LDN Treatment

What Is Low-Dose Naltrexone?

LDN treatment uses the medication naltrexone, in very small doses, to regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.

To understand low-dose naltrexone (LDN), it helps to start with naltrexone itself. It's a medication with a strong track record as part of treatment for drug and alcohol addiction: it blocks the "high" created by opiates or alcohol, curbing the urge to use again, without any narcotic effect of its own.

Because naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, your body compensates by increasing endorphin production, and endorphins have anti-inflammatory properties. LDN leverages that effect at a fraction of the traditional dose, typically about 1/10, and a surprisingly wide range of conditions can benefit.

Which Conditions Does LDN Help?

Practitioners keep finding new uses for LDN therapy. It's particularly effective for autoimmune conditions and pain-driven conditions:

• Autoimmune disease — LDN's anti-inflammatory effect helps regulate the immune "overdrive" behind autoimmune disorders. Many people with multiple sclerosis see fewer flare-ups, and people with Crohn's disease report better overall quality of life. LDN is also used for psoriasis, lupus, thyroid conditions, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Long COVID — research is still early, but initial studies point to LDN reducing the pain, fatigue, brain fog, and chronic coughing associated with long COVID.
• Depression, anxiety & bipolar disorder — by increasing endorphin, dopamine, and serotonin production, LDN can play a meaningful role in a holistic mood disorder treatment plan.
• Fibromyalgia — LDN reduces inflammatory responses in your nerves, easing fibromyalgia symptoms; one study found it the most effective treatment studied.
• Chronic pain — LDN lowers production of cytokines, the inflammatory chemicals that make tissue more sensitive to pain.
• Cancer support — LDN can be used as a safe adjunct treatment for several cancer types, including breast, bladder, colon, liver, and rectal cancers.

Are There Side Effects?

At higher doses, naltrexone carries real risks, particularly to the liver. LDN doses are so low that most patients experience no adverse effects at all. A small number report difficulty sleeping, more vivid dreams, nausea, or diarrhea, and when that happens, the dose can be reduced further to resolve it.

How to Get Started

Reach out and book a free strategy call with Cherise to find out how LDN could fit into your treatment plan.

Sources

1. Liubchenko K, Kordbacheh K, Khajehdehi N, et al. Naltrexone's Impact on Cancer Progression and Mortality: A Systematic Review of Studies in Humans, Animal Models, and Cell Cultures. Adv Ther. 2021 Feb;38(2):904-924. PMID: 33337537.
2. O'Kelly B, Vidal L, McHugh T, et al. Safety and efficacy of low dose naltrexone in a long covid cohort; an interventional pre-post study. Brain Behav Immun Health. 2022 Oct;24:100485. PMID: 35814187.
3. What Patients Say Works for Fibromyalgia. 23andMe Research Blog.
4. Couto RD, Fernandes BJD. Low Dose Naltrexone: The Potential Benefit Effects for its Use in Patients with Cancer. Curr Drug Res Rev. 2021;13(2):86-89. PMID: 33504322.
5. Teneralli RE, Kern DM, Cepeda MS, et al. Exploring real-world evidence to uncover unknown drug benefits and support the discovery of new treatment targets for depressive and bipolar disorders. J Affect Disord. 2021 Jul 1;290:324-333. PMID: 34020207.