A recent study was done looking at the depression and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) medication Luvox (fluvoxamine) and whether it helps minimize Covid symptoms. This drug is known as a SSRI, or serotonin reputable inhibitor. Serotonin is the “happy” neurotransmitter in the brain. By preventing its degradation and reabsorption by neurons, it sticks around longer, improving neuronal transmission keeping your mood a little more stable and happy. This is a very simplistic explanation but it works.
No drug however has only one effect. Another of it’s unexpected side effects is that it decreases inflammation by impacting production of cytokines, normal inflammatory compounds implicated in the cytokine storm where an overproduction leads to all kinds of organ inflammation and problems. Other examples of drugs found to decrease inflammation as an unexpected effect are hydroxychloroquine (an anti parasitic used to treat malaria) and Zithromax (an antibiotic), both of which also decrease inflammation.
A recent small study of only ~170 patients showed that 0 patients given fluvoxamine within 7 days of Covid + symptoms had any significant issues such as hospitalization or major side effects of the illness. In the placebo (sugar pill) arm of the study, 6 patients (8.6%) were hospitalized and many more were significantly ill. Another study had 12% of placebo patients get hospitalized. Not huge numbers, but interesting and for a drug with few side effects, it certainly is worth looking into more. Heck, we can all use some mood boosting. Maybe we put it in the water like fluoride or chlorine? Bad idea on all counts.
Another mechanism of action may have to do with the gut. 70% of our immune function is in the gut and 90% of the serotonin in our bodies is actually made in the gut. In addition to being the “happy” neurotransmitter, it also helps gut motility. One of it’s precursors also ends up as melatonin, the sleep hormone, the majority of which is also made in the gut. This may explain why people with gut issues are depressed and sleep like crap. Or maybe it’s the other way around. Poor diet leads to poor gut health leads to poor neurotransmitter production, depression, anxiety and constipation.
This is another reason to look at your own health rather than hope for a magic pill. Get healthy and you won’t need to worry as much about dying from Covid.
You STILL do NOT want to catch this disease. There are too many risks, short and long term, to be cavalier about it.
Keep doing all the things we know are protective of us and those around us.
Have a great Monday.
Stay safe and be well.
AC