Donepezil for Fatigue and Psychological Symptoms in Post-COVID-19 Condition: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom of post-COVID-19 condition (also known as long COVID) and impairs various functions. One of the underlying mechanisms may be intracerebral inflammation due to decreases in acetylcholine levels.

Objective

To examine the effects of donepezil hydrochloride, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, on post-COVID-19 fatigue and psychological symptoms.

Design, setting, and participants

A multicenter, double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed in Japan. Between December 14, 2022, and March 31, 2024, adult patients within 52 weeks of the onset of COVID-19 and with a global binary fatigue score of 4 or greater on the Chalder Fatigue Scale were randomized into a donepezil or a placebo group.

Exposure

The interv

SUBMITTER: Nakamura K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11915061 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature