Fluvoxamine: A Review of Its Mechanism of Action and Its Role in COVID-19

Fluvoxamine is a well-tolerated, widely available, inexpensive selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that has been shown in a small, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study to prevent clinical deterioration of patients with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Fluvoxamine is also an agonist for the sigma-1 receptor, through which it controls inflammation. We review here a body of literature that shows important mechanisms of action of fluvoxamine and other SSRIs that could play a role in COVID-19 treatment. These effects include: reduction in platelet aggregation, decreased mast cell degranulation, interference with endolysosomal viral trafficking, regulation of inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha-driven inflammation and increased melatonin levels, which collectively have a direct antiviral effect, regulate coagulopathy or mitigate cytokine storm, which are known hallmarks of severe COVID-19.

Automated summary

Fluvoxamine, a well-tolerated and widely available selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has shown potential in preventing clinical deterioration of COVID-19 patients in a small study. It functions through various mechanisms such as antiviral effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and regulation of coagulopathy.