A drug based on vitamin B6 improves memory and reduces fatigue after COVID-19

Scientists have proven that a drug based on vitamin B6 may be used to treat long COVID asthenia, a condition in which patients complain of rapid fatiguability, memory and sleep problems. The medicine improved memory of 35% of patients, 40% stopped having sleep problems, and 42% of people started getting fatigued much slower. Furthermore, taking the drug has made it easier for patients to endure physical activities. The results of study have been published in the Infectology Magazine.

The number of COVID-19 cases is dropping worldwide. At the same time, the disease easily proceeds, but many people who had COVID seem to have persisting symptoms longer than usual. In that case doctors speak of «post-COVID syndrome», in which the symptoms last for over three weeks after recovery. This syndrome appears in 10 to 30% of people with mild and moderate course of the disease, and it can reach up to 80% in patients with severe COVID-19. At the same time, patients feel tired, experience shortness of breath and chest pains, become less sensitive to tastes and smells, have difficulty sleeping, develop anxiety and depression. Overall these symptoms are referred to as asthenic disorders.

Scientists from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University (Kaliningrad) have evaluated the effect and safety of using the combined drug  ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate with vitamin B6 (EMHPS / vitamin B6). Such combination is a part of a medication called Mexi B6. EMHPS is an antioxidant, meaning it inhibits the harmful oxidative stress in brain cells. It also increases the resistance of cells during oxygen starvation, protects cell membranes from damage arising from oxidative stress and normalizes metabolism of neurons. EMHPS is used for impairment of cerebral circulation in stroke, psychosomatic diseases, neurotic disorders, deterioration of attention and decreased mental efficiency. This medicine is used in Russia and neighboring countries, even though reliable scientific proof of its effectiveness does not exist. Vitamin B6, in its turn, is an essential substance, necessary for normal functioning of neural system. It is a member of many enzymes in the body and participates in the process of amino acid synthesis and formation of neurotransmitters.

The study’s authors conducted a study involving 33 people of both genders between the ages of 22 and 68. The patients were treated with the combined medicine for one month. Researchers visited the patients two times: before taking medicine and at the end of the month. During these visits the scientists checked in with the participants about their well-being and conducted a six-minute walk test.

In the beginning of the experiment most patients complained of decreased memory, sleep disturbance, increased fatigue under normal physical and emotional load. After taking the drug 35% of patients have noted that their memory had improved, sleep problems disappeared in 40% of patients and 42% reported significantly less fatigue. Moreover, after taking the drug people walked on average 7% more in six minutes than before taking the medicine, which is considered a statistically valid result. Therefore, EMHPS / vitamin B6 improved well-being of patients and helped to better endure physical exertion. It may be recommended as an additional means of physical rehabilitation after COVID-19.

«Widespread long-covid has prompted us to conduct this research and study post-COVID asthenia. We have evaluated the effectiveness and safety of using the combined drug in patients with asthenic and cognitive disorders after COVID and found its positive effect. This direction will continue to develop, patients enthusiastically participate in such research, have noted improvement of health, and we’re happy to help», — says clinical pharmacologist Yana Belousova, a team member of Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University.