood glucose targets, insulin injections or infusion, and the onset of complications.
- Psychological and behavioral care can be helpful in addressing symptoms of anxiety in people with diabetes, and interventions aimed at treating fear of hypoglycemia and hypoglycemia unawareness can also benefit anxiety symptoms 1.
Recommendations for Patients Experiencing Anxiety
- If you experience anxiety while taking Janumet, it is crucial not to stop the medication abruptly but instead consult your healthcare provider.
- Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage, recommend taking the medication with food to reduce side effects, or consider alternative diabetes medications.
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and maintaining a consistent eating schedule can help minimize effects related to hypoglycemia that might mimic or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
- Referral to a qualified mental health professional for further assessment and treatment may be necessary if anxiety symptoms interfere with diabetes self-management behaviors or quality of life 1.
From the Research
Janumet and Anxiety
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that suggests Janumet (sitagliptin and metformin) causes anxiety 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The studies primarily focus on the pharmacological effects, efficacy, and safety of Janumet in treating type 2 diabetes, without mentioning anxiety as a side effect.
- One study discusses the adverse effects of antianxiety drugs, but it does not relate to Janumet or its components 6.
- The available evidence indicates that Janumet is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects attributed to metformin, such as digestive issues, but does not mention anxiety 2, 4, 5.