Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) originated in 1984 as a treatment for opioid overdoses, typically at doses ranging from 50-100 mg. By the 1990s, medical professionals began exploring lower doses (1.5-4.5mg) for treating a range of immune, inflammatory, and neurological disorders.
Conditions Commonly Treated with LDN
LDN has shown promising results in treating several medical conditions. Some of the most commonly treated include:
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis
- Hashimoto’s and Graves’ Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- Psoriasis and Eczema
- Arthritis
- Inflammatory Diseases
- Depression
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Lupus
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Autism
How LDN Works
LDN works through several mechanisms to benefit patients.
- Endorphin Increase: LDN may help stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, which help promote a sense of well-being and reduce inflammation.
- Opioid Growth Factor Regulation: LDN may help reduce inflammation, slow autoimmune responses, and may inhibit tumor growth.
- Reduced Immune Cell Signaling: By decreasing inflammatory signaling (Toll-like Receptor-4), LDN may help prevent the immune system from becoming overactive, which can worsen autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
- Glial Cell Modulation: LDN calms glial cells in the nervous system, which may help protect nerve pathways and prevent nerve inflammation.
- Dopamine Enhancement: LDN may increase dopamine levels, which can improve mood, energy, and cognitive function.
Potential Side Effects of LDN
LDN therapy generally has minimal side effects. Some patients may experience vivid dreams during the first few days of treatment, and others might report headaches or body aches that typically last only one day. Additional considerations include:
- Thyroid Medication Adjustment: LDN may increase the effectiveness of thyroid medications, potentially requiring dose adjustments.
- Opioid Use Considerations: Patients on opioid medications for chronic pain may need to explore alternative pain management options.
- Parkinson’s Medication Adjustment: Parkinson’s patients may require dosage changes after a few months of LDN treatment.
Many patients begin to notice significant improvements within the first 2-3 months of starting LDN therapy. Talk to our experienced pharmacists about LDN.