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)
Some providers have used LDN in therapies for the following conditions:
- 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. Patients may experience these outcomes:
- Endorphin Increase: LDN may help boost the secretion of naturally occurring endorphins, which may relieve pain, may induce a sense of well-being, and may reduce inflammation.
- Opioid Growth Factor Release: This may reduce inflammation and autoimmune responses.
- Immune Cell Signaling Reduction: LDN may lessen inflammatory immune cell signaling, which may prevent the immune system from becoming overactive, which can exacerbate autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
- Glial Cell Calming: LDN may sooth glial cells in the nervous system, which helps protect nerve pathways and prevents nerve inflammation.
- Dopamine Level Increase: LDN may help improve mood, energy levels, and cognitive function by increasing dopamine levels.
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, discuss potential timelines with your medical provider.