Her workinvestigating how substances like nicotine interact with the bodys systemswas confined to the realms of academia.
Ultimately, Moen joined a growing cohort of patients experimenting with nicotine patches as a treatment for long COVID.
However, the smoking cessation aid is offering a glimmer of hope for many long COVID patients.
Igor Alecsander / Getty Images
But its also fraught with uncertainty.
The potential benefits are intriguing, but the science is still very much in its infancy.
Daphne Mir, a 33-year-old designer currently sidelined from work due to long COVID, is one such patient.
After some hesitation, Mir eventually decided to try nicotine patches after learning about their potential benefits online.
But as my health continued to worsen, I realized I was willing to give almost anything a try.
Mirs trial of nicotine patches, which began with a low dose and gradually increased, yielded promising results.
I still have bad days, but Im sharper, and my endurance has improved, they said.
Its not a cure, but its something.
Months after stopping the patches, Mir said the positive effects linger, prompting them to consider another trial.
Moen echoes this sentiment.
Subjective experiences do not provide enough information to draw any kind of robust conclusion, she said.
This might help alleviate symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and widespread pain.
She cautions that the initial theory of nicotine dislodging spike proteins from nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is oversimplified.
Moen warns that nicotine is a double-edged sword.
Moen also emphasizes the complexity of nicotines interaction with the immune system.
As such, I have no plans to use them long-term.
Mirs experience with nicotine therapy highlights this complex balance.
Vaping, while less dangerous than smoking, still poses health risks and potential dependency.
Nicotine patches remain the least risky option for chronic nicotine treatment, she said.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Leitzke M.Is the post-COVID-19 syndrome a severe impairment of acetylcholine-orchestrated neuromodulation that responds to nicotine administration?.Bioelectron Med.
2023;299(5):104707. doi:10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104707
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to use nicotine patches.
