I’m often asked about Low Dose Naltrexone. These days it is used to treat everything from autoimmune disorders and cancer, to fertility and autism. I have been taking 5 mg daily of this off-label, somewhat experimental drug since approximately 2005.
How did I find out about Low Dose Naltrexone or LDN? On one of my regular visits to my mild-mannered functional medicine doctor he thrust a prescription for this drug into my hand. A month later my naturopath recommended LDN to me and I decided it was worth a try.
Many food blogs preach healing with food, and food alone. I’m here to tell you that when you feel sick the best thing you can do is listen to your body and do whatever it takes to feel good again. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Getting well is a process without any rules.
I take LDN as part of my treatment plan for multiple sclerosis. I was diagnosed with MS in 2006 and was absolutely devastated when I received the news. While I have chosen not to take the drugs that are recommended as standard care for MS, I have quite a lot of friends who do, and I respect their choice. However, the issue with many of the typical MS drugs is their side effects. Some leave you with flu-like symptoms that can be as bad as the symptoms of MS. In any event, LDN is optimal for me as I do not experience side effects from it, and from what I have read in the medical literature, most people find this to be the case.
What is Low Dose Naltrexone? First, let’s take a look at what I facetiously refer to as “high dose,” naltrexone, or the more traditional form of this drug. Naltrexone is an opiod antagonist typically given to heroin addicts in doses of up to 1500 mg upon their arrival in the emergency room. Giving this type of dose of naltrexone to a person under the influence of heroin snaps them into lucidity in minutes because naltrexone binds to the opiate receptors of the brain –the same receptors to which heroin binds. This prevents the addict from experiencing the effects of the heroin, and leads to complete lucidity.
According to the website lowdosenaltrexone.org, In 1985, a physician named Dr. Bernard Bihari discovered the effects of a much smaller dose of naltrexone (approximately 3mg once a day) on the body’s immune system. He found that this low dose, taken at bedtime, was able to enhance a patient’s response to infection by HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
The use of a drug such as naltrexone in this way is called micro-dosing and can be extremely effective. It has been found that some drugs work differently (and sometimes quite oddly, more effectively) at lower levels. I find micro-dosing to be a very exciting and mostly under-explored component of traditional medicine.
According to the site lowdosenaltrexone.org LDN works in the following way:
The brief blockade of opioid receptors between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. that is caused by taking LDN at bedtime each night is believed to produce a prolonged up-regulation of vital elements of the immune system by causing an increase in endorphin production. Normal volunteers who have taken LDN in this fashion have been found to have much higher levels of beta-endorphins circulating in their blood in the following days.
While it is not completely understood yet, it is becoming apparent that endorphin secretions (our own internal opioids) play a central role in regulating the immune system. I believe that LDN works for me. I think it helps with my energy levels and also modulates my immune system so that it is more balanced. I also believe that it helps to control the neuropathy I experience.
Are wondering if LDN can help you? Here’s my advice. It may be worth discussing LDN with a DAN doctor, naturopath or functional medicine physician. In the meantime, remember that if you suffer from an autoimmune condition or any other health related issues, you may want to look into the main tenets of my healing program which include:
- Extra sleep in the realm of 10 hours or more per night
- Low intensity exercise every day
- The grain-free diet which I have followed strictly since 2001
Diane H says
My Naturopath tried me on LDN for my Hashimoto’s disease. I took it for 3 months then had to stop. Sleep disturbance is listed as a side effect, which is supposed to go away after a week or two. It never did for me- I had 3 months of the worst sleep of my life, in addition to bizarre dreams. Insomnia isn’t something I could live with. Has anyone else had this experience?
Julie says
Try dosing in the morning, using less, or every other day, etc. Just do whatever it takes to give it the best chance for you.
Vince says
I thought the sleep disturbance was from something else. I have been on LDN for several weeks. It was unlike any other sleep disturbance I had, so I started searching for chronic insomnia from LDN and BINGO…..YOU HAD IT, I THINK I DEFINITELY DO. LIKE YOU I AM STOPPING FOR NOW.
Debbie says
I also could not live with the sleep disturbance but read one doctor who said to take it in the morning..I now take it in the morning and it works like a dream….and no problems with sleep at all.
Gaius Gracchus says
Wow – that is interesting! So many folks are taking it at night, so that is good to know.
Linda says
I’m on week three and just hit 4.5mg. Have had terrible insomnia all three weeks. It’s 3 am right now. No relief with pain issues but I realize it is too soon. After reading these posts regarding sleep issues, I’m going to talk to my doctor about dosing in the morning instead of at bedtime. Does anyone know of a support group for LDN in Boulder?
