Low Dose Naltrexone - Very Helpful

I am not a doctor but here is where doctors are and can answer any questions you have.

 

Yahoo Group:

Highly Recommended, staffed by doctors.  You can get any question answered relating to LDN.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lowdosenaltrexone/info

My experience with Low Dose Naltrexone By David Gluck, MD

 

Dr David Gluck

When I was in the 5th grade of a public school in New York City in the 1940’s, a new boy arrived in our class. He was obviously a very brilliant kid (and someone who was promptly treated as a “nerd” or a “geek by my friends). Bernard Bihari’s new home was only a block away from mine, so we would walk to and from school together, and a friendship was established.  During college, we both decided to take pre-medical courses; Bernie was accepted at Harvard Medical School and I went to Cornell Med. We managed to keep in touch from time to time.

 

In the mid-1980’s, Bernie told me of his amazing therapeutic discovery, which he felt to be an answer to a serious disease that was then just emerging, something that was spreading mainly among homosexual men – it appeared to be destroying their immune system. The treatment he found was just a very small off-label dosage (1.5mg to 4.5mg each night) of a drug called naltrexone, which had been FDA-approved a year or two before (at 50mg daily) in order to treat people who had a heroin addiction. Naltrexone was a pure antagonist to narcotics.

 

Over the years, Bernie found that low dose naltrexone (LDN) had a much wider use than for what became known as HIV/AIDS. In his private practice, he began to see people with a variety of cancers as well as those with a host of different autoimmune diseases, many of whom appeared to benefit from the use of LDN.

 

By that time, I had been a Board-certified specialist in both Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine for many years, and the possibility of easily treating or preventing such a broad scope of serious diseases so easily and effectively struck me as something worth shouting from the rooftops! Little did I suspect that, for an array of reasons, the professionals in the fields of medicine, and government, and in pharmaceutical companies were not at all eager to explore the possibilities of this new advance.

 

In 1999, after years of trying in vain to find supporters for LDN research, my son Joel and I determined to set up a website to tell the world about it; it is called www.lowdosenaltrexone.org. Not long thereafter, Joel arranged for the creation of the LDN-Yahoo Group, which is free and which one can easily join right on the website’s home page. There are currently about 11,000 members of the Group, and most of them are anxious to assist others who have any questions about LDN use.

 

Sometime in 2001, I decided to begin taking LDN 4.5mg nightly myself, on a preventive basis. I have continued to do so ever since, as have a large group of immediate family members and friends. No one has reported any untoward side effects, and the results have been very interesting: without exception, we have all noted a marked decline in our incidence of common colds – which appear to have dropped a good 85%! It also became clear that any serious stressor, either physical or emotional, could quickly impair the protective effects of LDN until the problems were resolved.

 

By 2005, we realized that there was enough growing interest in LDN to permit our arranging the First Annual LDN Conference, which was held at the New York Academy of Sciences. Over the next three years, similar annual conferences were organized in locations around the USA. There was also a special conference in 2007 at the National Cancer Institute, which included only researchers with special interest in LDN. [ See: www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/events.htm]. My experience with these meetings persuaded me that the main goal for advocates of LDN ought to be the attainment of FDA approval for its special new uses; and the best road to that goal surely lay in further research.

 

When, after a series of unfortunate accidents and related medical problems, Bernard Bihari, MD, died in 2010, I lost a lifelong friend and the world lost a brilliant and caring physician. It has become that more compelling to achieve well-deserved recognition for his great discovery.

 

I recently was asked to write an article about low dose naltrexone for a USA magazine called Natural Solutions. The editor planned it to be a response to a person with an autoimmune disease, who is wondering about possibly using LDN. Here is that piece, with a few minor modifications. It contains  the sort of information that might be useful for any new potential user of LDN:

 

“Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is just an off-label use of the FDA-approved drug naltrexone. Any physician can write the prescription for you. Rather than the original 50mg daily of naltrexone for those addicted to narcotics or alcohol, LDN is used at doses no higher than 4.5mg (nor lower than 1.5mg) and is generally taken at bedtime.

 

The major mechanism of action of LDN involves blocking the body’s opioid/narcotic receptors for just a very few hours (rather than the all-day blockade caused by the 50mg dosage). Those are the same receptors used by the body’s endorphins. The body responds to this by greatly increasing its endorphin production, and those higher levels last all day -- far after the blockade by LDN has ended. Endorphins turn out to be the major normalizer/upregulator of one’s immune system.

 

This is of critical importance to anyone who has an autoimmune disease. Published studies have demonstrated that all autoimmune disorders thus far tested are marked by weak, dysfunctional immune systems (in contrast to the common belief that they are probably too strong). This makes good sense, because the first commandment of the immune system is “Thou shalt not attack self!” Only a dysfunctional immune system attacks self. When the LDN normalizes one’s immune system, it halts the further progression of any autoimmune disease. When one takes LDN, one is regaining a normalized immune system – and it is the immune system that has such a positive effect on such a wide variety of conditions.

 

We have already noted positive benefits from LDN in those with HIV, any autoimmune disorder, many cancers, Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron diseases (such as ALS), COPD, and in childhood autism.

 

LDN has been especially popular for a great number of people who suffer from MS because it is beneficial in a high percentage of patients and it is the antithesis of the spectrum of “approved” anti-MS medications, which are questionably effective, often painful and problematic to use, are sometimes dangerous, and are always expensive. LDN, in contrast, is almost always effective, easy to use, non-toxic, easily affordable and it has virtually no significant side effects.

