LEARN MORE ABOUT LDN

Naltrexone is a classic opioid antagonist shown to substantially reduce glial inflammatory response by modulating Toll-like receptor 4 signaling in addition to systemically upregulating endogenous opioid signaling by transient opioid-receptor blockade. Clinical reports of LDN have demonstrated benefits in diseases such as fibromyalgia, connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, complex-regional pain syndrome, Hailey-Hailey disease, and cancer.  Naltrexone is typically  prescribed in daily doses of at least 50 mg to be taken daily. This pure opioid receptor antagonist has been Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for medication-assisted treatment of alcoholism or opioid use disorders.  Following Dr. Bihari’s initial off-label use of naltrexone in doses ranging from 1.5 mg to 3 mg as an adjunct therapy for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the 1980s, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has been introduced into clinical practice.   

There has been limited clinical study of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) to treat MS. Most of the studies completed have been small non-randomized controlled trials. Of the studies completed, many show LDN to be safe and easily tolerated. Some studies have demonstrated an improvement in quality of life, particularly in pain and fatigue management. Because the evidence to support the effectiveness of LDN in treating MS is lacking, it is not considered a disease modifying therapy.

Low-Dose Naltrexone Uses 

Fibromyalgia 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment, depression, environmental sensitivities, and digestive symptoms.  A review of studies found that LDN could help reduce pain and improve quality of life in people with fibromyalgia.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 

Chronic fatigue syndrome is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis. The condition involves deep fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, exercise intolerance, and neurological issues referred to as “brain fog.” Every person with chronic fatigue syndrome has a unique set of symptoms and degree of intensity.  There is growing evidence that some individuals have seen a reduction in their symptoms while using LDN.  Research suggests that individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome may have neuroinflammation, which is an inflammatory response in the brain or spinal cord. Because LDN may have an impact on inflammation in the nervous system, it's understandable why this may be a helpful treatment for some.

Multiple Sclerosis 

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of certain nerve cells. This can cause pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, and cognitive problems.  A few studies have found that LDN may be helpful in improving fatigue and quality of life in people with MS.

Long COVID 

Around 38% of those with COVID-19 will continue to have symptoms for longer than 12 weeks.  When this happens, it is called long COVID.

A few studies have looked at LDN as a treatment for patients with long COVID.  One found that LDN is safe for people with long COVID, and that it could help reduce symptoms and improve well being. The study was small, however, and larger studies would be needed before it will be clear how LDN works in people with this condition.

Crohn's Disease 

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues in your digestive tract.  Although LDN has been studied for its potential to reduce the severity of symptoms in people with Crohn's disease, most of the studies have been small and the outcomes were subjective, which means it's hard to know how much of an effect, if any, LDN has on the disease. It does appear to be safe and well-tolerated for people with Crohn's.5 

Cancer 

LDN has also been studied for its anticancer properties. However, studies that have found efficacy against certain cancers have largely been limited to animal models. Animal studies do not always translate well to human beings.  So far there isn't any research that supports the use of LDN in people with cancer, though the studies that do exist have been inconclusive. More research is needed before LDN can be recommended as a treatment for people with cancer.

Other Uses for Low-Dose Naltrexone 

Research shows some promise for low-dose naltrexone in treating these other conditions

• Alzheimer's disease
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Parkinson's disease
• Autoimmune thyroid disorders
• Relapsing major depressive disorder

If you are considering LDN for your chronic symptoms, please contact us for more information!