Using Fluoxetine right after injury to help trauma victims recover better

Can Immediate Post-injury Fluoxetine Improve the Recovery Trajectories of Victims in Bodily Trauma?

Phase 4 Interventional University of Florida · NCT06046859

This study is testing if giving Fluoxetine right after an injury can help trauma victims avoid PTSD and depression while also looking at pain levels and opioid use.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Florida Academic / other
Locations1 site (Gainesville, Florida)
Trial IDNCT06046859 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates whether administering Fluoxetine immediately after bodily trauma can reduce the risk of developing negative psychiatric symptoms such as PTSD and depression. The study employs a prospective double-blinded, placebo-controlled design, where participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Fluoxetine or a placebo during their hospitalization. The aim is to assess not only the psychological outcomes but also the impact on pain levels and opioid use, while maintaining standard post-injury pain management protocols.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals admitted for trauma with specific injuries such as extremity fractures, pelvic fractures, or chest/abdominal injuries requiring surgical intervention.

Not a fit: Patients with severe traumatic brain injuries, current psychiatric conditions on SSRI treatment, or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve mental health outcomes and reduce pain for trauma victims, potentially decreasing reliance on opioids.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of Fluoxetine in this immediate post-injury context is novel, previous studies have shown promise in using SSRIs for PTSD and depression in trauma patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Admitted to UF Health for trauma resulting in:

  * One or more extremity fractures requiring surgery
  * Pelvic Fracture
  * Chest/abdominal Injury requiring intervention in operating room
* Polytrauma (multiple organ systems/multiple fractures) or Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) ≥ 14

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe Traumatic Brain Injury or cognitively not able to participate in surveys. (Glasgow Coma Scale 3-8)
* Other psychiatric conditions on current medical management (SSRI)
* Incarceration or Pregnancy
* Expected Injury Survival of less than 90 days
* Medical or physical condition in opinion of investigators that would preclude safe study participation
* Unable to provide informed consent due to language or other barriers
* Current or previous substance abuse (excluding cannabinoids and alcohol)

Where this trial is running

Gainesville, Florida

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Musculoskeletal Injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.