What is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)? LDN is a safe, non-toxic and inexpensive drug that helps regulate a dysfunctional immune system. It reduces pain, and fights inflammation. It is used to treat cancers, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain and mental health issues, to name a few.
Low-dose naltrexone has been shown to improve symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome with minimal side effects. However, most of the LDN studies have been small, and more research on immune system and anti-inflammatory benefits is needed.
Low dose naltrexone (LDN) is used off-label to treat a surprisingly wide range of conditions, from chronic pain and autoimmune diseases to inflammatory bowel disorders and neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis.
If you’re considering LDN for fibromyalgia, autoimmune disease, chronic pain, or inflammatory conditions—or if you’ve already started LDN elsewhere and are struggling with side effects—proper medical guidance makes the difference between success and frustration.
Naltrexone at low doses, known as LDN, is becoming increasingly used and studied for its efficacy against various pain-related or painful conditions, certain cancers, and immune dysregulation disorders. Low-dose naltrexone is also inexpensive and is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects [3].
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) refers to daily naltrexone dosages that are roughly one-tenth or less of the standard opioid addiction treatment dosage. Most published research suggests a daily dosage of 4.5 mg, but this can vary by a few milligrams. [1]
This review will discuss the pharmacology and current evidence for use of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for treating chronic pain. Pharmacology: Mechanism of Action