Using amantadine to improve cognitive function in long COVID patients
Feasibility Study of Amantadine for Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients With Long-Covid: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial
This study is testing if the medication amantadine can help improve thinking and reduce fatigue in people dealing with long COVID symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dallas, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06234462 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of amantadine in reducing cognitive dysfunction and other symptoms in patients suffering from long COVID, also known as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. It is a prospective, open-label, single-blind, randomized control study that will last approximately 6 weeks and involve 30 participants. The study will assess improvements in cognitive function, endurance, and fatigue levels, with findings potentially leading to a larger randomized control trial if successful.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20-65 who have had a confirmed COVID-19 infection within the past year and are experiencing cognitive and fatigue-related symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with known hypersensitivity to amantadine or significant psychiatric or medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option for patients experiencing cognitive dysfunction and fatigue due to long COVID.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of long COVID, similar studies exploring amantadine for cognitive dysfunction in other conditions have shown promise.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 20-65 * Can provide informed consent * Confirmed COVID+ test (either rapid antigen or PCR) between 8 weeks and one year prior to initial visit. * Able to consent in English * Endorse symptoms during their initial evaluation and history with the provider that began around the time of the acute COVID19 infection (subjective) including cognitive changes such as cognitive fatigue, brain fog, memory issues,attention issues AND have symptoms in at least 1 out of the 2 following symptom categories: * Category 1: Decreased endurance, physical fatigue, weakness * Category 2: Depression, anxiety Exclusion Criteria: * Known hypersensitivity to amantadine * Clinically significant psychiatric, neurologic, renal, hepatic, opthalmologic, cardiac impairment in the opinion of the investigators, including but not limited to: * Psychiatric: * Acute or chronic unstable Axis I psychiatric illness * History of psychosis * Severe depression Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score \>= 20 * Suicidality * Neurologic: * Epilepsy * Cognitive dysfunction predating COVID infection * History of delirium * Neurologic conditions with agitation or confusion
Where this trial is running
Dallas, Texas
- UT Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amy Mathews, M.D. — UT Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Brittany Wright, PhD
- Email: brittany.wright@utsouthwestern.edu
- Phone: 469-892-8637
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.