Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a medication initially introduced in 1984 to counteract the effects of opioid overdoses with dosages ranging from 50-100mg. In the 1990s, medical professionals began utilizing significantly lower doses (1.5-4.5mg) to address a variety of immune, inflammatory, and neurological disorders.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Doctors worldwide have reported highly positive outcomes in patients treated with LDN for various medical conditions. Some of the most commonly treated conditions include:
- Chronic Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis
- Hashimoto’s and Graves’ Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- Psoriasis, Eczema
- Arthritis
- Inflammatory Diseases
- Depression
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Lupus
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Autism
LDN therapy involves several mechanisms of action that collectively benefit patients, with over 80% of treated individuals experiencing significant improvement:
- Endorphin Increase: LDN boosts the secretion of naturally occurring endorphins, which relieve pain, induce a sense of well-being, and reduce inflammation.
- Opioid Growth Factor Release: This reduces inflammation, autoimmune responses, and tumor cell growth.
- Immune Cell Signaling Reduction: LDN lessens inflammatory immune cell signaling (Toll-like Receptor-4), preventing the immune system from becoming overactive, which can exacerbate autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
- Glial Cell Calming: LDN soothes glial cells in the nervous system, which helps protect nerve pathways and prevents nerve inflammation.
- Dopamine Level Increase: By raising dopamine levels, LDN helps improve mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
Side Effects of Low Dose Naltrexone
LDN therapy generally has few side effects. Some patients may experience vivid dreams during the first few days of treatment. Occasionally, patients report a single-day episode of headaches or body aches. Additionally:
- Thyroid Medication Adjustment: LDN can make thyroid medications more effective, potentially necessitating dosage adjustments.
- Opioid Medication Considerations: Patients on opioid medications for chronic pain may need to discuss alternative options.
- Parkinson’s Disease Medication: Dosage adjustments might be required for Parkinson’s patients after a few months on LDN.
The response time to LDN therapy varies, but most patients notice significant improvements within the first two months.Â