 

Because naltrexone has been a generic drug for many years now, no large pharmaceutical company will invest any money in the large research costs needed to gain FDA approval of these special new off-label uses of the medication. No one makes any significant money from sales of LDN! Nonetheless, there have been many small clinical studies of LDN performed at outstanding medical centers, all showing it to be safe and effective. Check my website for detailed information on the research [www.ldninfo.org/ldn_trials.htm].

 

In MS alone, there have been two very promising studies. One, out of a group of hospitals in Milan, Italy, showed that of some 40 patients with Primary Progressive MS (for which there is NO recognized treatment) who were treated with LDN over a period of 6 months, only one patient showed any sign of progression! The other study, performed by one of the best neurology departments in the USA, at UCSF, was very brief, but showed that within 8 weeks of LDN treatment there were already statistically positive improvements.

 

There are only two substantial contraindications to LDN’s use. The first is that the potential user must not be dependent on daily narcotic-containing pain medications. Remember that naltrexone is a pure opioid antagonist, so even one little capsule of LDN taken by such a person might well lead to a prompt and dangerous withdrawal reaction. The other contraindication is based on a supposition: we believe that anyone who has had an organ transplant, and thus must take daily immunosuppressant medications, ought not start using LDN, which reliably strengthens one’s immune system.

 

Use of LDN is generally compatible with all other treatments or medications, with these few caveats:

 

    Use of any narcotic-containing pain medication during the same few hours (about 5 hours) of LDN’s activity is unwise because LDN will block that drug’s effect.

    Use of immunosuppressant medications for any length of time will act to counter LDN’s benefits, most of which are based on its ability to normalize the immune system.

 

Because LDN is a prescription drug that is made by compounding pharmacies, and because there is a rather high rate of error in compounding the occasional drug, I strongly recommend using only compounders that are recognized for their expertise in compounding effective supplies of LDN. On my website’s home page [www.ldninfo.org], there is a list of pharmacies in the USA, Canada, and the UK, highly recommended for LDN, which have proven themselves over many years. They all ship it to you promptly and are inexpensive.

 

    In summary, if you have one of the many diseases that have been reported as benefiting from LDN and have neither of the improbable contraindications that I’ve noted above, then by all means, why not consider getting started on LDN.”

 

http://www.ldnresearchtrust.org/content/my-experience-low-dose-naltrexone-david-gluck-md

Top 15 Scientific Health Benefits of Low Dose Naltrexone

Web version with better formatting:

[nobbc]https://selfhacked.com/2016/06/20/top-22-scientific-health-benefits-low-dose-naltrexone/[/nobbc]

 

Low Dose Naltrexone is a beneficial drug used for fighting cancer and autoimmune diseases.  It helps alleviate pain and inflammation caused by various conditions, and it can be beneficial for many with chronic illnesses.

 

Contents

 

    Introduction to Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

    How Does LDN Work?

    Health Benefits of Low Dose Naltrexone

        1) LDN Can Reduce Pain and Inflammation in Many Conditions

            LDN Treats Fibromyalgia Symptoms

            LDN Reduces Pain and Swelling in Rheumatoid Arthritis

            LDN Amplifies Anticonvulsant and Anti-Pain Effects of Drugs

            LDN Helps with CRPS Symptoms

            LDN Helps with Pain in Transverse Myelitis

        2) LDN Effectively Treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome

        3) LDN Effectively Treats Inflammatory Bowel Disease

        4) LDN Blocks Activation of Microglia

        5) LDN Fights Cancer

        6) LDN Helps With Degenerative Brain Disorders

            Naltrexone and Alzheimer’s Disease

            LDN Alleviates Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease

            LDN May Treat ALS and PLS

        7) LDN Effectively Treats Patients with Autism

        LDN Improves PTSD Symptoms

        9) LDN Can Improves Mood and Quality of Life

        10) LDN Decreases Nausea in Trauma Patients

        11) LDN Alleviates Itchiness and Maybe Histamine Intolerance

        12) LDN Enhances Maturation of Bone Marrow Dendritic Cells

        13) LDN Can Help Patients Struggling with Drug Problems

            LDN Can Help Treat Opioid Withdrawal and Detox Patients

            LDN Reduces Craving and Drug Response in Heavy-Drinking Smokers

            LDN Can Help Prevent Cocaine Relapse

        14) LDN is Effective in Treating HIV/AIDS

        15) LDN Alleviates Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis

    Other Information

        Dosage

        Side Effects

        Cautionary Warnings

    Buying LDN

        Reliable Pharmacies for LDN

            Share this:

            Related

 

9151035_origIntroduction to Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

 

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a drug which can help treat an array of cancers, central nervous system disorders, autoimmune diseases, and a variety of other issues.

 

Originally, Naltrexone was prescribed and FDA approved in much higher doses (50 mg to 300 mg) to treat drug and alcohol addiction.  This article focuses on lower doses of Naltrexone (1.5 mg to 4.5 mg) and its multiple medicinal benefits ®.

How Does LDN Work?

 

low-dose-naltrexone

 

LDN works by blocking the opioid growth factor and opioid growth factor receptor pathway in your body, which in turn helps to boost your body’s immune system and natural defenses.

 

By blocking this pathway temporarily, the body then tries to compensate by producing more beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin (your body’s natural opioids).  Many body tissues have receptors for these endorphins and enkephalins, including every cell of the body’s immune system (R1,R2).

 

Cancer and autoimmune diseases are triggered by low blood levels of endorphins, contributing to the disease-associated immune deficiencies.  Similarly, HIV/AIDS is accelerated by a deficiency of endorphins ®.

