1 Fluvoxamine may prevent hospital admission in symptomatic adults with COVID-19
Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor with potential anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. (1) A meta-analysis of 2196 patients with COVID-19 from 3 randomized controlled trials concluded that fluvoxamine had a high probability of preventing hospital admission or observation in the emergency department for more than 24 hours, compared with placebo. (2) The Ontario Science Table states that fluvoxamine may be considered for mildly ill patients within 7 days of symptom onset. (3)
2 Children and pregnant people have not been studied
Trials primarily enrolled unvaccinated adult outpatients at high risk for serious COVID-19 outcomes. (2) For pregnant patients, caution and obstetrical consultation are advised. Fluvoxamine is not recommended for pediatric patients. Patients on a serotonergic antidepressant for a psychiatric condition who are switched to fluvoxamine may experience decompensation in their mental health.
3 Fluvoxamine was generally well tolerated in the clinical trials
Treatment was either 100 mg twice daily for 10 days, or started at 50 mg once daily, titrated to 100 mg twice daily over 2-3 days, and up to 3 times...