Low dose naltrexone

Naltrexone is a drug normally used to treat drug dependence. Dosage for standard use is around 50mg. Low dose Naltrexone (LDN) involves usage around 4mg per day and is off-label. Some patients claim LDN helps reduce symptoms in some ME/CFS, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune disease patients.

Evidence
Jared Younger published a small study that concluded "... low-dose naltrexone may be an effective, highly tolerable, and inexpensive treatment for fibromyalgia".

A second study concluded that "specific and clinically beneficial impact on fibromyalgia pain".

In 2012 Solve ME/CFS Initiative contracted Biovista to use drug models to identify existing drugs that may be worth investigating for treatment. The results suggested Naltrexone was worth considering.

Talks & Interviews

 * LDN (low-dose naltrexone) with Drs Carnahan and Vasquez Video on Vimeo

Learn more

 * Wikipedia - Naltrexone
 * Wikipedia - Low dose Naltrexone
 * Low Dose Naltrexone Drug Combination Proposed for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Health Rising, by Cort Johnson.
 * Low-Dose Naltrexone as Adjunctive Pharmacotherapy for Fibromyalgia, Rheumatology Advisor, by CJ Arlotta

Clinical use
Naltrexone is a prescription drug in many countries. There is an online patient community where patients with various diseases discuss their experiences taking Low-dose Naltrexone.

Australia
Compounding Pharmacies are able to fill these prescriptions, and post if needed.

UK
Dickson Chemist in Glasgow dispenses low-dose Naltrexone in various forms, with a valid prescription. They will usually put patients in contact with private doctors who will consider writing a prescription.

US
Neighborhood Compounding Pharmacies are able to fill these prescriptions and mail if needed. Your prescribing doctor can help you locate a compounding pharmacy in your area/state or you can look online.

When, How To Take

 * Take one 3 or 4.5mg. capsule at bedtime. Some patients can only tolerate 3mg.


 * The drug must be stepped up over 6-8 weeks as it will keep you awake.


 * 4.5mg Capsule: Open capsule and take 1/4 the powder and put in a small amount of water, stir well and drink. (Put powder in water just prior to needing dose.) Do this for 2 weeks. For the next 2 weeks step up to 1/2 the capsule's powder.  Step up to 3/4 for the next two weeks and then at six weeks you can begin taking the 4.5mg capsule. If you find 1/4 of the capsule contents keeps you awake, 1/5 the contents of the capsule.


 * 3mg Capsule: You can 1/4 or 1/5 and follow same 6-8 week process.


 * In general, Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) should not be taken concurrently with opioid-containing drugs,(Opioid receptors in brain are blocked by LDN) immunosuppressive drugs, or immunomodulator drugs.

Expiration date for LDN is 5-6 months depending on pharmacy procedures.