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EXPLORING THE USES OF LOW-DOSE NALTREXONE (LDN).​
Naltrexone, an opiate receptor antagonist, is not a new drug, but when used off label at very low doses, is a drug shown in many trials to be of therapeutic benefit. The 50mg dose of Naltrexone was approved by the FDA in 1984 to treat opioid and alcohol addiction.
In 1985, Bernard Bihari, MD, a physician with a clinical practice in New York City, discovered the effects of a much smaller dose of Naltrexone. When reduced to doses ranging from 0.5mg to 9.0mg daily, it can modulate the immune system and may provide relief to those suffering from autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, mental health challenges, and inflammation.
Over the past ten years, there has been a growing body of evidence that the body's endorphins (naturally occurring opioids) have a crucial role in regulating the immune system and providing pain relief. LDN's blockade of opioid receptors has been shown to upregulate endorphin production. LDN's blockade of Toll Like Receptors is believed to contribute to the anti-inflammatory and immune dampening effects.
These mechanisms help us understand why LDN can be beneficial for so many patients. LDN continues to provide life changing outcomes for many patients. It is available only by prescription and custom made at a compounding pharmacy.
The key to success in using LDN is an understanding that optimal dosing is ultimately patient specific and is not dependent on a set protocol. Dosing strategies can vary tremendously. Some patients find success very quickly, while others need to try a variety of dosing strategies, which may take up to several months to achieve success. Therefore, it is critical to work with a provider or a compounding pharmacy knowledgeable tin strategies that can help ensure success with LDN.
Since we began specializing in LDN at Norland Avenue Pharmacy, we have seen a wide variety of successes. it is these successes that motivate us to continue to try to help other patients.
NOTE: Because LDN is an opioid receptor blocker, caution should be taken when prescribing LDN to patients who are taking opioid-type pain medications such as Morphine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, and Fentanyl.
"Before I felt bad all the time. I was sick a lot, and I didn't want to get out of bed. Now, I might have an occasional flare-up, but it's mostly under control."
"I've done a complete 180. I recouped all my functions. It helps my sleep. My constitution is much stronger, and my immune system is much stronger."
"LDN is amazing! Before I started taking LDN, my TSH level was 4.5. After three months on LDN, my TSH level was 0.8."
