Neuron Medical Offer
LOW DOSE NALTREXONE (LDN)
What is Low Dose Naltrexone?
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is emerging as a promising new off-label treatment for management of symptoms from
autoimmune diseases, central nervous system disorders, and even certain cancers.1
Naltrexone 50 MG tablet was
approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid addiction by acting as a competitive opioid receptor antagonist and
blocking the effects of opioids on the brain.2
LDN refers to daily doses of Naltrexone that are within 1 to 5 mg–a tenth of the typical FDA-approved treatment
dosage.3
Studies have shown that naltrexone exhibits paradoxical properties such as analgesia and anti-inflammatory, or
antioxidant effects via upregulation of endogenous opioids at lower doses.2
What diseases are impacted by LDN?
- Autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis,
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative
Colitis, and Lupus. - Central Nervous System diseases such as
Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s
Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - HIV/AIDS
- Certain Cancers
Dosing
- Dosing is typically between 1.5 mg to 5 mg capsules
by mouth every evening between 9pm to 3 am.2
This causes a brief blockade of opioid receptors between
2 am and 4 am, which in turn produces endorphin
production and up-regulation of the immune system.2 - LDN should NOT be compounded in the SR
(slow-release) form as it can cause a spike in the
bloodstream and inhibit its therapeutic effects.
Immediate Release (IR) formulation only.1 - Avicel is the preferred filler.
References:
1. Younger, Jarred, Luke Parkitny, and David McLain. “The use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a novel anti-
inflammatory treatment for chronic pain.” Clinical rheumatology 33.4 (2014): 451-459.
2. Toljan K, Vrooman B. Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)-Review of Therapeutic Utilization. Med Sci (Basel).
2018;6(4):82. Published 2018 Sep 21. doi:10.3390/medsci6040082
3. Clinical Resource, Low-Dose Naltrexone. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter. April 2020.
Side Effects
One of the most exciting aspects of LDN is the
low reported incidence of adverse side effects.1
Studies have shown no withdrawal symptoms when
treatment is stopped due to its low dosage.2
In some
cases, patients may report vivid dreams, nausea, or
headaches. However, these decrease over time or
dosage can be decreased if needed.3
- Because LDN blocks opioid receptors,
patients should not be on any opioid
agonists such as narcotic and controlled pain
medications. - Allow at least a seven-day washout between
an opioid and starting naltrexone to prevent
withdrawal.3 - Full-dose naltrexone (50mg) carries a
cautionary warning against its use in those
with liver disease. This warning was placed
because of adverse liver effects that were
found in experiments involving 300mg dose
daily. The smaller doses do not apparently
produce impairment of liver function.2 - Patients who have received organ transplants
or are on immunosuppressive medications
are cautioned against use of LDN since it may
counteract the effect of those medications.1
IMPORTANT!
This LOW DOSE NALTREXONE (LDN) service is a Prescription Only Medicine that can only be administered by registered doctor. We are licenced to administer this treatment following a face-to-face consultation which establishes this is necessary and suitable.