Document Type
Poster
Associated Faculty
Dr. Valerie Herbert
Sponsoring Academic Department
School of Nursing
Publication Date
2023
Abstract/ Summary
In adult populations (18-65), does the administration of antidepressants, compared to not administering antidepressants, reduce the severity of the Covid-19 infection? Current treatment protocols for Covid-19 virus are still new and needing improvement. Discovering a new pharmacologic approach has been on the forefront of medical research since the beginning of the pandemic. The purpose of this paper is analyzing the efficacy of antidepressant drugs for reducing morbidity and mortality associated with Covid-19 virus. A literature search was conducted using Cinahl, Google Scholar, and UMaine Nursing Reference Center. The search words included covid, covid-19, pandemic, coronavirus, antidepressants, and SSRI. The inclusion criteria were all adults, male and female aged 18-65. The exclusion criteria included all viruses other than Covid-19, patients under 18, and patients over 65. Our search included 10 articles. Studies found that the administration of antidepressants has the potential to decrease the severity of the Covid-19 infection and improve outcomes. Specific antidepressants including fluoxetine and fluvoxamine were shown to decrease mortality in patients with Covid. Other studies suggest venlafaxine, mirtazapine, paroxetine, and escitalopram limited the need for intubation in those with serious covid infections. Promising research has emerged in the past few years suggesting there may be a link between antidepressant use and decreased symptoms of Covid-19. Some even suggest the use of certain antidepressants can decrease the risk of contracting the virus. Because Covid-19 is a relatively new disease, more research is needed to truly determine the applications antidepressants could have on patients who have contracted the virus.
Repository Citation
Edwards, Lauren E.; Pullen, Ryan; and Thurlow, Ryan, "Efficacy of Antidepressant Drugs for the Treatment of Covid-19" (2023). Non-Thesis Student Work. 37.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/student_work/37
Version
pre-print (i.e. pre-refereeing)