Low Dose Naltrexone

Naltrexone, traditionally used in higher doses to manage alcohol and opioid dependence, is now being used in low doses in conditions of immune dysregulation. This treatment is referred to as “Low Dose Naltrexone” or LDN for short, and it was the topic for this month’s “Let’s talk Teleconference”, which I host. I was very lucky to have Natalie Gustafson, pharmacist and owner of Pacific Compounds in Hillsboro Oregon, as my guest. She was very excited about the interview because of the amazing results she has seen using this medication.

As an opioid antagonist, naltrexone literally blocks opioids from hitting their receptors. At high doses (50 mg), naltrexone continuously blocks (all day long) the opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the pleasure that one might experience from alcohol or drugs. In low doses (1-4.5 mg /day), Naltrexone blocks the receptors for only a few hours, just enough time to stimulate the body to produce more endorphins and enkephalins. It’s thought that LDN boosts the immune system via this transient surge of endorphins.

Practitioners who have used LDN (like Natalie) have seen it improve symptoms in conditions that are otherwise very tough to treat- like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis. Typical doses range from 1.5 mg /day to 4.5 mg /day and practitioners are advised to start low and increase the dose slowly. Vivid dreaming and insomnia are the most common side effects when the dose is started to high.

To listen to my interview with Natalie, go the medial vault on the ZRT website and click on the LDN teleconference. To learn more about LDN and its uses you might consider the following website: Lowdosenaltrexone.org

As a new and upcoming treatment for some very difficult to treat conditions, LDN seems promising. Hopefully we will see some studies coming down the pike to help us discern the effectiveness and the exact mechanism of action. In the meantime, we can rely on those providers out there on the clinical frontline, using it every day and getting results.

Elise Schroeder ND