Medscape: Analysis boosts Fluvoxamine for COVID, but what's the evidence?
UC expert says research may be useful, but more trials are needed
A report published recently in JAMA Open Network finds there's a strong likelihood that the antidepressant fluvoxamine (Luvox) may moderately lower rates of hospitalization due to COVID-19 in unvaccinated patients. However, outside experts cited by Medscape differ over whether the evidence from just three studies is strong enough to warrant adding the drug to the COVID-19 treatment arsenal. One of those experts sources is Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine.
Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine/Photo/Joe Fuqua II/UC Creative + Brand
"This research might be valuable, but the jury remains out until several other adequately powered and designed trials are completed," said Fichtenbaum, who's familiar with the findings. "I'm not sure how useful this is given we have several antiviral agents available. Why would we choose this over Paxlovid, remdesivir, or molnupiravir?"
According to Fichtenbaum, researchers began focusing on fluvoxamine after case reports about patients improving while on the medication. This led to further interest, he said, boosted by the drug's known ability to dampen the immune system.
Lead photo/Science News
Next Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is classified as a Research 1 institution by the Carnegie Commission and is ranked in the National Science Foundation's Top-35 public research universities. UC's medical, graduate and undergraduate students and faculty investigate problems and innovate solutions with real-world impact. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
UC expert helps rehome endangered Ohio bats
August 19, 2026
UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services Assistant Professor Joe Johnson is helping an Ohio marine rehome bats to make way for renovations. He launched a new tracking project that uses tiny transmitters that record bat migration using the internet of things.
UC expert offers advice to Cincinnati on climate change
August 14, 2026
In an op-ed, UC Associate Professor Bob Hyland talks about ways Cincinnati can become more resilient in face of climate change.
UC named a best employer in Ohio by Forbes
August 14, 2026
Forbes ranks the University of Cincinnati No. 24 on its 2026 America’s Best Employers By State list for Ohio, recognizing UC’s strong workplace culture and employee experience.