Question to Dr. T on Nicotine Patches for Long COVID

Question

I read your book You Can Heal From Long COVID and I'm hopeful of finding relief after almost 6 years. However, I was surprised that nowhere did you mention nicotine as possible treatment. I have used nicotine gum and it seems to help. The idea is that it removes spike proteins. But my sense is that perhaps it is just a stimulant. Do you have an opinion on the use of nicotine patches or gum to assist with long COVID recovery by removal of spike proteins? Thank you — Kimberly

Answer

There are several hundred different treatments that can help in small groups, but the focus of my book is treatments that help the largest percent of people with long COVID.

There are many neurotransmitter deficiencies and issues in LC. Acetylcholine is one, and the nicotine does stimulate these receptors. But it is controversial as to whether nicotine eliminates or displaces spike protein.

In my practice, because of the addictive nature of nicotine, I much prefer to use ivermectin (which a number of studies show help to clear out the spike protein) and choline (e.g., eggs) to stimulate production of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter.

But if you are finding it very helpful, it is certainly reasonable to continue using it and to share your experiences with us. I recently started a new Facebook group for exactly that purpose—to bring people together to share what has helped them. If you haven't already done so, please join and share what you've learned with others.

Love and Blessings

Dr. T