Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a safe, non-toxic, and inexpensive drug that helps to regulate a dysfunctional immune system. Studies have been done over recent years, and scientists have found that the drug can treat various ailments. Naltrexone is an older drug that was developed in the 1960s and was approved for medical use by the FDA in the 1980s. It is still commonly used to treat opioid and alcohol addictions. To learn about the newer version, here are a few things you need to know about low dose naltrexone:
How it Works
LDN is a pure inhibitor, meaning there is no narcotic effect. This is a crucial component because there is a wide misconception that the drug is a controlled medicine, narcotic, or opioid. One of the main questions that get asked is how much of the standard naltrexone is considered to be a low dose. In most medical cases, a low dose of naltrexone is up to one-tenth, or 10%, of the dose that is usually taken for opioid addiction. Many of the studies that have been performed are based on 4.5mg per day. If you are interested in how LDN can be beneficial for you, talk to your healthcare provider or contact us for more information.
Benefits of LDN
Low dose naltrexone is used for a variety of medical conditions. Two of the most common uses are to treat various types of unresolved lingering pain and to relieve pain caused by fibromyalgia. LDN has also been used to treat autoimmune thyroid disorders, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, Crohn's disease, and much more. Using LDN for these conditions is off-label, meaning it hasn't been approved by the FDA but it is still a widely recognized use. If you would like to learn more about low dose naltrexone, contact our pharmacy or fill out the online form.
LDN and Pain Relief
One of the main benefits of LDN is that it has been shown to reduce pain in many situations. It is currently under study in patients with chronic migraines, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy. While these studies are still ongoing, it is widely used in the U.S. for a variety of pain-related disorders and autoimmune conditions. Completed studies have already shown that LDN is a safe and cost-efficient treatment for pain. It is believed that the low-dose drug works in the brain by reducing pro-inflammatory chemicals called cytokines, which are known to inflame and sensitize various tissues that can cause pain.
Possible Side Effects
The good news is that side effects of low dose naltrexone are very rare. People sometimes report having vivid dreams during the first couple of weeks of treatment. Very rare side effects include fatigue, anxiety, and dizziness. These side effects are more common with the higher doses of naltrexone that are used to treat addiction and they have been rarely seen for those taking less than 4.5mg.
If you have additional questions about low dose naltrexone or are in need of any medical care, schedule a consultation today at our Grand Rapids pharmacy! We look forward to talking with you!
