JAMA Netw Open

Low-dose lithium fails to improve neurologic symptoms of long COVID

October 8, 2024

Low-dose lithium aspartate didn't significantly improve fatigue and cognitive dysfunction in long COVID patients. However, findings from a dose-finding study suggest possible benefit from higher dosages.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of patients with long COVID symptoms of fatigue and cognitive dysfunction (N=52; mean age, 58.54 years; 58% male) was conducted at a neurology clinic from November 2022 to June 2023. Participants were randomized to receive either 10-15 mg/day of lithium aspartate or placebo for three weeks, followed by an open-label phase where all participants received lithium aspartate. Primary outcome was change in scores on the Fatigue Severity Scale-7 (FSS-7) and Brain Fog Severity Scale (BFSS).

No significant difference was seen between the lithium aspartate and placebo groups in reducing fatigue and cognitive dysfunction (-3.6; 95% CI, -16.6 to 9.5; P = .59). However, in a subsequent dose-finding study (N=3), higher doses of lithium aspartate (40-45 mg/day) were associated with greater reductions in symptoms in 2 patients with serum lithium levels of 0.18 and 0.49 mEq/L, compared with 1 patient with a level of 0.10 mEq/L. No adverse events were attributed to lithium therapy.

Source:

Guttuso T Jr, et al. (2024, October 1). JAMA Netw Open. Lithium Aspartate for Long COVID Fatigue and Cognitive Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39356507/