What Is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) & Why Is It Used?
While naltrexone is FDA-approved for the treatment of alcoholism and opioid addiction, much lower doses can be used to help patients with chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, and much more. A typical dose of Naltrexone for addiction treatment purposes is 50 mg. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) therapy uses about 1/10th that dose (usually 4.5 mg) to achieve the desired effect.
While additional testing needs to performed and critical parameters, such as dosing, still need to be refined, LDN may emerge as the first of many glial cell modulators to be used for the management of chronic pain disorders.
How Does LDN Work?
LDN works to increase the production of endorphins which can help reduce painful symptoms, inhibit tumor growth, stimulate mucosal healing, and induce a sense of well-being. This increased production of endorphins may also stimulate the immune system, and increase the number of T lymphocytes – a type of white blood cell that develops from stem cells in bone marrow. T lymphocytes help protect the body from infection and may help fight cancer. This desired effect may be unique to low doses of naltrexone.
We encourage you to read this article to learn more about LDN.
Interested in learning more details about LDN research? You can find that information here .
What Does LDN Treat? Who Is A Good Candidate for LDN?
Beyond chronic pain, fatigue, and inflammation, LDN has been used to treat some of the following conditions:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Fibromyalgia
- Allergies & Asthma
- Mood Disorders
- Lyme Disease
Benefits of LDN
- Low cost
- Low side effects
- No known abuse potential
What are the side effects of LDN?
LDN is well tolerated in most patients and side effects are usually transient. However, care should be taken to slowly titrate/increase the dose to avoid side effects, so it is essential to follow the instructions provided on the prescription.
Common Side Effects:
- Sleep disturbances/Vivid dreams
- Gastrointestinal upset, nausea
- Mild headache
- Mild agitation
Uncommon Side Effects:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Rash
- High temperature
- Dizziness
- Increased fatigue or spasticity
The following may require dosage adjustments:
- Thyroid sensitivity in Hashimoto’s patients may require a supervised decrease in the dose of thyroid medication.
- Agitation/extrapyramidal symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease may require supervised adjustment of dopamine dose.
- Liver enzyme elevation may respond to dose reductions.
- Patients with kidney disease should be monitored for any decline in renal function.
Caution: LDN should not be taken by patients who are also taking prescription opioids. It is possible that even a low dose of naltrexone could cause blockade of opioid receptors and reduce the effectiveness of opioid analgesics or induce withdrawal symptoms.
Cancer and LDN
Intermittent Dosing with LDN causes increased cell death and has been reported to enhance cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. According to the LDN Research Trust , LDN should not be taken during treatment with PD-1 inhibitors.
What does Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) cost?
Midtown Express can bill your insurance for LDN. If your insurance does not cover LDN, Midtown Express charges $61.95/90 capsules (as of June 2020).
Midtown Express Fills LDN Treatment Prescriptions for Patients In Nashville & the Surrounding Communities
We also offer [free delivery services]/ as an added convenience for our patients.
