COVID-19 Outcomes: Does the Use of Psychotropic Drugs Make a Difference? Accumulating Evidence of a Beneficial Effect of Antidepressants—A Scoping Review

Conclusions At present, the best evidence of an “anti–COVID-19” potential of ADs exists for fluvoxamine and, to a lesser extent, for fluoxetine. Preliminary evidence had found that patients exposed to SSRI or SNRI substance classes might have a reduced mortality risk and that trazodone might reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection rates. Three studies found no relevant influence of ADs on COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, and 1 study described increased mortality. The latter study, however, did not differentiate between psychotropic medication and ADs. Tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are still absolute “dark zones” in COVID-19 research. Further controlled studies testing the effectiveness/efficacy and tolerability/safety (as well as the treatment timing and duration) of different AD substance classes in COVID-19 and post/long-COVID patients of various populations are warranted.
Source: Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology - Category: Psychiatry Tags: Brief Reports Source Type: research