 

Bottom Line: LDN has the ability to correct the endorphin and enkephalin deficiencies, boost the immune system, and fight the inflammation and sickness responses to diseases.

 

      A_Vojdani_ppt

Health Benefits of Low Dose Naltrexone

1) LDN Can Reduce Pain and Inflammation in Many Conditions

LDN Treats Fibromyalgia Symptoms

 

Various studies on Fibromyalgia performed at Stanford University found that the drug can significantly help with pain, fatigue, stress levels, mood, general satisfaction, and inflammation.  LDN is able to fix these symptoms because it improves immune functioning and increases endorphin neurotransmitters ®.

 

LDN improved pain tolerance in cold pressor tests (CPT) and the ability for fibromyalgia patients to relate interpersonally with others and participate in human relationships ®.

LDN Reduces Pain and Swelling in Rheumatoid Arthritis

 

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Ten patients with this disease have been treated with LDN.  In all ten patients, the joint pain and swelling cleared.  When patients stopped taking LDN for a few weeks or experienced periods of severe stress, it resulted in exacerbation of the condition ®.

LDN Amplifies Anticonvulsant and Anti-Pain Effects of Drugs

 

When low doses of naltrexone were combined with cannabinoids or opioids such as morphine or buprenorphine, their ability to reduce seizure risk and feelings of pain were amplified.

 

In one study with 10 patients, a buprenorphine:naltrexone ratio of 166:1 was found to have the greatest effect on pain tolerance for patients in a cold pressor pain test ®.

 

The anticonvulsant effects of opioids and cannabinoids were greatly decreased when combined with low dose naltrexone in a study with mice.  This means patients with diseases like epilepsy are less likely to have new seizures ®.

 

In addition, LDN was able to help patients avoid a buildup of tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of morphine in another study done with mice ®.

LDN Helps with CRPS Symptoms

 

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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is evoked/aggravated by symptoms that may be associated with local small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, obstructive sleep apnea, and potential increased microglial activity ®.

 

Since  low dose naltrexone can block microglial toll-like receptors and induce production of endorphins, it is able to significantly reduce inflammation.  The improvement provides relief to CRPS patients ®.

 

Low dose naltrexone can enhance the pain relieving properties of acupuncture which can also be helpful for CRPS patients ®.

 

A common symptom of patients with CRPS is dystonia.  In this study, two patients were treated with low dose naltrexone in the hope that it would block the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to decrease neuroinflammation.  After treatment, both patients had a decrease in pain, fixed dystonia, and dystonic spasms in their extremities ®.

LDN Helps with Pain in Transverse Myelitis

 

Transverse myelitis is characterized by inflammation of the spinal cord with varying degrees of motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunction ®.

 

This study followed one patient with TM who was unresponsive to multiple pain medications and immune-modulation therapies but noticed an improvement in neuropathic pain with low dose (3-4.5 mg) Naltrexone ®.

 

This occurred because LDN is a TLR4 antagonist and therefore stops the microglial activation and sensitization process ®.

 

In addition, low doses of Naltrexone do not inhibit other opioid receptors in the central nervous system, thereby allowing endogenous anti-pain pathways to continue operating ®.

2) LDN Effectively Treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome

 

This pre-clinical study assessed 42 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients. Participants received 0.5 mg per day for 4 weeks and were evaluated during baseline, treatment, and at a 4-week follow-up ®.

 

Patients initially reported degrees of abdominal pain, stool urgency, consistency, and frequency ®.

 

Treatment with LDN resulted in a number of pain-free days and overall symptom relief, evaluated by a global assessment score.  Global assessment improved in 76% of 42 patients. During treatment, the mean weekly number of pain-free days increased from 0.5+/-1 to 1.25+/-2.14 (P=0.011) ®.

 

There were no significant side effects ®.

 

Overall, patients noticed improvements in pain and relief from symptoms ®.

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3) LDN Effectively Treats Inflammatory Bowel Disease

 

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Multiple studies have shown that low dose naltrexone was able to treat patients with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD).  Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis are two common examples of this chronic relapsing bowel disorder ®.

 

In this study, Dr. Bihari followed eight patients who had Crohn’s Disease and were on LDN. In all eight cases, within 2-3 weeks the signs and symptoms of disease activity stopped. All eight remained stable anywhere from 2 months to multiple years afterward ®.

 

In a study with 14 children with Crohn’s, LDN was used to treat their condition.  After an 8-week course of naltrexone therapy, twenty-five percent were considered in remission, and 67% had improved with mild disease activity.  The systemic and social quality of life improved with naltrexone treatment as well ®.

 

Patients with ulcerative colitis that don’t notice improvements in symptoms from other medications may find relief with LDN.  A study of 40 ulcerative colitis patients found that 30% of the severe cases responded to treatment, and 20% showed lasting benefits ®.

 

Amongst the long-term responders, many went into remission.  Most of them are still in remission today, but 3 patients relapsed at 11, 12, and 21 months ®.

4) LDN Blocks Activation of Microglia

 

LDN is also known to block activation of microglia, a type of white blood cells found in the central nervous system. Activation of microglia causes common symptoms associated with sickness such as fatigue, fever, inflammation, and pain ®.

 

Blocking activation of microglial cells results in a reduction of proinflammatory cytokines as well as neurotoxic superoxides by blocking Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which can control the body’s response to inflammation ®.

5) LDN Fights Cancer

 

Cancer

 

LDN has been known to treat cancers such as bladder cancer, breast cancer, carcinoid tumors, colorectal cancer, glioblastoma, liver cancer, lung cancer (non-small cell), leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, myeloma, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, throat cancer, thyroid cancer, and uterine cancer ®.

