What is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)?
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a medication initially introduced in 1984 to counteract the effects of opioid overdoses with dosages ranging from 50-100mg. In the 1990s, medical professionals began utilizing significantly lower doses (1.5-4.5mg) to address a variety of immune, inflammatory, and neurological disorders.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Doctors worldwide have reported highly positive outcomes in patients treated with LDN for various medical conditions. Some of the most commonly treated conditions include:
- Chronic Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis
- Hashimoto’s and Graves’ Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- Psoriasis, Eczema
- Arthritis
- Inflammatory Diseases
- Depression
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Lupus
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Autism
How LDN Works
LDN therapy involves several mechanisms of action that collectively benefit patients, with over 80% of treated individuals experiencing significant improvement:
Endorphin Increase
LDN boosts the secretion of naturally occurring endorphins, which relieve pain, induce a sense of well-being, and reduce inflammation.
Opioid Growth Factor Release
This reduces inflammation, autoimmune responses, and tumor cell growth.
Immune Cell Signaling Reduction
LDN lessens inflammatory immune cell signaling (Toll-like Receptor-4), preventing the immune system from becoming overactive, which can exacerbate autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Glial Cell Calming
LDN soothes glial cells in the nervous system, which helps protect nerve pathways and prevents nerve inflammation.
Dopamine Level Increase
By raising dopamine levels, LDN helps improve mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
LDN therapy generally has few side effects. Some patients may experience vivid dreams during the first few days of treatment. Occasionally, patients report a single-day episode of headaches or body aches. Additionally:
- Thyroid Medication Adjustment: LDN can make thyroid medications more effective, potentially necessitating dosage adjustments.
- Opioid Medication Considerations: Patients on opioid medications for chronic pain may need to discuss alternative options.
- Parkinson’s Disease Medication: Dosage adjustments might be required for Parkinson’s patients after a few months on LDN.
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) Resources
The response time to LDN therapy varies, but most patients notice significant improvements within the first two months. If you believe Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) might be beneficial for your condition, Haber’s Compounding Pharmacy is here to help. Contact us to learn more about LDN and how our custom-compounded medications can support your health and well-being.