Nicotine Patch Protocol in Dallas
We list the current studies about Nicotine and Nicotine Patch, however, please note that we do not support using a nicotine patch for any longer than 30 days and preferably no longer than 14 days. While nicotine carries several positive effects, we feel that the huge number of negative effects significantly outweigh any benefit that nicotine provides.
In general, we do NOT support the use of any tobacco products. There are not any FDA approved medications for long covid as of 2023. While not FDA approved for long covid, there are several studies showing symptom relief associated with long covid. Unlike most treatments currently offered, it is 1 of 3 available treatments to consistently help reverse anosmia, dysgeusia, and parosmia. The studies used a 7.5mg/24-hour nicotine patch. In most countries, including the USA, the STEP 3 of quitting smoking 7mg is the most readily available. While you may want to use the 14mg (STEP 2) or the 21mg (STEP 1), there side effects will increase proportionally to the increase in dose. Most study participants saw relief from many of the long covid symptoms as early as 7 days after starting the nicotine patch.
Symptoms relieved:
- Chronic fatigue
- Dizziness
- Dyspnea
- Low grade fever
- Anosmia
- Ageusia
- Memory lapses
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Chest tightness/ chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Cognitive impairment
- Exercise intolerance
How does nicotine work for long covid?
1. Nicotine activates the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). This receptor is responsible for communication between neurons (nerve cells) and involved in almost every synaptic signal transmission. There is a possibility that SARS-CoV-2 binds to these nAChRs on a large scale in a non-intrinsic way is a plausible explanation for the widespread symptoms of long-haul COVID-19. Covid and possibly the spike protein competes for these receptors against the natural Acetylcholine (ACh). By competing, it prevents the normal activation and function of the cholinergic neuromodulation at the nicotinic receptors.
2. Nicotine also binds to a subgroup of nAChR called α7nAChR. This receptor located mainly on macrophages and nerve cells is responsible for the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP pathway). Interestingly, both vagus nerve stimulation and ivermectin may work thru this pathway.
3. Nicotine upregulates ACE2 receptor expression on cells. This receptor is on most cells of the body and in particular the epithelial cells of the gut. While SARS-cov-2 uses this receptor to bind, enter, and infect each cell, it also reduces the number of ACE2 receptors that each cell has. ACE2 receptors help modulate blood pressure and inflammation. Despite the importance of this receptor, using an ACE inhibitor (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) have not improved clinical outcomes.
Nicotine side effects
- Stimulation: Nicotine is a stimulant that can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened alertness.
- Dizziness: Some individuals may experience dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when using nicotine for the first time.
- Nausea: Nicotine can cause nausea, especially in individuals who are not used to its effects.
- Headache: Headaches are a common side effect of nicotine consumption.
- Jitteriness: Nicotine can lead to a jittery or nervous feeling.
- Insomnia: Due to its stimulant properties, nicotine can interfere with sleep patterns and lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Tachycardia: can mildly increase heart rate.
Nicotine overdose symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting. Increased salivation.
- Abdominal pain.
- Pale skin color.
- Sweating
- Increased blood pressure.
- Increased heart rate.
- Loss of full control of body movements (ataxia), loss of balance, difficulty walking
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Headache, dizziness.
- Muscle twitching.
Simple Nicotine patch protocol
coordinate care with a qualified medical professional, do NOT attempt yourself
- Warning, nicotine overdose can be fatal! Do not chew nicotine gum, smoke, vape, chew tobacco, or use any product that contains nicotine while on the nicotine patch.
- Purchase STEP 3 7mg patch/24 hours. These are available over the counter in most grocery stores and pharmacies. Brand is not important.
- Do NOT apply more than 1 patch at a time.
- Apply 1 patch to one of 4 areas, leave on for 24 hours, and rotate areas daily. Each shoulder and each thigh. You can remove patch at night if you are having trouble sleeping.
- If 7 mg causes side effects that are not well tolerated, can remove only ½ of the foil over the sticky area. DO NOT cut the patches. Why? it may cause an unstable and unpredictible dose delivery once cut.
- Continue 1 patch daily for a minimum of 14 days. If no response or improvement, can discontinue, if improvement, continue for a total of 30 days and discontinue.
- Rapid, heavy breathing (hyperpnea).
- We do not recommend chewing nicotine gum because gum will release the entire nicotine content in a short time, while a patch will release nicotine slow and steady over 24 hours.