 

Some patients treated with LDN who were deemed terminal with little time left are still alive and doing well years later. 

 

This study in mice found that LDN can be coupled with chemotherapy and radiotherapy; it is a unique, non-toxic, cancer therapy ®. 

 

LDN increases the number and density of opiate receptors on the tumor cell membranes, making them more responsive to the growth-inhibiting effects of endorphins.  It also increases the amount of cytotoxic T cells, natural killer cells, and both of their activities.  All these factors cause cancer cells to die (R1,R2).

 

In a study having approximately 450 cancer patients directed by Dr. Bihari, nearly a quarter of his patients had at least a 75% reduction in tumor size, and nearly 60% of his patients demonstrated disease stability ®.

 

A study on ovarian cancer found that LDN reduced DNA synthesis, blood vessel development, and cell replication ®.

 

Exposure to LDN in combination with cancer drugs enhanced anti-cancer action ®. 

 

LDN combined with a chemotherapy drug, cisplatin, alleviated the toxicity associated with cisplatin ®. 

 

It increased the production of the opioid growth factor which inhibits ovarian cancer cell growth ®.

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6) LDN Helps With Degenerative Brain Disorders

 

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Naltrexone and Alzheimer’s Disease

 

In patients with degenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s, the illness progression is slowed. People with Alzheimer’s disease do not regain already lost function, so it is crucial to begin the treatment as early as possible ®.

 

Improvements in symptoms from naltrexone (high dose) include better mood and behavior, less confusion, and stronger memory ®.  The same may not hold true for low dose naltrexone.

LDN Alleviates Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease

 

In Dr. Bihari’s study of seven Parkinson’s patients, LDN was able to stop the progression of the condition, and the signs and symptoms subsided.  One patient was not seeing improvement in his condition so he discontinued LDN, but his symptoms immediately worsened.  After resuming LDN, he experienced a reversal of the progression that had occurred while off of the drug. His symptoms subsided, and even his depression subsided ®.

 

In another patient, taking low dose Naltrexone resulted in the disappearance of the glabellar sign, a common symptom in PD patients ®. 

 

Other symptoms which improved include tremors, sleep issues, and ability to smell, just to name a few ®.

LDN May Treat ALS and PLS

 

In patients with degenerative illnesses such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), the illness progression is slowed. People with ALS may even regain already lost function.

 

Patients notice improvements in muscle weakness, spasms, physical and speech coordination, ability to breathe, and fatigue ®.

 

In one small study, two patients showed significant improvement in their breathing, as measured by a forced vital capacity (FVC). One had a 25% improvement within two months of beginning LDN and the other an 11% improvement. A third patient had improvement in his ability to breathe and a reduction in his resting pulse from 96 to the low 80’s ®.

7) LDN Effectively Treats Patients with Autism

 

In one study of autistic children, behavioral improvements were observed as early as half an hour after dosing. LDN also increased verbal production and decreased autistic stereotypies (repetitive or ritualistic movement, posture, or utterance) ®.

 

Other studies found improvements in focus, mood, and behavior due to decreased anxiety and hyperactivity.  LDN is unable to completely bridge the learning disadvantage for children with autism, but it is a start ®.

 

Dr. Jaquelyn McCandless has found a very positive effect of LDN in appropriately reduced dosage and applied as a transdermal cream, in children with autism ®.

LDN Improves PTSD Symptoms

 

In one study, 11 out of 15 patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who were treated with LDN felt multiple positive effects.

 

They reported a clearer perception of both their surroundings and their inner life. Their assessment of reality and dealing with it improved.  Lastly, their perception of their own body, effects on others, and self-control got better ®.

9) LDN Can Improves Mood and Quality of Life

 

Low dose naltrexone plays a role in promoting healthy immune system control which reduces various cancerous and inflammatory autoimmune processes.  This, in turn, results in less pain in patients.

 

In addition, LDN can increase opioid activity which promotes stress resilience, exercise, social bonding, and emotional well-being, as well as an improvement in psychiatric problems such as autism and depression.  These benefits are attributed to its ability to impact both the immune system and the brain’s neurochemistries ®.

10) LDN Decreases Nausea in Trauma Patients

 

When LDN was used in conjunction with morphine in patients with trauma to their upper and lower extremities, it did not decrease pain any more than morphine alone.  However, it did lower the risk of nausea in the trauma patients ®.

11) LDN Alleviates Itchiness and Maybe Histamine Intolerance

 

In this study, patients were put in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) machine to observe the central nervous system processing of itch caused by histamine and capsaicin.  Histamine and capsaicin cause itching, burning, stinging, or prickling feelings in patients.  However, when the patients were treated with LDN, they noticed a reduction in the itching sensation.  This was confirmed by significantly less fMRI activation ®.

 

Itchiness is also a common symptom associated with conditions like systemic sclerosis/scleroderma and psoriasis, and LDN may be able to help (R1,R2).

 

This study found that 3 female patients with systemic sclerosis all noticed significant improvements in the pruritus symptom (severe itching of the skin).  It is believed that this symptom of these illnesses is increased by the inflammation from autoimmune gastrointestinal disorders which these patients often have as well ®.

12) LDN Enhances Maturation of Bone Marrow Dendritic Cells

 

This study evaluated both phenotypic and functional maturation of bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs). They found that LDN enhances maturation of BMDCs by increasing the expression of Costimulatory Molecules including MHC II, CD40, CD83, CD80 and CD86 molecules ®.