Morgan says
I am so glad to hear this. My dreams have been so weird!! I wake up more exhausted sleeping then when I am awake.
I wake in the weirdest positions.
Side ways on my bed, Upside down, diagonal. Pillows and blankets thrown all over the place.
Needless to say whatever position I wake up in. My doggies are right there with me. Lol!!
Francie says
“Getting well is a process without any rules.” What an excellent way to describe the healing process, especially when one chooses to embrace the integrative approach!
I have taken 3mg of LDN at bedtime for the past two years to heal from psoriatic arthritis. I am fortunate to have a primary care physician and a very gifted nutritionist who work together as my core team, along with my wonderful massage therapist and chiropractor. I also have a terrific personal trainer and work out at the gym regularly. Getting well has requires a synergy of multiple elements. I was improving on a regimen of prescribed supplements, but the addition of the LDN has been a significant help, moving me from finally feeling ok and being able to function again to feeling wonderful and thoroughly enjoying my retirement.
My C Reactive Protein reading has dropped from the 80’s to almost normal at below 10. I am so very grateful to not have to take the prescription drugs like Methotrexate and Enbrel, the only RX I take for the arthritis is the LDN.
We are all different, no one solutions works for everyone. But I wanted to add my voice to those who have benefited from taking LDN, I hope that it can be a help to others who are looking for how to regain their health.
Thanks so much for sharing your story, and your recipes!
Emily says
THANK YOU, Elana for this informative post about LDN! I just started taking LDN about a month ago and it is helping a lot in managing Crohn’s Disease and SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth). I am passionate about sharing it with others who may benefit as well as medical professionals. I am not one to readily take Rx’s and take pride choosing holistic health and natural living. Yet this is helping me. I have also been on a grain-free SCD/Paleo diet since 2005 and LOVE your recipes.
Mary says
Good article. I have MS and was on the Betaseron shots for about 1-2 years…hated them. I found out about LDN and started taking it in 2007…right now I take 3.5 mgs every night. I have no negative symptoms from the LDN and honestly, I have no noticeable signs of MS. I highly recommend it to anyone dealing with MS…talk to a doctor who understands LDN. I was surprised that my main stream neurologist was willing to prescribe it but he was still recommending/pushing the shots. I see a integrative care doctor currently. I also walk most days and follow a gluten free life after finding out I had the Celiac gene (which many people with MS have). I’m also sensitive to casein so I’m dairy free.
Lynda Strecker says
Hi Mary,
I have MS (diagnosed 1993) and have gone gluten and dairy-free. I’m interested in knowing how you found out that you had a gene for celiac disease? I have been trying to decide whether or not to take LDN. Thanx in advance for your help.
Lynda
Lori says
Hi Elana,
So glad you posted this about LDN! I have psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (AS,) and fibromyalgia (all of which fall under AS). I found out about LDN in 2009 and tracked down a doctor to prescribe for me. I took my first dose one night, and the next morning I felt better – it was that quick.
The only side effect I’ve ever had is more vivid dreams – I can live with that!
Lori
Jenny says
Hello, my husband has AS (ankylosing spondylitis). He tried getting off his Humira rx for 3 months while we tried LDN. At first, as he got on LDN and the Humira left his system, we were relieved that his symptoms didn’t return to debilitating status. However, within 2 more months, his discomfort was growing and he returned to Humira so he wouldn’t miss work. We wish we could afford to experiment with finding the right dosage better. Those of you on LDN, how did you find the dosage correct for your body? What type of practitioner did you use and do they prescribe or are they actually helpful? And are you still on other drugs/supplements? Thanks!
Marie says
Hi Jenny, I take LDN for AS (ankylosing spondylitis) too. I started building up to the the dose that is generally recommended, I then felt I needed more, so I increased it bit by bit. A friend said I shouldn’t do that and that it would stop working if I take more, well she was wrong, when I went down from 8.3ml to 7ml it didn’t work as well. I think it has to do with the individuals metabolism and gut integrity. I guess if the absorption in the gut is reduced one may need more too.
Dr Neil Beck (Dr Common Sense) says
I have been treating people with Naltrexone for 18 years, first with High Dose 10 to 80mg for heroin blocking and Alcoholism, then with Micro Dose 3/4mg for heroin withdrawals and LDN 1.5 to 6mg for the usual disorders and addictions.
People vary so much in their condition, body mass, absorption, sensitivity and excretion of Naltrexone that a Doctor can only generalize about dose sizes and then you have to find out for yourself depending on how you feel and perform, your blood tests and your physical examinations and scans. What’s best for other people may not be best for you.
