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

NCT ID NCT04850222

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Florida Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida, 32608, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.