 

It also decreased the rates of pinocytosis and phagocytosis.  This was accompanied by the results of decreased ACP, and FITC-dextran bioassay ®.

 

The study confirmed that LDN plays a role in immune system management, enhances host immunity in cancer therapy, and can be used in the design of dendritic cell-based vaccines. ®.

13) LDN Can Help Patients Struggling with Drug Problems

LDN Can Help Treat Opioid Withdrawal and Detox Patients

 

LDN improved pain tolerance in cold pressor tests (CPT) and the ability for post-detoxification patients to relate interpersonally with others and participate in human relationships ®.

 

In a study of 127 patients undergoing a 6-day methadone taper, very low dose naltrexone (VLNTX) and clonidine were used to decrease withdrawal intensity and noradrenaline release.

 

Withdrawal symptoms and treatment completion were compared following VLNTX (.125 or .25 mg/day) and clonidine (.1-.2 mg).  Both medicines used together resulted in a reduction of withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, anxiety, bone and muscle aches, restlessness, and craving, as well as lacrimation, rhinorrhea, and sweating ®.

 

Of the four groups in the study, the group that took both medications had the highest study retention at 85.3%; the average of the four was 66.9%.  This shows that taking both medications had a significant effect on treatment completion and success ®.

LDN Reduces Craving and Drug Response in Heavy-Drinking Smokers

 

In one study with 130 heavy-drinking daily smokers, a combination of LDN and Varenicline was able to reduce cigarette and alcohol cravings, as well as the strength of the “high” feeling associated with both drugs (Varenicline; 1 mg twice daily, LDN; 25 mg once daily) ®.

LDN Can Help Prevent Cocaine Relapse

 

This study on rats used a combination of levo-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP) and low dose naltrexone (LDN), targeting primarily dopaminergic and endogenous opioid systems as a cocaine-relapse-prevention treatment ®.

 

The combination of the medicines reduced the drug-seeking tendencies of the rats in various scenarios.  Locomotion (movement) in the rats was increased on the two drugs as well ®.

 

These effects can be attributed to the increase of beta-endorphin and increased POMC expression in the rats ®.

14) LDN is Effective in Treating HIV/AIDS

 

After Dr. Bihari had been treating hundreds of AIDS patients with LDN and accepted AIDS therapies for over 7 years, 85% of the patients had no detectable levels of the virus in their systems.  This is a much higher success rate compared to most AIDS treatments, and with no side effects ®. 

 

Many HIV/AIDS patients are living symptom-free for years while taking only LDN ®.

 

In patients with HIV/AIDS, low levels of beta-endorphin are found in the bloodstream.  LDN is able to correct this deficiency when blocking the opioid receptors and then allowing them to open back up again ®.

 

LDN successfully treats HIV/AIDS due to its ability to stop the deterioration of Helper T cells ®.

 

The abnormal buildup of fat caused by HIV drugs usually improves significantly with LDN ®.

15) LDN Alleviates Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis

 

People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may find relief from their condition by taking LDN.  Some patients report up to 90% improvement in their symptoms.  MS patients often note relief from spasticity, fatigue, and bladder problems ®.

 

In Dr. Bihari’s study, less than 1% of MS patients ever experienced a new attack of the disease while taking LDN ®.

 

For MS patients that experience muscle spasms at the 4.5 mg dosage, lowering the medicine to 3 mg per day may help reduce this symptom ®. 

Other Information

Dosage

 

Consult with your physician before taking LDN to see if it is safe and the correct medication for your condition.

 

LDN is a prescription drug and should be taken once a day, usually at bedtime ®. 

 

Depending on what your doctor prescribes for you, dosages can range from 1.5 mg to 3 mg to 4.5 mg ®. 

 

Avoid slow/timed-release naltrexone and LDN capsules which contain calcium carbonate filters ®.

 

LDN is usually taken as a pill, but topical creams have successfully been developed as well.

Side Effects

 

In the clinical trials that have been done to date, most patients don’t experience any side effects, but those who do tend to find that their symptoms subside within a few days to a week.  Symptoms include trouble sleeping, increased vivid dreams, nausea, gas, bloating, upset stomach, hunger pangs, and increased spasticity ®. 

 

LDN shouldn’t be taken with narcotic painkillers or immunosuppressive drugs ®.

 

I have been informed that there are anecdotes on the web about some people with CFS and mold illness who don’t react well to LDN.  If you’re getting side effects, you should speak to your healthcare practitioner.

Cautionary Warnings

 

    Because LDN blocks opioid receptors throughout the body, a person using medicine that is an opioid activator (narcotic medication) should not take LDN until such medicine is completely out of one’s system. Patients who have become dependent on the daily use of narcotic-containing pain medication may require 10 days to 2 weeks before being able to begin LDN safely ®.

    Full-dose naltrexone carries a cautionary warning against its use in those with liver disease. However, LDN will not produce impairment of liver function ®.

    People who have had organ transplants and are taking immunosuppressive medication permanently are cautioned against the use of LDN ®.

 

Buying LDN

 

Here is one reliable website where you can purchase low dose naltrexone.

 

Low dose naltrexone (LDN)

Reliable Pharmacies for LDN

 

Make sure the pharmacy that you get the medication from has a reputation for consistent reliability in the quality of the LDN it delivers.