It is usually best to start with 1.5mg and every week or 2 increase. Go to 3 then 4.5 then 6mgm. Most people find 1.5 isn’t enough and 6 is too much and 3 or 4.5 is the best. Finding what is not enough and what is too much helps pinpoint the right dose. Every few months decrease and increase again to check that your requirement hasn’t changed.
Use Naltrexone liquid, or two 50mg tablets dissolved in a liter of distilled water, or Dr Common Sense LDN Powder Dispensers to find your best dose.
Best wishes.
Julie says
I am on it too but for Crohn’s and my sister is on it for RA. Great little drug. What has been really saving my life is LDA ( low dose immunotherapy). Google it. It is giving me foods back I thought I would never be able to eat again without having a gnarly flare up. Amazing stuff!!!
NG says
I just found this post and had a question…are you taking LDN while also doing LDA??? I wasn’t sure if they should be done together but am very interested in adding LDA to my regime. I take 3mg of LDN but feel many of my issues are due from food sensitives. Really hopeful this finds its way to you and you can offer some insight…
R Godfrey says
re your diet comment – suggest you look up Clint Paddison’s web site – good luck & healthy eating
Robert says
Are you using Low dose allergen immunotherapy in conjunction with low dose naltrexone?
doctorsh says
Elena
Nice article and summary.
I have used LDN in my practice with patients for MS, cancer and other autoimmune issues. While not a cure all, it has the ability to prevent autoimmune and cancer from progressing. It works best with a good antinflammatory/autoimmune diet and lifestyle.
Sherri says
I, too, was diagnosed with MS in 2006. Unfortunately, I had a neurologist who scared me into taking a disease-modifying drug (DMD) called Avonex. It caused seizures, which the neurologist dismissed. I fired him and went to another neurolgist.
The new one put me on Copaxone, which caused exacerbations every six weeks. She then talked me into taking Tysabri. I was on it for almost two years. I had to go off the IV medication due to my immune system and recurrent bouts with pneumonia. During that time, my husband did research and came across LDN. We asked the neurologist to prescribe it, and she did. This was in 2009. I’ve been on 4.5 mg since then.
Several months after stopping Tysabri, I participated in a study to see if I was a carrier of the JC Virus antibodies which can cause PML for those on Tysabri. I was positive! I thank my lucky stars I didn’t get it while I was on the drug.
I’m a huge advocate for LDN and wish more doctors were open to prescribing it. There are several LDN groups on Facebook that I belong to. I encourage anyone with an autoimmune disease to look into it. My only wish is I would have started LDN right after my diagnosis, instead of being scared to go on the other drugs. Perhaps had I done this, I wouldn’t be physically disabled and unable to work today.
I’m so glad your doctors were open and looking out for your best interest, Elana!
Linda J Solomon says
Hello Elana,
When I met a medical intuitive in late May of 2010 she asked if I could find a doctor to write a script for LDN. The pcd I go to respects that I tend to gravitate toward alternatives and was kind enough to write that script for me. Only in the last several months have I experienced some dizziness that can come from its use, but for much longer; my appetite has been affected. It’s strange and inconsistent. I went from taking it daily to taking it every other day but am taking it consistently. I’m glad you’ve talked about LDN.
Thanks take care,
Linda
Kenny says
Can you pleas share hot it affected your appetite? Did it increase your hunger? In any way has it adversely affected your digestion?
