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.
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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
Lisa Bloomquist says
Thank you very much for the valuable information! Like many chronic, ill-understood conditions, Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Syndrome (an adverse reaction to a fluoroquinolone – Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox or Floxin) affects everyone differently. However, I have heard several reports of people who are suffering from Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Syndrome being helped by LDN. I have been wanting to read more information about it. I appreciate that you put together this post! If anyone feels like linking me to more information about LDN, I’ll certainly appreciate more links.
Thanks and I’m so glad that it’s helping you!
VictoriaP says
Lisa,
I know that this is a an older post but ‘allergy’ to fouroquinolone is not an allergy at ALL. This is a genetic intolerance caused by mutation of a CBS Gene. I know this because I have it and Cipro almost put me in the hospital after 3 pills. Please look up about getting ‘floxed’ and CBS genetic issues. It also affects everything from intolerance to laughing gas at the dentist to taking a bath with Epsom salts and even eating nightshade vegetables. One should also get tested for the MTHFR mutation but easiest way to do it is get the full test through 23andme and upload raw data to a third party website. The CBS mutation is not uncommon nor are reactions. Knowing that one has it is so critical to stop medics from prescribing that entire class of drugs.
Ashlie says
I bought your Gluten-Free almond flour cookbook a while ago, but only just today did I find out that you too have Multiple Sclerosis…
I was diagnosed in 2011 when I was 19. I have heard about Low Dose Naltrexone before as an option but now that I see someone who has really tried it and can vouch for its effectiveness I am more motivated to seek it out as a treatment – especially since your approach to MS is very similar to mine. It’s difficult to really believe in a holistic approach to medicine when a neurologist is pushing Copaxone on you as a teenager :(
So, thank you for this post – it may have been a kickstart to something better for my life and my MS.
Julia Schopick says
I am so happy to see your posting about Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Yes, it is a really wonderful treatment for autoimmune diseases. My book, HONEST MEDICINE, features LDN as one of four treatments that are effective, low cost, time-tested and non-toxic but that (unfortunately) most doctors know nothing about. Thank goodness for the internet — and blogs like this one — for spreading the word.
I am glad too, to see Renee’s comment. She runs one of the most successful Facebook groups for discussions about LDN. Her group, “Got Endorphins? LDN” has nearly 3000 members and is growing every day.
I am now conducting teleseminars and coaching sessions to help patients teach their doctors about LDN. You may learn more about these servuces at HonestMedicine.com.
Again, thanks for writing about this very unique treatment for autoimmune diseases. I am glad you are having such good results with it.
Julia Schopick
If you have a chance, please go to my website and listen to an interview I have there with LDN Pioneer, Dr. Bernard Bihari. His widow, Jackie Bihari, generously gave it to me so that others would learn more about LDN.
Mary Niethammer says
I have been taking 3mg LDN daily with NO side effects whatsoever. I have Multiple Sclerosis Relapsing/Remitting for 40 yrs. I have been through a lot obviously. I started LDN 9 months ago and am so very happy for this drug. I immediately noticed how I slept so well through the night w/o waking all the time to go to the bathroom. My back pain was totally eliminated!! I had been on so many strong medications with dangerous side effects for my pain, which helped but never went away. By evening the pain had increased unbearable that I would have a glass of wine before bed, which actually helped! Also, I am amazed at my increased energy. I am so happy with LDN. 1)sleep better 2)pain eliminated 3)increased energy 4)feeling great Hope this helps.
Denise B. says
Thanks for the informative post. I’ve been intrigued by the idea of this medication for my fibromyalgia. I appreciate the info. Also, I love, love, love your blog. Came here first when I went gluten free and am here even more often now that I am grain free. I just checked out your paleo recipe book from the library and am so excited to try the bagel recipe. Yum. You truly are an inspiration.
Renee says
Hi all, yes LDN is a great treatment, I use it 3 yr now for FM/CFS and all the other issues that go with them.. I belong to a great LDN group come join us for moral support! https://www.facebook.com/groups/GotEndorphins/
Elizabeth says
I am taking 2.5 at night, 1.5 in the morning for SIBO. I like the effect it has on my gut. It messed with my sleep a lot at first, which has calmed down. However, it does make me drowsy/space-y, so I find myself drinking more coffee during the day. Also, maybe it, or the coffee, or sleep disturbance from LDN are to blame for the marked increase in my headaches, which have become both more frequent and more severe (necessitating a migraine medication I haven’t needed in 10 years). I hope as the SIBO improves I can go to a nighttime only dose.
Niki says
While this is an old comment, this is the first I’ve heard of the same reaction to LDN I’m having. Did the migraine improve? I’m also having joint pain…
Hollie says
Hi! I never respond to articles, but for some reason I was moved to respond to this one. I apologize if I ramble. We started out on a journey a few months ago drinking Shakeology (it is a meal replacement shake made with super foods, adaptogens, pre-biotics, etc., etc.). We wanted to try the shake because our son (he has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy) suffers from debilitating constipation. We were tired of trying different medications to no avail. Anyway, here we are a few months later and he is doing wonderfully (we were actually encouraged to start potty training him). I have been learning more and more about the product, and I have been making contact with others who have had success with it. I have met numerous people with MS that now drink Shakeology and have seen huge improvements. I just wanted to share that for those of you seeking alternative treatments. I would happy to answer any questions you have (you can send me a private message on my FB page – http://www.facebook.com/marathonmomoffour or send me an email – marathonmomoffour@gmail.com). I’m wishing you all the best in the treatment of your conditions.
Melissa says
I am on LDN for the 2nd time. I was on it for several months and i didn’t really notice a difference.
The pharmacy didn’t refill on time so I stopped it. 2 months later, she has me back on it again. Maybe I need to be on it longer for my hashi’s
beth says
I am wondering if LDN is available in Canada? This is the first I’ve heard of it. I am suffering from severe sensory nerve pain and neuropathy. Drs here are unable to find a reason for it. Desperately looking for some pain relief!
amy says
Beth,
LDN is available in Canada. It may be more commonly known as “revia”. My doctor prescribed it to me for “neuropathic pain of unknown origin”. Feel free to email me at amybaker_esl@yahoo.com if you have more questions or think I can help.