Anyone using Nicotine patches for Long Covid?

I’ve been doing it for a month with some success. Wish it was permanent. After doing the patches for 2weeks I tried to go 24 hours without one, 27 hours later brain fog set in, at 29 hour headaches again. 30hours I had to slap on a new patch…45 minutes later the start of relief. It takes 3-4 days to get back to where I was before. Had COVID at least 3 times with no shots. First time I had covid was first week of Jan 2020. Was a smoker till Aug 2022, then I Vaped till Jan. 2024. After I quit all nicotine Long COVID showed up July 2024, Been to countless doctors, neurologists, had mra, mris,, cat scans for headaches. Brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, Waking up in the middle of the night not able to go back to sleep. Upset stomach after eating. Hypersensitive to smells. Doctors just wanted to keep giving me new meds for headaches, injections nasal sprays. Nothing worked, A friend put all my symptoms together and stated that his sister had all of them also and it was long COVID she had luck with the patches and to try the patches. Went back to my doctors and they agreed that I probably have long COVID. But no long term answer how to get rid of it. Driving me crazy.

While you're correct that cigarettes do indeed have many chemicals added to them in addition to tobacco, it's the NICOTINE that is the primary cause of addiction, and that's widely known and acknowledged, despite some fringe websites that try to promote alternative conspiracy theories (as if the tobacco industry itself wasn't already conspiratorial enough!).

From the article "Nicotine Addiction and Smoking: Health Effects and Interventions" , for example:

"Nicotine addiction works by activating the brain's reward system, particularly the ventral tegmental area in the midbrain, similar to other addictive drugs and alcohol. This activation stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain's reward pathways, creating pleasurable sensations that reinforce the desire to use nicotine repeatedly. Over time, the brain adapts to these increased dopamine levels, leading to tolerance, where more nicotine is needed to achieve the same effects. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and strong cravings occur when nicotine levels drop, making it challenging for individuals to quit. These neurobiological mechanisms contribute to the powerful and persistent nature of nicotine addiction."

I'm surprised that Mayoclinic doesn't moderate these discussions to prevent the spread of obvious mis/disinformation.

Hi @sandguy, I noticed that you wished to post a URL to an article with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe.

Allow me to post it for you.
- Nicotine Addiction and Smoking: Health Effects and Interventions https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537066/

You can read more about the Community Guidelines and how Mayo Clinic Connect is moderated here:

- Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/
- Why & How We Moderate https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/moderators/#ch-tab-navigation

I believe I read it should be placed anywhere above the waist.

How about vaping? Has anyone heard of it affecting long symptoms for better or worse?
I’m not about to start nor do I suggest vaping. For me, that’s contrary to every bit of guidance I’ve personally received from my doctors.

Plus, if I’m at the gas station, I’m saving my money to pay for gas

I have 2 friends with lung issues they feel are result of Covid, and myself included. They use the patches in sections like you described and they, too, have realized good results. I wanted to start as soon as I watched Dr. Ardis video but was going to have a couple days wait before order/patches would arrive; so I got the 4mg Nicorette gum and each day chew half (2mg) and my lungs have improved. Sounds crazy but after listening to Dr. A explaining that our bodies have receptors that can use and benefit (I guess same as the natural receptors our bodies have for cannabis.

I've had Covid twice, January 2020 before it was recognized and again in July 2020. I lost my taste and smell and have not gotten it back. I am desperate to try regain these. I heard about the nicotine patches and looking to try them but know nothing about the strength of patches to try and for how long. can anyone offer some help. 5 years and counting.

I had a mild case of Covid in December of 2022 and lost my taste and smell on day 2 of the virus. I haven’t gotten it back yet and it’s March 2025. Like you, I am desperate to regain them! Have you heard of the Stellate Ganglion Block Injections? They are suppose to bring back taste/smell. I’ve had 7 and still only can detect salty, sweet and bitter on my tongue. Can’t really smell anything, only a quick whiff now and then of my perfume or coffee in the morning. They are fleeting moments of smell, but not any flavors on my tongue. Also, have you seen an ENT? I live in the suburbs of Chicago and have recently gotten an appointment with a Comprehensive Long Covid Clinic through Northwestern in Chicago. I don’t know where you live, but I can share their phone number with you if you’re interested. Their number is 312-926-9900. I hope this will help you in some small way. Good luck and good health!

I have tried the nicotene patches. The first day I used a whole one (lowest dose) and felt super energized, so I started cutting them in half. Was not so sure it was doing anything. I wore them for two weeks while traveling but still experienced post-malaise from the trip. There was only enough for 2 weeks so I would like to learn more about what protocol to use. I will look up the link suggested in an earlier comment. I am planning to meet with my primary doctor this week to discuss the latest research.

The SGB did help me about 90%! It did truly change me life. I know several people who were suffering with several things. I told them about the SGB. They ALL had life changing results!! Any questions message me.