Prevention of seizure-induced sudden death in a chronic SUDEP model by semichronic administration of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

► DBA/1 mice are a new chronic model of SUDEP that die due to respiratory arrest. ► Fluoxetine is an SSRI that increases 5-HT availability and blocks SUDEP in DBA/1. ► This effect occurs with acute or semi-chronic administration of fluoxetine. ► SUDEP-blocking doses of fluoxetine do not block seizures in DBA/1 mice. ► These findings suggest SSRI treatment may be useful for preventing SUDEP in patients.