What is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)?

Naltrexone is an opiate receptor antagonist that was introduced and approved by the FDA in 1984 to reverse the effects of opioid drug overdose. 50-100mg dosages were used to rescue patients in an overdose or drug abuse situation. In the 1990’s, doctors began using much lower doses (.5- 9mg) for the purposes of normalizing immune system, inflammatory and neurological disorders.

What conditions are normally treated with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)?

Doctors from all over the world have been reporting extremely positive responses for patients with a variety of medical problems. This list represents just a few of the most commonly treated conditions:

      • Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia
      • Lupus
      • SIBO
      • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
      • HIV/AIDS
      • Chronic Pain Syndromes
      • Autism
      • Ulcerative Colitis
      • Irritable Bowel, Crohn’s Disease
      • Hashimoto’s and Graves Auto-immune Thyroiditis
      • Psoriasis, Eczema
      • Arthritis
      • Multiple Sclerosis
      • Inflammatory Diseases
      • Depression, Anxiety, OCD

We expect very few side effects with this therapy. Some patients will experience vivid dreams the first few days of LDN. A few patients have reported a single day episode of headaches or body aches, but these are not expected.

LDN therapy frequently causes thyroid medication to work more effectively in the body. Therefore, we have our thyroid patients watch for development of symptoms of high thyroid. Then, they work with their providers to reduce their daily dosage to a more appropriate level.

If a patient is on opioid medications for chronic pain, options will need to be discussed. Parkinson’s patients may require a medication dosage adjustment after a few months of LDN.

How long does it take to see desired effects?

The response time of patients on LDN therapy varies by individual and type of medical condition. Most of our patients see significant improvement within the first two months however, experts agree eight months of therapy is required to see maximum benefit.

What else can I do to help LDN therapy work better?

Many factors are known to contribute to the development of auto-immune and inflammatory diseases.

Visit the LDN Research Trust for additional information about Low Dose Naltrexone.