Pharmacy Phone Fax

Irmat Pharmacy, New York, NY (212) 685-0502 (212) 532-6596

Belmar Pharmacy, Lakewood, CO (800) 525-9473 (866) 415-2923

The Compounder Pharmacy, Aurora, IL (630) 859-0333

 

(800) 679-4667

(630) 859-0114

The Pharmacy Shop and

 

Compounding Center, Canandaigua, NY

(585) 396-9970

 

(800) 396-9970

(585) 396-7264

McGuff Compounding Pharmacy,

 

Santa Ana, CA

(714) 438-0536

 

(877) 444-1133

(877) 444-1155

Skip’s Pharmacy, Boca Raton, FL (561) 218-0111

 

(800) 553-7429

(561) 218-8873

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Very interesting topic. Was depression the main reason you took LDN and would you say it cured it? How much thyroid medication were you taking and for how long? I have Hashimoto"s and have taken levothyroxine over 20 years and am taking 162.5mcg/day. Did it help with any other physical conditions that you have. How long and what dose of clonazapam were you taking? How long was your taper? How are you feeling now? Did you notice a drop in withdrawal symptoms when you started LDN?

Thank's for all the information. BDJA

 

Very interesting topic. Was depression the main reason you took LDN and would you say it cured it? How much thyroid medication were you taking and for how long? I have Hashimoto"s and have taken levothyroxine over 20 years and am taking 162.5mcg/day. Did it help with any other physical conditions that you have. How long and what dose of clonazapam were you taking? How long was your taper? How are you feeling now? Did you notice a drop in withdrawal symptoms when you started LDN?

Thank's for all the information. BDJA

 

 

I found out about and starting taking LDN because I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder.  I now fully believe that it is all tolerance withdrawal / withdrawal. I am not now dealing with depression except when the waves of panic have hit for days on end early after jump.

 

My blood work was all over the place prior to LDN and has all but ANA come back in the normal range since LDN. I expect my ANA to come back in the normal range within 12 months as that has been seen by one doctor with over 30 of his patient.

 

I truly believe LDN is helping me to get though this stuff faster than without it. I've just switched to morning dosing as it is giving me good energy and may have been contributing to some insomnia that I've had recently. It does kick up some of the lesser symptoms. I read that as my body healing faster and they are very mild. I'll take the extra symptoms if it gets me better faster. I feel there is no downside risk with LDN at all during this journey I'm on.

 

Yesterday afternoon and today so far have been very good days compared to where I was. I'm already seeing decent size windows of relief.

I'm wondering about something that another thread reminded me about. I was on a low dose of codeine for a cough earlier this year. It was the best I've felt in a long time. Codeine is a very weak opiates, though, IMO. So I don't think it was me feeling euphoric or something like that. I don't really get euphoric on opiates when I have to take them for pain.

 

I wonder, though, if it was something about a chemical, any chemical, binding to those receptors. In other words if low doses of codeine helped, might LDN also help, but with less risk?

I wonder, though, if it was something about a chemical, any chemical, binding to those receptors. In other words if low doses of codeine helped, might LDN also help, but with less risk?

 

I'm not sure how codine works I do know that LDN and codine counteract each other so codine won't do anything while LDN is in the system. I can tell you that I've had 1 1/2 very good days of a good window and I'm reasonably functional currently.

 

I've been thinking about Naltrexone working for helping with addiction. This is an addiction withdrawal so it seems that LDN could be helping me to get though this in a faster than normal way than without LDN. This is all anecdotal and there are too many variables from just one test subject...me.

 

The downside is minimal and the upside potential is so substantial.

 

I feel like LDN is saving me from a long term agony. I've had a few rushes of goosebumps over my arms and even my whole body. I've been laughing with others yesterday and playing a strategy game and moving all day.  It has not saved me from some of the hell we all know can go on with this but I have a good feeling now it may be helping in a substantial way.

 

I have switched from evening dosing to morning dosing and dropped from 4.5 ml to 2.5 ml for two reasons:

1. It may have been contributing to some insomnia as I am seeing an increase of good energy within minutes of taking.

2. 4.5 may be too much for me now and dropping down is how LDN works. Less is more with LDN. My body is healing and needs less of an endorphin amount to continue to get better.

 

I'd say, get the information to your doctors, tell them what you are seeing with my progress, ask them to be open minded and help you get started and we maybe can get to the other side of this much faster.

Hey next time,

hope your day is okey and you are having a nice weekend!

My question: Do you know if its easy to stop LDN or do you have to taper that also?

Hug,

Marigold

Hey next time,

hope your day is okey and you are having a nice weekend!

My question: Do you know if its easy to stop LDN or do you have to taper that also?

Hug,

Marigold

 

Hi Marigold.

 

LDN is non addictive. Take and stop as you want.

CT is perfectly fine. From time to time I take a dose holiday "just because" and have no issues at all. Upon starting again, take the same as last does unless your body tells you to change for some reason.

 

Very forgiving, very easy to work with.

 

Endorphins are what heals the body, not LDN.

i wanted to be on this thread to see the updates of LDN.

i think we talked about it on another thread nextime. i had told you that i am very interested in trying the LDN

especially since i have a MS diagnosis (of which i am not really sure and every could all be withdrawal?) but i have

had 5 MRI's and i do have leison's on my brain and i heard that LDN helps a lot of people who have MS and that

their leison's disappear. i had told you that i was on the uldn (ultra low dose naltrexone) when i was tapering off

the suboxone. since i am now off all suboxone, i stopped the uldn. i don't really know if it helped but it certainly

didn't hinder.

 

i do have concerns that the LDN does interfere with sleep and i am just starting to get my sleep back after 53 months of all

broken sleep and only 15-20 minutes here and there. i feel like sleep and a few other neurological symptoms are the last to leave.

i do wonder if the LDN will help ease up my on-going head symptoms, head pulling and what feels like a machine inside my head. still waiting for that symptom to lift.

