Can Nicotine Patches Treat Long COVID Symptoms?

Can nicotine patches treat long COVID symptoms?

Yes, a small case series suggests nicotine patches may rapidly improve long COVID symptoms within days. Four patients with persistent fatigue, brain fog, and loss of taste/smell experienced significant improvement after applying low-dose nicotine patches, with some achieving complete recovery within 2-3 weeks.

This intriguing case series from Bioelectronic Medicine proposes that SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins may bind to acetylcholine receptors in the nervous system, disrupting normal nerve signaling and causing long COVID symptoms. The researchers hypothesize that nicotine’s higher affinity for these receptors could displace the viral proteins and restore function.

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Does Nicotine Help Long COVID? What a New Review Suggests

Dr. Kumar’s Take

This review paper argues that many Long COVID symptoms may come from disrupted cholinergic signaling, especially at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The authors propose a simple testable idea: short courses of low-dose nicotine patches could temporarily restore signaling and ease brain fog, fatigue, dizziness, and cold hands or feet. They share one patient case with PET imaging that looked better after a brief patch trial, and a user survey showing many reported improvement. It is promising, but still early. Readers should discuss options with a clinician, not self-medicate.

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