Definition: Persistent symptoms following recovery from the acute phase of a SARS-CoV-2 infection, including fatigue, cognitive issues, and mood disturbances.
Current Understanding: The hypothesis is that long-COVID might be due to microglia cells in the brain remaining in a pro-inflammatory state, a condition that might be reset to a default state.
Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Definition: A pharmaceutical agent typically used in much higher doses for different medical conditions.
Dosage for Long-COVID: Around 4.5 milligrams per day, a regimen considered to be low-dose.
Mechanism of Action: At low doses, LDN can cross the blood-brain barrier and interact with Toll-like receptor 4 on microglia cells, potentially helping to reset them to their default state, reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms.
Safety Profile: LDN has been used safely for other conditions, with minimal side effects, which generally include more vivid dreams for a short period.
Current Research on LDN and Long-COVID
State of Research: Limited but growing, with a small clinical trial already conducted and more trials in the planning stages.
Challenges: Developing conclusive evidence through clinical trials is a rigorous and time-consuming process, potentially taking one to two years for substantial results.
Personal Perspective: Dr. Younger shares that, if faced with long-COVID and a lack of alternative treatments, he would consider trying LDN due to its safety profile and low side-effect occurrence, based on its use in other conditions.
Advice for Individuals Considering LDN
Consultation with a Physician: Dr. Younger emphasizes the importance of discussing potential LDN treatment with a healthcare provider.
Trial Period: If individuals decide to try LDN, they should be prepared for a one to two-month trial period to properly assess its effectiveness.
Conclusion
Optimism for LDN: Despite the limited evidence, Dr. Younger is optimistic about LDN's potential in treating long-COVID, based on its mechanism of action and anecdotal evidence.
Future Discussions: Dr. Younger offers to share more detailed information in future discussions, including specifics on dosages and potential side effects.
Urgency for Effective Treatments: Dr. Younger expresses a strong desire for the rapid development of effective treatments to aid individuals suffering from long-COVID.