 

i do have concerns that the LDN does interfere with sleep and i am just starting to get my sleep back after 53 months of all

broken sleep and only 15-20 minutes here and there. i feel like sleep and a few other neurological symptoms are the last to leave.

 

 

Here is the video interview of Linda who started ldnresearchtrust.org. She started it after she was given her life back because of LDN.  Anyone I know who has been helped by LDN is telling everyone they know as it needs to be told.

 

 

I've had several good days in a row now. I've even taken an LDN holiday the last couple of days just to make sure it is not creating any symptoms of it's own. I will start back up tomorrow or the the day after at the same dose I stopped CT. No issues with doing this at all.

 

If you have any insomnia with it, taking it in the morning is a great way to 'stay awake' and it's clean energy. When I start again, it will be in the morning, just in case.

 

I got 9 hours and 57 minutes of sleep last night according to fitbit.

Okay, here are my thoughts since doing a little more research and probing into this LDN. 

 

Firstly, for the record, I certainly have not put huge effort into investigating it at length, but just enough to satisfy myself that I for one have no interest in pursuing it further.  Also, for the record, my *sole* interest in this is my desperation for some pain relief.  Nothing more and nothing less.  Desperation.  That's my disclaimer because I'm a bit concerned about everyone reading this and thinking it's a miracle drug for withdrawal and rushing out to try it.  It's another medicine, bottom line, another poorly understood man-made chemical that we're considering throwing into our already very sensitized nervous systems.

 

So.  I've now heard from a number of other BBs who have had less than positive results, *including* no success with pain relief.  Also, it's my understanding that it is not something that will work for pain on an as needed basis.  That's a big red flag for me, as I have no intention of adding anymore unknown chemicals into my already whacked out nervous system on a daily basis.  The people who appear to be benefiting the most are those with autoimmune diseases (although as one would expect, many others claim it's made them worse).  I'm very skeptical of any chemical having the ability to actually "fix" the immune system.  I'd love to be proven wrong though, it would be awesome if it were the case!

 

Another point.  I raise an eyebrow over this "low-dose" hype.  It may be a low dose *relative to* the dose required for its original/intended use for opioid/alcohol dependency.  But by marketing it as low-dose, it gives the impression that such a teeny-weeny-tiny dose is so negligible as to be totally harmless and benign.  If it's strong enough to cause insomnia and vivid dreams, etc, it's strong enough to be taken pretty seriously.

 

So, in closing.  As always, one man's meat is another man's poison.  I'd encourage everyone to do their homework and proceed with caution.  If you're functioning semi-okay and are able to keep yourself totally med-free, that's just the ultimate, I think we'd all agree with that.  It's when we get super desperate that our heads run all over the place.  I know I'd choose this route before ever taking another benzo or SSRI or super poison of the psychotropic variety.  But.that's.just.me! 

 

I hope others will chime in with their personal experiences to balance this thread.  Right now, we only really have nexttime's glowing recommendation ... and his supercharged powers at promoting the stuff, lol. 

Hi abcd,

 

You are absolutely correct that is does not work on an as needed basis. This helps to boost the endorphins in your body and the endorphins help with pain, inflammation, and balance the immune system. You are spot on.

 

As I've mentioned in my first post, this is not for everyone, not a cure or magic potion. It works with autoimmune issues and is very effective for that.

 

I've said all along, one may choose to take or not take LDN and with this information you are now making an informed decision.

 

At least now you now more about an option you didn't know about before.

 

I totally support your decision.

Thanks, Next, right on, informed decision.  

Is there withdrawals? How long until it's ineffective? Do you have to increase doses over time?

 

I went to a doc seven years ago who claimed to have a cure for my addiction. It was suboxone. He sold me on it, convinced me it wasn't addictive, it was safe and harmless.

 

He got me to the highest dose, then the hospital shut down, and I was addicted to the strongest substance on the planet for seven years.

 

It was nalterxone\ buprenorphine

 

I discontinued this three years ago. My body still struggles to create endorphins. Me knees hurt all three years up until about a month ago

 

How can anyone be sure the brain doesn't start to make changes in response to naltrexone?

I want to believe in it, I kind of have an addiction problem I guess. I haven't used in three years but my brain tells me there's something out there that could make my life better.

 

What's the drugs half life? When I took suboxone (half naltrexone), one pill would last a month. And they had me taking one pill per day. 2mg naltrexone per day.

 

 

 

 

How can anyone be sure the brain doesn't start to make changes in response to naltrexone?

 

Never take it at all and it will never be an issue.

 

I'm not here to convince anyone. I'm just sharing information.

 

Over 450 video testimonials of people who now have a quality of life where many were out of options.

https://vimeo.com/ldnresearchtrust

 

I'm on a holiday from LDN from a few days ago to get all meds out of my system.

I'm planning on starting again in the next few days to keep my immune system in good health since we are coming into the cold and flu season.

 

For me, I'm glad I know about it and will look for changes either way upon starting again.

I know several people who have fibro or an autoimmune disease and they are very happy they got started and are seeing excellent results. Especially the pain of fibro. One other person stopped smoking and they are happy with that alone. I added one post earlier of a doctor who he and his family take for preventative measures. His son started the yahoo group.

 

Again, I have no agenda. I'm not selling or pushing anything.

 

If it's not for you, this is a non issue.  You can totally ignore this thread.

Best wishes.

Good call.

How can anyone be sure the brain doesn't start to make changes in response to naltrexone?