Bonnie Shockey says
Kirsten,
I’ve been taking LDN since April 2009 because I developed a severe allergy to the protein in my daily Copaxone serum, used daily for MS. This allergy prompted me to choose another drug of choice for my MS. I am very blessed that my neurologist was at Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA. Dr. Turel has retired and I am now seeing another MS neurologist in the MS Department. Both of my neurologists prescribe(d) LDN for their MS patients. Dr. Turel had been urging me to give LDN a try for months but I resisted because I didn’t want to add one more drug to my body, unless it was necessary. Both Dr. Turel and my current neurologist are colleagues of Dr. Ian S. Zagon and Dr. Patricia McLaughlin, the two doctors who discovered the use of a low dose of naltrexone in 1981. I’ve done quite a bit of research on LDN and have read as many published research studies of Zagon and McLaughlin, and their other colleagues, such as Dr. Jill Smith and her research in the use of LDN in Chrons disease. I weigh about 115 lbs. Within the first several days of starting to take LDN, I saw, in myself, the reversal of MS symptoms that I had for several decades – drop foot, improved balance, greater muscle strength (documented by a doctor of physical therapy),more energy, and most noticeable – a sense of wellbeing. My first episode was in my senior year of high school – 47 years ago. My life’s path has included being involved in and becoming a certified instructor of Jacki’s Aerobic Dance, since 1975,which my doctors have said is the number one thing that has kept my body and muscles in as good a condition as the MS allows. The first several weeks of taking LDN, I took one 3mg capsule every night before bed. I then reached a point where I sensed or felt that I wasn’t quite as good as those first couple days. MORE LDN is not better for MSers or anyone with an autoimmune disease. I backed off the frequency to where my body felt its best. For me – I have chosen, with my doctor’s blessing, to take one 3mg capsule four times a week. LDN gives me a boost of energy, the day after taking it, so I take LDN the night before I teach my regular level aerobic dance class, plus one other night – Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Two weeks ago, even though I had a flu shot, I picked up a mild case of the flu with a high temperature. At times like this, the body needs more endorphins to fight infection, so I started taking it every night before bedtime for about 10 days, until I was back to “my” normal. Right after taking, LDN lowers the number of endorphins in the individual’s body for about four to five hours. After that there is a big rebound in the number of endorphins. Endorphins make you feel good (like the runner’s high or any exercise program); endorphins work against pain; and endorphins work against inflammation in the body and for MSers, it’s inflammation in the central nervous system. Dr. Zagon’s theory is that those of us with autoimmune diseases do not have the number of endorphins in our bodies that the average individual has. Endorphins need a second thing in order to work in our bodies – everyone’s bodies; it’s called an endorphin receptor. Autoimmune people have the average number of receptors as anyone else, just not enough endorphins. An analogy – think of the receptor as a catcher’s mitt. Autoimmune people have the average number of catcher’s mitts in their brains but not enough baseballs to fill all the mitts. LDN helps the body heal itself naturally by increasing the number of endorphins to match the number of receptors. The receptors are what enable the endorphins to work and do its “thing” in the brain and body. No one should be taking LDN in a dosage greater than 3 mg. Try taking your LDN less often until you “feel” better. Side effects are rare and could be coming from the “filler” that the compounding pharmacy uses in the capsule. Hershey Medical Center doctors use Skip’s Pharmacy in Boca Raton, FL. Visit this link for more information: http://www.skipspharmacy.com/wplog/. The cost per capsule is about $.55 to $.60. Dr. Zagon, Dr. McLaughlin, and their medical students at Hershey Medical Center have and are continuing their vital research, including the use of LDN against cancer. Across the board, with about 16 different kinds of cancer cells, LDN stopped the multiplication of cancer cells. It did not kill the cancer cells; it stopped the division of cancer cells, which then allows traditional radiation or chemo to take care of killing the cancer cells in the body. LDN was approved in 1994 at 50 mg dosage, to help narcotic and alcoholic addicts, wean themselves off their drug addiction. Therefore, DO NOT TAKE LDN after having drunk alcohol. The body has to get rid of the alcohol before resuming the LDN. I hope this has been of help and benefit to you. Bonnie
Pilar says
Writing from Spain and being interested about LDN for Múltiple Sclerosis.
Asked my neurologíst and my doctor about it but they say NO. Do you have testimonies of MS?
I don’t know whether they know about LDN or not and if it works I’d like to give them arguments.
Can you find it in Spain? Where, how, price, etc.
Thanks in advance for your answer
Pilar
Mia says
LDN in Spain
this might help
http://www.thisisms.com/forum/low-dose-naltrexone-f10/topic17258.html
Beverly says
Responding to your blog comment about low dose Naltrexone. My partner was diagnosed in March of this year with RRMS. Since March his symptoms have spiraled out of control now the doctor has diagnosed him with PPMS. In March he was only dealing with severe back pain, which his neuro- surgeon decided to burn the nerves in his back thinking that was most of his pain. I will spare you the rest of the doctors details and medicine he has prescribed. My guy was moving 100 mph and now is down to zero. His symptom in March was back pain now by the end of June has severe brain fog, chronic pain, slurred speech, staggering, can only eat fruit, stomach is painful, feet feel like walking on rocks, shortness of breath, chest pains off and on, ribs hurt, can’t hold conversations as to much information puts him in overload, can’t handle heat, was prescribed Copaxone. The second injection caused a severe reaction placing him in the hospital. The doctor was like lets try another injection to see if it was the Copaxone, which he did and landed in the hospital a second time, and the list goes on. This change was so sudden that coping is hard but he keeps a smile on his face. I was wondering just in your opinion if Low Does Naltrexone would even be worth trying.
Still Smiling in Maryland
Tabitha says
What a powerful and informative post. I couldn’t agree more, when you feel sick the best thing is to listen to your body and do whatever it takes to feel good again. Getting well is a game without any rules. So well said.
June Dean says
This information is very well put together. I’m going to read and try to see if I could benefit from a low dose daily. Thanks for sharing in such complete detail.