Question 1: Give a short critical explanation of the rationale of using fluvoxamine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)) in the treatment of Covid19 patients.

Fluvoxamine is an SSRI which has been FDA approved in the treatment of depression, OCD etc, but has not been approved for the treatment of infections (NIH, 2021). 

Fluvoxamine has a great affinity for S1R. This receptor controls the endonuclease activity of the ER stress sensor, IRE1 as well as controlling expressions of cytokines. This therefore means that Fluvoxamine hinders the inflammatory signaling pathways but hinders inflammatory cytokines synthesis. Upon further research, cytokine expression causes inflammation in Covid19. 

As a result Fluvoxamine still needs further research to determine its success in the treating Covid19 patients. 

References: 

NIH (National institute of health). 2021. https://www.covid19treatmentguidlines.nih.gov/therapies/immunomodulators/fluvoxamine/ Date of access: 19 Oct. 2021

NIH (National institute of health). 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33403480/ Date of access: 19 Oct. 2021