Background:
Naltrexone was first approved in 1984 by the FDA to treat Opioid addiction at a dose of 50 -100 mg daily. It is used as an opioid receptor antagonist. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) was first studied in the mid 80’s when patients were weaning off of Naltrexone, they noticed positive effects on other conditions. LDN is typically 1/10th the dose of traditional Naltrexone dosing. LDN binds to endorphin receptors where the effect last 4-6 hours. Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesia, and immune system regulation are the main effects of LDN.
Immune System:
LDN binds to Endorphin receptors which helps regulate the immune system. Endorphins are peptides that are produced in cells that regulate cell growth which includes immune cells. This can help decrease the speed of unwanted cell growth. Patients with low levels of endorphins tend to have autoimmune diseases. Once an autoimmune disease starts presenting physical manifestations it usually has been years since the immune disease began.
Disease States:
- Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (Hashimoto’s)
- Chronic Pain
- Fibromyalgia and many other chronic pain conditions.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Various Cancers
- Weight Loss
Side Effects:
(Most side effects do not occur with titration. If symptoms remain lower the dose)
- Insomnia
- Vivid Dreams
