SERTRALINE

What is sertraline (Zoloft)?

Most used for anxiety and depression, sertraline belongs to a class of medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is a molecule in the body that aids in mood, sexual desire, sleep, digestion, wound healing, bone health, and blood clotting. It is often referred to in psychology as the “happy” chemical. In conditions like depression and anxiety, the brain is dealing with an imbalance of chemicals such as serotonin. SSRIs, like sertraline, work by keeping serotonin in the space where it can readily be available for bodily processes. 

What is the connection between sertraline and long-COVID?

In those diagnosed with long-COVID, many suffer from “brain fog”; decreased cognitive acuity, memory deficits, poor focus, reduced ability to multitask, and reduced concentration [2]. The proposed reason is that during a COVID-19 infection, the body’s immune response becomes activated, causing heavy amounts of inflammation.  This inflammation affects the central nervous system (CNS), brain, and spinal cord. To combat this problem, researchers have turned to already existing medication therapies in the hopes they may be able to help decrease “brain fog” symptoms. Researchers have found some evidence that sertraline may help mitigate symptoms.

Serotonin has also been shown to have an effect against viral inflammation by blocking certain viruses (like HIV-1) into the cells. In addition, it can decrease cytokine production, promoting the immune response [2]. A trial conducted on 60 patients showed a decrease in depression when treated with an SSRI. Many patients were prescribed sertraline, and 55 showed positive clinical outcomes [3]. More research needs to be conducted as there is currently limited evidence to support the use of SSRIs for inflammation-related long-COVID,, however, for symptoms of depression associated with long-COVID, sertraline may be a viable option [4].

References:

¹https://www.medtextpublications.com/open-access/long-covid-is-there-a-role-for-antidepressants-1249.pdf

²https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8500775/

³https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40267-022-00975-x