The Many Uses of Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Naltrexone is a well-known opioid antagonist used in chronic or acute states of opioid abuse. Naltrexone was synthesized in 1963 and approved by FDA in 1984 for the treatment of opioid addiction. Low-dose Naltrexone refers to daily dosages of naltrexone that are approximately 1/10th of the typical opioid addiction treatment dosage. Clinicians have used naltrexone in doses ranging from 0.5 mg to 4.5 mg daily in order to label it as ‘low-dose’.
LDN is a promising treatment approach for chronic pain conditions thought to involve inflammatory processes. Clinical reports of LDN have demonstrated possible benefits in diseases such as fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, complex-regional pain syndrome, Hailey-Hailey disease, and cancer. It also has been of use in postoperative control of analgesia by reducing the need for the total amount of opioids following surgery.
Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) For Pain
Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic pain conditions that are suspected to be associated with inflammatory processes. Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) in the 1–5 mg per day range seems to work beyond the opioid receptor antagonism and modulate neuro-inflammatory processes involving inflammatory cells. At low doses, a paradoxical response of analgesia and anti-inflammatory action is reported.
Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) For Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Studies
The proposal for scientific investigation of LDN as a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) has been presented as a medical hypothesis in 2005, naltrexone has shown some promise in improving disease severity in multiple sclerosis. The drug was well tolerated, and a statistically significant decrease in spasticity was noticed A summary of clinical experience on low-dose naltrexone (LDN) in multiple sclerosis per peer-reviewed literature.
| Disease Classification | Type of Study (Number of Subjects) | Notable Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary progressive multiple sclerosis | Open-label uncontrolled phase II (40) | -Safe and tolerable (primary outcome) -Significantly reduced spasticity |
| Multiple sclerosis | Randomized placebo-controlled trial (60) | -Significant benefits for mental health per quality of life indices |
| Relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis | Randomized placebo-controlled trial (96) | -No significant differences in quality of life |
| Relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis | Retrospective cohort (215) | -Majority reported improvement in quality of life and reduced fatigue -Well tolerated treatment with insomnia and nightmares as adverse effects in a minority of cases |
| Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis | Retrospective cohort (54) | -LDN as a single therapy did not result in disease exacerbation |
| Multiple sclerosis | Quasi-experimental pharmacoepidemiological cohort (341) | -Exposure to LDN did not reduce the amount of disease modifying therapies used |
Low-Dose Naltrexone For Rheumatoid Arthritis?
In recent years, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has been used as an off-label therapy for several chronic diseases. Results from small laboratory and clinical studies indicate some beneficial effects of LDN in autoimmune diseases. The results support the hypothesis that persistent use of LDN reduces the need for medication used in the treatment of rheumatic and seropositive arthritis.
Autism Treatment With Low Dose Naltrexone
A child affected by Autistic Disorder may benefit from a trial of naltrexone therapy, particularly if the child exhibits self-injurious behavior and other attempted therapies have failed. Serious adverse effects have not been reported in short-term studies.
Naltrexone has been used most commonly at doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg/kg/day and has been found to be predominantly effective in decreasing self-injurious behavior. Naltrexone may also attenuate hyperactivity, agitation, irritability, temper tantrums, social withdrawal, and stereotyped behaviors. Patients may also exhibit improved attention and eye contact.
Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for Stress
The majority of patients who felt positive effects after taking LDN reported a clearer perception of both their surroundings and their inner life. Assessment of reality and dealing with it improved, as did the perception of their own body and effects, as well as self-regulation. The treatment was very low in side effects.
Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) Side Effects
In clinical practice and trials, low-dose naltrexone, less than 4.5 mg daily, has minimal side effects such as nausea, sleep disturbance, nightmares, and vivid dreams. If nightmares and vivid dreams are present, they seem to diminish over time or improve with morning instead of evening dose timing.
What To Avoid When Taking Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)?
There are 321 drugs known to interact with Naltrexone, along with two disease interactions and one alcohol/food interaction. Of the total drug interactions, 34 are major, and 287 are moderate.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
The use of naltrexone is contraindicated in patients with active hepatitis or hepatic failure; Naltrexone may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver, such as ethanol, may increase that risk. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Those are documented cases of higher doses of naltrexone, 50 mg, and more. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have further questions.
How Do You Get LDN?
Low-dose Naltrexone is a compounded medication that requires a prescription from a prescriber. for further information about LDN and how to get it, kindly contact Welltopia from here.
Resources
- Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)-Review of Therapeutic Utilization
- Low-Dose Naltrexone for Chronic Pain: Update and Systemic Review
- The use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic pain
- Efficacy and safety of naltrexone use in pediatric patients with autistic disorder
- Low dose naltrexone in the treatment of dissociative symptoms
- Naltrexone Interaction Checker
- Low dose naltrexone: Effects on medication in rheumatoid and seropositive arthritis. A nationwide register-based controlled quasi-experimental before-after study
