Perspective Chapter: New Use of the SSRI Fluvoxamine in the Treatment of COVID-19 Symptoms

Abstract

From the perspective of repurposing medication, recent evidence suggests that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SSRIs) can help reduce the severity of symptoms and death associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. To focus more, COVID-19 is a viral disease with potentially high risk of symptoms. There is presently no cure. However, there are specific treatments that may help manage the condition. Since the SSRI fluvoxamine has a unique mechanism of action in reducing cytokine production, researchers have started to relate the antiviral effects via modulation of sigma-1 receptors with the vision of treatment options for COVID-19 patients. The scope of this chapter is to examine different mechanisms of fluvoxamine in relation to immune response, including both the serotonin and the sigma-1 receptor-related mechanisms. Addressing the impact of fluvoxamine in minimizing possible complications during COVID-19 infection.