Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a safe, non-toxic, and inexpensive drug that helps regulate a dysfunctional immune system. Originally recognized by the FDA for the treatment of opioid addiction, LDN is now used to treat cancers, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, and mental health issues. Read on to learn about the side effects and tolerance of LDN as well as how it can specifically help your patients suffering from autoimmune diseases.
Side Effects and Tolerance
Overall, LDN is well-tolerated by most users. However, as with most medications, your patients may experience side effects. Some users report that LDN causes them to dream more vividly. Other patients complain that it causes insomnia; in these cases, users can switch to a morning dose. Less common side effects include an increase in anxiety, sweating, and headaches. Interestingly, some patients see a decrease in anxiety and depression and an increase in mental clarity.
While it is safe to drink alcohol while taking LDN, it isn’t recommended. In fact, treatment for alcoholism is one of the uses for Naltrexone when applied at higher doses.
It’s important to establish an optimal dose for your patients by gradually increasing the dosage while assessing their tolerance. Both the dosage and the rate at which it can be increased is highly patient-specific and depends on factors such as gender, body size, the condition being treated, and the patient’s tolerance of the drug. Realistically, your patients should expect to take LDN for a minimum of two weeks before experiencing an alleviation of symptoms.
Low Dose Naltrexone and Autoimmune Diseases
By acting as a blocker to toll-like receptors (such as TLR4 and TLR9), LDN creates a downstream effect on the inflammation cycle, including in the brain. Because of this outcome, it has been applied as a therapeutic agent for a wide range of inflammation-induced diseases, including chronic pain, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Chron’s disease, lupus, and other autoimmune conditions.
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When it comes to immune regulation, LDN acts to modulate the immune response and balance T-helper cell ratios. TH2 may become elevated during infection, and LDN can make it stable again without suppressing the appropriate immune response. Often recommended as part of an integrated treatment plan that includes nutritional changes and supplements, patients suffering from autoimmune diseases see an improvement in symptoms with minimal side effects when prescribed compounded LDN.
Autoimmune conditions are notoriously complex, yet users note a remarkable improvement in their symptoms. For instance, for patients who have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, there are reports of improvements in gut health, including decreased constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. As another example, a patient suffering from psoriasis saw significant improvements in her flare-ups after only three months of a 4.5 mg dosage.
Additional information:
- Contact us today to learn more
- Meet our Leadership Team
- Read more on how Low-Dose Naltrexone May Impact Autoimmune Disease Symptoms
VLS Pharmacy is a member of the LDN Research Trust, a non-profit organization that is doing important work to raise awareness about LDN treatment for auto-immune disease and cancer as well as to raise funds for investing in LDN clinical trials.
At VLS Pharmacy and New Drug Loft, we offer various LDN treatment options, including capsules and sublingual troches 0.5 – 4.5 mg, topical creams and gels, nasal spray, and vaginal gel and cream. For more information, contact our team.
