Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is a safe and effective pharmacological treatment for a variety of autoimmune diseases, central nervous system disorders (like MS and Parkinson’s) and cancer. in 1984 naltrexone was approved at high doses of 50 mg a day for the purpose of helping heroin addicts beat their addiction. Naltrexone helps addiction by binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of heroin and other opiate drugs.
In 1985 a doctor in New York found that his patients with HIV responded very well so low doses in the range of 3mg a day. Over the next decade he found that LDN also helped his patients with lupus, fibromyalgia, cancer and chronic pain. At low doses naltrexone has the paradoxical effect of reducing pain. Let’s review: at high doses naltrexone makes opiate drugs like morphine and heroin ineffective at reducing pain and producing euphoria while at low doses the same drug has the opposite effect and reduces pain.
One of the ways LDN helps people with pain, autoimmunity and cancer is by increasing the body’s production of key immune system components including endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers and anti inflammatories, known as “feel-good” proteins that make you feel so good after exercise or sex. They are also intimately involved in the immune system and help to enhance antibody production, white cell activity and natural killer cells.
LDN is very well tolerated, does not lead to dependence or abuse, is cheap and easy to take and can be very helpful to people with a variety illnesses. The only side effects are having vivid dreams and occasionally, in less than 2% of patients, it can cause sleep disturbance.
