A recent study published in Science Advances reveals that fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, offers protective benefits against sepsis. The research demonstrates that fluoxetine enhances interleukin-10 (IL-10)–dependent metabolic defenses, leading to improved survival rates in sepsis-induced disease models. This protective effect is achieved through multiple mechanisms, including antimicrobial properties and modulation of inflammatory responses. The findings suggest that fluoxetine's anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects could be harnessed as a therapeutic strategy for sepsis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection goes out of control, leading to widespread inflammation, tissue damage, and organ failure. It happens when the immune system, instead of fighting off the infection, starts attacking the body's own tissues.