 

But isn't it a given that's exactly what's going on?  How can there be any question about that?  The claim is increased endorphin production, well, it's not that we're ingesting natural endorphins, or even chemical endorphins.  The med is somehow/someway altering our body chemistry (nervous system/pituitary gland, etc.) resulting in an increased production of endorphins and, naturally, a whole cascade of other interactions is at play.

 

Oh, wait, here you go ..

 

My experience with Low Dose Naltrexone By David Gluck, MD

 

[...]

The major mechanism of action of LDN involves blocking the body’s opioid/narcotic receptors for just a very few hours (rather than the all-day blockade caused by the 50mg dosage). Those are the same receptors used by the body’s endorphins. The body responds to this by greatly increasing its endorphin production, and those higher levels last all day -- far after the blockade by LDN has ended. Endorphins turn out to be the major normalizer/upregulator of one’s immune system.

[...]

 

 

I want to believe in it, I kind of have an addiction problem I guess. I haven't used in three years but my brain tells me there's something out there that could make my life better.

 

OMG, Offeve, forget about it!!!  You're doing so damn well, keep moving forward, clean, clean, clean!  That's what's going to make your life better!  Don't even think about it, yikes! 

 

 

 

 

 

How can anyone be sure the brain doesn't start to make changes in response to naltrexone?

 

Never take it at all and it will never be an issue.

 

I'm not here to convince anyone. I'm just sharing information.

 

 

Yep, we're all adults and that's what it's all about.  Information sharing.  And discussion. 

Obviously the brain is making changes.. I guess I wasn't specific in my question. How can we be sure that we won't be in Protracted withdrawal for three years afterword. . ?

 

I understand it's method of action very clearly. I guess I was throwing caution to the wind given my prior experience with (suboxone)

 

And yeah, " " is why I took benzos in the first place. Non of us can hide from that fact

Suboxone I have no research on.

Different medication.

Apples / oranges?

I'm not sure.

 

With all medication there is a risk / reward benefit.

I started because I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and it was a no brainer for me.

Then I found out about benzo withdrawal. My timeline seems to be good and I've been logging several good days now. I've took my last 1/4 mg of k pin less than 2 months ago and from what I understand now, that was a big jump.

I've CT'ed off LDN a couple of days ago and my sxs continue to diminish.

I have noticed my energy level the last couple of days is lower.

This withdrawal stuff is crazy making and it's hard to nail anything down so it's all subjective.

I'm willing to go back on LDN without much thought.

I'm not willing to take any pain reliever including aspirin.

 

I do know of one other person who is going to try LDN and hope they post their experience on here so there will be more than my experience.

 

My hope is it helps all of us to get out of hell faster. There are no case studies of LDN with benzo protracted withdrawal that I am aware of. If I find any I'll post them.

 

 

 

Obviously the brain is making changes.. I guess I wasn't specific in my question. How can we be sure that we won't be in Protracted withdrawal for three years afterword. . ?

 

I understand it's method of action very clearly. I guess I was throwing caution to the wind given my prior experience with (suboxone)

 

:laugh:  

Okay, you had me laughing there, yep, slightly different question.  Who the fook knows the answer to that one. 

 

 

So, anyway, I was just skimming that main LDN Research site and found this statement:

 

What to expect from LDN

 

LDN does not work immediately. It may take anywhere from a few weeks to many months. Users have reported to notice a difference after 9 to 12 months. After the initial response, it continues to show a benefit. The main goal of LDN is to slow or halt the progression of disease. In addition, symptoms may improve. Improvements seen in pain include decreases in exacerbation of pain, symptom improvement, improved functioning and better tolerance to pain.

 

LDN may increase endorphins (morphine like substances produced by the body) which may result in a feeling of well being. Human trials have demonstrated improvement in mood and in quality-of-life scores. This feeling helps lower stress, reduce depression, and increase healing. This is especially true for conditions like CRPS where stress can lead to exacerbations.

 

http://www.ldnresearchtrust.org/content/low-dose-naltrexone-and-chronic-pain-pradeep-chopra-md

 

Takes from a few weeks to ONE YEAR to notice a difference?  Say what now? 

 

"May" increase endorphins?  Usual story, all speculation, the human body being what it is, it's just all so complex.

I think part of the trouble is that benzo withdrawal is so bad. I have also had experience with Suboxone. I was on it for 2 months about a decade ago after I struggled with pain medication following a really bad accident. I was riding my bicycle and a car t-boned me. That messed me up good and it was hard to get off the pain pills after a long recovery.

 

Anyway, suboxone is pretty dangerous medication. It doesn't make you high or didn't make me high. And it helped make that taper off pain pills fairly easy. I've told anyone who seriously asks me about my benzo withdrawal that I'd rather do a suboxone / opiate withdrawal every single year of my life than do benzo withdrawal once.

 

And I think that's the crux of the problem. Something like LDN looks attractive, especially to those of us with other withdrawal experience, because we can't imagine anything worse than benzo withdrawal. So if something could make it easier we'd consider trading one withdrawal for another.

 

I have to say that I also, if not taking LDN already and dealing with withdrawal, might not have started LDN.

 

I TOTALLY get your concerns!!!

 

I'm just sharing my story and wish I could change the header of the original thread to say "May be helpful"

 

I don't want to encourage or discourage anyone to do anything.

I was taking L-Theaniine and many other supplements then stopped taking all supplements.

I wanted to know my baseline sxs without anything being added to the body. Sometimes just eating can bring on some sxs.

I plan to take LDN again and then if that goes well, may introduce L-Theanine again and later MSM.

 

Got a baseline now so anything I add back in will be very slow and methodical.