Nicotine Therapy for Long Covid and Vaccine Injury
In December 2021, my life took a drastic turn when I suffered a severe COVID vaccine injury. The symptoms were debilitating—extreme fatigue, brain fog, neurological issues like numbness and tremors, and significant gut problems. For nearly two years, I struggled to regain my health. However, at the end of 2023, during a particularly severe bout of COVID, I found an unexpected ally in my recovery: nicotine patches.
My Experience with Nicotine Patches
I started using nicotine patches at 1.75 mg, gradually increasing to 3.5 mg and then to 5.5 mg over a month. The results were remarkable. Not only did the patches help me recover more swiftly from COVID, but they also improved my overall baseline health, elevating me to a level I hadn’t experienced since before my vaccine injury. Despite concerns about potential side effects, I found minimal downsides other than an increase in energy and alertness. Unfortunately, after about a month of consistent use, I developed a sensitivity to the adhesive in the patches, leading to hives. I tried various brands, but the reaction persisted, forcing me to discontinue their use. Even so, the benefits I gained during that time were undeniable—my energy levels increased, brain fog lifted, and my neurological symptoms and gut issues significantly improved.
The Science Behind Nicotine for Long COVID and Vaccine Injury
Nicotine might seem like an unusual choice for aiding recovery from long COVID and vaccine injury, but emerging research highlights its potential benefits. Nicotine’s role in supporting cellular energy production and its anti-inflammatory properties make it an interesting candidate for managing these conditions.
Enhancing Cellular Energy and ATP Production: Nicotine interacts with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are found in various tissues, including the nervous system and immune cells. Stimulation of these receptors can influence the release of neurotransmitters and improve mitochondrial function, leading to increased ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production—the primary energy currency of our cells. For those with long COVID or vaccine injury, where cellular energy production is often compromised, this boost can help alleviate fatigue and other energy-draining symptoms.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Nicotine has anti-inflammatory properties that can help modulate the immune response. In conditions like long COVID and vaccine injury, chronic inflammation often plays a significant role in symptom persistence. By dampening the inflammatory response, nicotine can help reduce symptoms such as brain fog, neurological issues, and fatigue.
Potential Role in Dislodging Spike Protein: One of the theories around long COVID and vaccine injury involves the spike protein lingering in tissues, contributing to ongoing symptoms. Nicotine’s interaction with the nervous and immune systems may help modulate the body’s response to these residual proteins, possibly aiding in their breakdown and clearance.
Reflecting on the Benefits: While my journey with nicotine patches was cut short due to an allergic reaction, the month I used them was transformative. Not only did they help me recover more quickly from COVID, but they also took my baseline health to a higher level than before, significantly reducing my symptoms from the vaccine injury. The patches provided an unexpected yet effective tool in my recovery, demonstrating the potential of nicotine in supporting those grappling with complex post-viral and post-vaccine conditions.
Nicotine patches aren’t for everyone, and their use should always be discussed with a healthcare provider. However, my experience highlights the need for open-minded exploration of unconventional therapies in the ongoing fight against long COVID and vaccine injuries.