The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that COVID patients taking fluoxetine – sold under the brand name Prozac – an antidepressant were 28% less likely to die from COVID infection.
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are administered to millions of Americans each year, function by increasing the quantity of serotonin in the brain, thereby improving mood.
However, the hormone is important in immune system regulation and can help prevent the immune system from overreacting and destroying healthy cells, which can be catastrophic.
In this new study, the researchers tracked nearly 85,000 volunteers during the first year of the pandemic and selected 3,401 COVID patients who were taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and compared them to other adults.
Patients with Covid who received SSRIs were grouped according to their age, sex, and ethnic origin — all of which are significant risk factors for Covid.
They were compared to individuals who had Covid and were of comparable age, sex, and ethnic origin but were not prescribed SSRIs.
Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco, who carried out the research found that covid patients who were prescribed and taking fluoxetine had a 28% lower risk of dying from Covid.
Dr Marina Sirota, the lead researcher, stated:
“We can’t tell if the drugs are causing these effects, but the statistical analysis is showing significant association.”
Overall, patients who received SSRIs had an 8% reduced risk of death than those who did not.
This is the latest research to promote fluvoxamine as a possible treatment for Covid sufferers in order to aid in their recovery.
Last month, a large Brazilian trial found that the drug reduced the chance of hospitalization by a third.
According to previous research, this could be due to its anti-inflammatory properties and role in regulating the immune system.
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