Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that causes tenderness and pain throughout your body. This condition is caused by a malfunction in the central nervous system that makes your body overreact to pain signals. As a result, people with fibromyalgia often experience sleep problems and have difficulty concentrating.
While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatments that could help relieve symptoms, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and medications. One such treatment is low-dose naltrexone, but how long does it take for low-dose naltrexone (LDN) to work for fibromyalgia? Learn more about this treatment option from a knowledgeable wellness doctor at Greenwich Hormones today.
Low-dose naltrexone is a medication that was initially approved to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. However, LDN has also been found to be effective in treating a wide range of other conditions, including fibromyalgia, anxiety, and depression. LDN works by binding to receptors in the brain, reducing the body’s production of inflammation-causing chemicals.
LDN boosts the production of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances. Because of this, doctors use it to reduce pain and inflammation throughout the body. Notably, clinical trials suggest that LDN might also help modulate the immune system, making it more effective at fighting infections and diseases. LDN is available only by prescription; however, it is relatively affordable, and side effects are rare. During a consultation, Dr. Jacobson can discuss how low-dose naltrexone (LDN) could help with fibromyalgia, and how long it may take for it to work.
While the exact method of how LDN is effective in treating fibromyalgia is not yet fully understood, it is believed that it helps by modulating the immune system. In most cases, patients take LDN orally as a pill or tablet once daily, typically at bedtime. The standard dose is 50 mg daily, but some patients might require a higher amount, and treatment usually starts at a lower dose.
Most studies suggest that low-dose naltrexone begins to work for fibromyalgia within two to four weeks of starting treatment. Some individuals might experience results gradually, while others could see more immediate results. It is important to note that LDN is not a cure for fibromyalgia but rather a treatment that helps to relieve symptoms, so patients must take it on a long-term basis to maintain symptom relief.
LDN is not suitable for everyone, and there are a few potential risks and side effects associated with the medication. These risks are typically rare, and patients can minimize them by working with a wellness doctor to create a treatment plan. In clinical studies, LDN is generally well tolerated, with the most common side effects being mild gastrointestinal upset and vivid dreams.
The potential benefits associated with using low-dose naltrexone (LDN) include relief from pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms. It also reduces inflammation throughout the body because the drug binds to opioid receptors, which help to reduce the body’s production of inflammation-causing chemicals. You will have a higher production of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances that enhance cognitive function.
Your quality of life may also improve, as LDN helps you sleep better. This, in turn, reduces fatigue and depression and boosts your immune system. LDN carries a low risk of side effects when used as directed (compared with other treatments for fibromyalgia), and it is typically considered an affordable medication. There are no requirements for injections or surgery.
While low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is a promising treatment for fibromyalgia, there are also potential risks associated with its use. One of the most severe risks is that LDN could potentially worsen fibromyalgia symptoms rather than improve them. Additionally, LDN might interact with other medications and cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, and diarrhea.
With the current nature of low-dose naltrexone, more research is needed to understand its full potential use. However, LDN is a safe and effective treatment option for fibromyalgia that could provide long-term relief from symptoms.
If you are considering LDN as a treatment option, be sure to speak with a wellness doctor to discuss your treatment options and safety. Dr. Jacobson can answer all your questions about how long it takes for lose-dose naltrexone (LDN) to work for fibromyalgia, its benefits, and its potential risks. Contact Greenwich Hormones today to learn more.