Effect of Lithium Therapy on Long COVID Symptoms

[RedFox]

Effect of Lithium Therapy on Long COVID Symptoms
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05618587

Brief Summary:
This study will assess low-dose lithium's effects on several different symptoms experienced by long COVID patients.

Detailed Description:
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 50 patients with long COVID will be randomly assigned to either low-dose oral lithium or placebo therapy for three weeks. After the double-blind study phase, all patients will be provided with lithium therapy for two additional weeks. Study visits will occur at baseline and after the three-week double-blind study phase.

News Coverage:
Could low-dose lithium treat long COVID? UB launches clinical trial to find out
https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2023/01/002.html

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Adults experiencing long COVID may be interested in a new University at Buffalo clinical trial that is testing low-dose lithium as a potential treatment.

The randomized clinical trial is recruiting 50 adults ages 18 to 80 with long COVID to participate. For more information on the trial, call 716-829-5454.

Context:
Dr. Guttsuo at the University of Buffalo is testing low-dose lithium to see if it relieves long Covid symptoms. Lithium is generally used to treat mental health conditions, mainly bipolar. We're not really sure how it works. It's known for being difficult to dose because it has a narrow range of therapeutic levels (a toxic dose isn't much more than the amount needed to treat you).

However, they're trying a far lower dose for long Covid. People with bipolar disorder take 300-600 mg 3x a day. This study is only using 10mg 4x a day. The mechanism of action might be different at this dose. Dr. Guttuso, the lead investigator, hypothesizes it's reduced inflammation:

Because long COVID is believed to stem from chronic inflammation and lithium has known anti-inflammatory actions, Guttuso decided to recommend that a patient try low-dose lithium for persistent long COVID symptoms.

 

[dreampop]

Guttuso’s interest in low-dose lithium therapy goes beyond long COVID. He is currently conducting a clinical trial on using the therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease with pilot project funding from UB’s CTSI.

Based on the promising results he has observed, as well as previously published research studies, Guttuso was inspired to write a book about lithium. Called “The Promise of Lithium,” the book focuses on research studies that have shown that low-dose lithium might be a promising treatment not just for Parkinson’s disease, but possibly also for Alzheimer’s disease.

 

[SNT Gatchaman]

Reported in Lithium Aspartate for Long COVID Fatigue and Cognitive Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial (2024, JAMA Network Open)

(Null result)