Could a common antidepressant stop mental health decline after a broken bone?

NCT ID NCT04850222

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether giving fluoxetine (Prozac) to people with serious bone fractures could prevent or reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues that often follow such injuries. 55 adults with broken bones requiring surgery were randomly assigned to take either fluoxetine or a calcium supplement for 90 days. The goal was to see if a simple medication, prescribed by the surgical team, could improve recovery beyond just physical healing.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

fluoxetine

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, safe way for surgeons to help patients avoid lasting mental health issues after a serious injury.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study with only 55 people, so results may not apply widely. Fluoxetine can cause side effects like nausea or sleep problems, and it may not help everyone.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bone fracture injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Florida

    Gainesville, Florida, 32608, United States