Low Dose Naltrexone
I started a new medication, low dose naltrexone, and have heard a ton of mixed reviews about it for chronic fatigue, inflammation, & chronic illness. Research is limited, but here’s what I know & why I asked to try it.
I first heard about low dose naltrexone (LDN) from patients taking it, especially those with chronic fatigue syndrome. I never really considered it for myself, but I have recently realized how much inflammation and fatigue are part of my most disabling symptoms. I kept hearing mixed experiences, so I looked into it myself.
Naltrexone is a drug commonly used, starting at 50 mg, used for opioid and alcohol disorders. It works by blocking euphoria receptors to reduce addiction*.
On the contrary when this medication is prescribed at a very low dose, .5-4.5mg, it has been a suggested treatment for chronic pain, fatigue, and inflammation. The mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it has shown some potential within the chronic illness community**.
I asked if any of you had experiences with LDN via instagram stories and received hundreds of varying replies including:
I am highly sensitive to med changes so it's taken me forever to just get to 4mg - started mid-july so be patient! The "white noise" pain, as my EDS specialist calls it, is nearly gone. I couldn't get out of bed a year ago. I was in so much pain that I also couldn't sleep. Pretty miserable state to be in but I've come so far since then. Good luck! ❤️
It can take 3 months to see true benefit! Whenever I miss a day I immediately notice how much pain relief it was actually providing me
I use it and it DOES help, but only mildly. It hasn’t been life changing.
It made my insomnia way worse and I was having very vivid nightmares
The general consensus I found is that for those it does help, there may be benefit to starting and staying at a VERY low dose with a very gradual taper up to the therapeutic dose (rather than jumping too quickly up to 4ish mg)
My experience so far
I asked my new NP what she thought of it and she also had heard people either love it or it does nothing. She was willing to let me try it. Due to the small dosage and it not being regulated, I had to get it cash pay from a compounding pharmacy (Mine was $66). I’ve been on .5mg for 2 weeks and just increased to 1mg. I have noticed a lot more dreams and some insomnia the last few nights, although it’s hard to know if it’s from that or not.
One thing I did notice is I had my normal jog last week where I got a runner’s high for the first time in YEARS. I’ve been working on progressive walk/jogs for a long time, but I felt like pre covid Jenna temporarily and wasn’t in as much pain. Again, this could also be from so many other factors.
To be determined if this ends up helping long term, but I’m excited to give it a try. I was thrilled to see so many success stories alongside the neutral ones. Low and slow seems to be the key for those it helps. Just like with any medicine, it’s important to consult your doc for pros vs cons for your specific body as it will affect everyone differently, especially with a medicine that’s not regulated like LDN.
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* https://psychiatry.uams.edu/clinical-care/outpatient-care/cast/what-is-naltrexone/
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This blog is written based on personal experience and is not medical advice. Always ask your doctor for individual concerns and support.