Could Nicotine Patches Help Treat Long COVID Symptoms?
By Asmae Fahmy | Published on September 6, 2024 in verywell health
Key Takeaways
- Nicotine patches may alleviate long COVID symptoms by interacting with receptors that regulate inflammation, cognitive function, and the nervous system.
- Theories suggest nicotine could “dislodge” the virus or recalibrate receptors, but these ideas require further research.
- While nicotine patches offer potential benefits, they still carry significant risks, and their use should be guided by a healthcare professional.
Neuroscientist Janna Moen, PhD, never expected her doctoral research on nicotinic receptor pharmacology to intersect so closely with her health.
Her work—investigating how substances like nicotine interact with the body’s systems—was confined to the realms of academia. However, after she contracted COVID in March 2020 and subsequently developed long COVID, Moen’s scientific expertise became deeply personal.
Long COVID left the 32-year-old struggling with a slew of debilitating symptoms, driving her to explore several avenues for relief. Ultimately, Moen joined a growing cohort of patients experimenting with nicotine patches as a treatment for long COVID.
Why Long COVID Patients Are Turning to Nicotine Patches
At first glance, the idea of using a substance notorious for its addictive properties to treat long COVID might seem counterintuitive, if not outright alarming. However, the smoking cessation aid is offering a glimmer of hope for many long COVID patients.
“It’s a fascinating area of research,” Moen, who is now a postdoctoral fellow at Yale working on the neurobiology of long COVID, told Verywell. “But it’s also fraught with uncertainty. The potential benefits are intriguing, but the science is still very much in its infancy.”
Interest in nicotine patches surged after a 2023 study reported significant symptom improvements in four long COVID patients.1 This research ignited a wave of self-experimentation, which patients are documenting across online chat rooms and support groups.
Daphne Mir, a 33-year-old designer currently sidelined from work due to long COVID, is one such patient. After contracting the virus in December 2022, Mir developed dysautonomia (a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system), mast cell activation syndrome (which triggers the excessive release of histamine and leads to allergy-like symptoms), and cognitive impairment. After some hesitation, Mir eventually decided to try nicotine patches after learning about their potential benefits online.
“My initial reaction was that I didn’t need to add a highly addictive chemical to the mix,” they told Verywell. “But as my health continued to worsen, I realized I was willing to give almost anything a try.”
Mir’s trial of nicotine patches, which began with a low dose and gradually increased, yielded promising results. Mir observed a noticeable improvement in cognitive function and energy levels, with their resting heart rate reverting to pre-COVID levels.
“I still have bad days, but I’m sharper, and my endurance has improved,” they said. “It’s not a cure, but it’s something.”
Months after stopping the patches, Mir said the positive effects linger, prompting them to consider another trial.
Some doctors are also cautiously prescribing nicotine patches as part of their treatment plans for long COVID. Susan Levine, MD, an immunologist specializing in long COVID, told Verywell that nicotine patches are “working wonders” for several of her long COVID patients, particularly those plagued by brain fog and fatigue.
“The patches seem to provide symptomatic relief, but it’s important to remember that this is still very experimental,” Levine said. “Nicotine isn’t a cure, and it needs to be used carefully, ideally in combination with other treatments aimed at addressing underlying inflammation and immune dysregulation.”
Moen echoes this sentiment. While she saw significant improvement in her dysautonomia symptoms and orthostatic intolerance after experimenting with the patches, she acknowledges that her improvement cannot be conclusively attributed to the patches.
Please click the link below to read further:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/nicotine-patches-long-covid-treatment-8705089
What This Means For You
As the medical community continues to study long COVID and search for effective therapies, nicotine patches remain a controversial but intriguing option. While early reports are promising, they are not yet conclusive, and both patients and healthcare providers must navigate this emerging treatment with caution. The benefits, while real for some, are tempered by the risks and unknowns inherent in such an unproven treatment.