Off-label use of ivermectin for COVID-19: Are there any neuropsychiatric effects to be aware of?

Abstract

Sir, The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the health systems and medical providers around the world. This emergency has led to the off-label use of different drugs in the treatment of this new disease, such as ivermectin. Nonetheless, the use of ivermectin is still controversial. The repurposing of drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 is a potential good strategy if their effectiveness and safety have been established. The aim of this mini-commentary is to discuss the evidence regarding the use of ivermectin and its effects on behavioral and neurological functioning. Although there are many reports about the effects of ivermectin on animals, we aimed to summarize the evidence to provide guidance to physicians who prescribe ivermectin. This commentary is a summary of available case reports and case series about the use of ivermectin and the occurrence of neuropsychiatric symptoms, retrieved from a PubMed and Web of Science search. The keywords employed were: “neurological symptoms of ivermectin use,” “motor symptoms of ivermectin use,” “behavioral symptoms of ivermectin use,” “affective symptoms of ivermectin use,” and “psychiatric symptoms of ivermectin use.” Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug with multiple uses in human, as well animal healthcare. It acts on the chloride-dependent channels of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid, interrupting neurotransmission in nematodes and arthropods. Its use in animals has shown neurological effects. In mammals, blindness and ivermectin-induced retinopathy have been reported at doses of approximately 22 mg.[1] In humans, there have been reports of serious neurological adverse events (ataxia, tremor, convulsive disorder, confusional state, amnesia, encephalopathy, and coma) observed with the use of ivermectin in the treatment of onchocerciasis (dose range: 3–24 mg).[2] These adverse effects may not be entirely explained by the concomitant loiasis infections (with supportive evidence on the presence of ivermectin in the encephalic tissue in one case, and the recurrence of symptoms on repeated exposure in three cases).[2] Furthermore, secondary delirium has been reported (dose: 12 mg)[3] as well as psychotic episodes (dose: 6 mg)[4] associated with ivermectin use in combination with albendazole. A case of encephalitis has also been reported due to the weekly use of 12 mg of ivermectin for 6 months, with resolution of the encephalitis after hospitalization of the patient and suspension of the drug.[5] This effect could be due to drug interactions and severity of the disease itself. There is scarce literature on the neurological and behavioral effects of ivermectin use in humans. The off-label use of this drug in the treatment of COVID-19 might encourage more research about the therapeutic and side effects of this agent, above all on behavioral, psychological, and neurological factors of patients. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.