Serotonergic psychedelics as potential therapeutics for post-COVID-19 syndrome (or Long COVID): A comprehensive review.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry March 20, 2025 Zhen Xuen Brandon Low, Shin Jie Yong, Hayam A Alrasheed et al.
Long COVID, or post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), involves persistent symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, olfactory dysfunction, and cognitive issues, with no approved treatments. Recent research links PCS severity to low circulating serotonin levels, suggesting serotonin-modulating therapies may help. This review proposes that serotonergic psychedelics, which act mainly on the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, could alleviate PCS symptoms through effects on inflammation, neuroplasticity, gastrointestinal function, and endothelial dysfunction. The review also discusses potential benefits for specific symptoms like olfactory dysfunction, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and mental health challenges. Emerging evidence indicates these psychedelics may help, but further high-quality research is needed to confirm their safety and efficacy.