Most patients who take low-dose naltrexone (LDN) have suffered from chronic pain for several years—sometimes even a lifetime. LDN acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in the central nervous system, and demonstrates great potential for reducing the severity of conditions such as:
In low doses, naltrexone shows impressive results, to be expected from the drug’s better-known performance on opioid receptors. In addition to being inexpensive and highly tolerable in the body, LDN can also help normalize a patient’s immune system. If you have severe joint pain or fatigue, contact us today to discuss Darien low-dose Naltrexone therapy with a seasoned wellness doctor. Dr. Jacobson is happy to answer any questions you may have about LDN therapy, and how it may be able to improve your condition.
Naltrexone is a safe, non-toxic drug used throughout the US since its FDA approval in 1984. Physicians initially prescribed Naltrexone to those with opioid addictions, as it was an effective receptor antagonist that combated the effects of heroin on the body. The typical dosage of Naltrexone to treat opioid addictions was between 50 mg to 100 mg daily, and the tablets were available commercially.
In 1985, Dr. Bernard Bihari discovered that the drug could also help HIV patients eliminate some of their symptoms. He later realized that Naltrexone could also increase endorphin levels and the sense of well-being among lupus and cancer patients.
Today, doctors in Darien and across the country prescribe off-label low to ultra-low doses of Naltrexone to aid patients with several conditions. Examples include pain, dysfunctional immune systems, inflammation, cancer, and mental health issues. According to researchers, tablet or liquid doses can range from as low as 0.01 mg to 8 mg.
Once a doctor has determined that low-dose Naltrexone is appropriate, a patient will often start with 1.5 mg of the drug on an empty stomach at night. The dosage may be lowered or increased based on the patient’s response after a few weeks. LDN could help to relieve joint pain and fatigue by temporarily blocking the Mu receptor, which is linked to pain. This process triggers the body to produce endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.
It is important to note that LDN therapy does not result in immediate relief. Doctors may be able to recognize changes after a few weeks, whereas patients typically report a response after three to six months of taking the drug. Therefore, LDN therapy may also constitute other treatment options and guidance to help hasten its effectiveness. If someone in Darien has further questions about what to expect while undergoing low-dose Naltrexone therapy, Dr. Jacobson is here to help.
Studies show that LDN is most effective when combined with an autoimmune diet that is gluten-free and dairy-free, containing a moderate amount of quality protein and comprising fresh and fermented vegetables. Doctors may also consider treating you for other conditions, such as anxiety, Crohn’s disease, depression, fibromyalgia, and headaches.
Because low-dose Naltrexone offers active therapy for chronic pain, it is an attractive treatment option for many physicians in Darien. In addition to being inexpensive, it is considered safe and has few side effects.
While prices may vary depending on geolocation and pharmacy, the average cost of LDN is around $35 per month. This is without insurance and includes compounding. This price is lower than most medications for conditions like fibromyalgia, which often cost over $100 per month.
LDN has few known incidents of adverse effects. Unlike most anti-inflammatory medications, there have been no heart attacks or clotting incidents.
Most side effects are mild and may change if the dosage is altered. Common side effects patients might experience include:
LDN is an opioid antagonist that does not exert any euphoric or reinforcing effects. There have been no incidents of abuse, misuse, or dependence on the drug to date. In fact, the cessation of Naltrexone often leads to a slow return of symptoms to baseline levels.
Before starting, it is good to consult a knowledgeable Darien wellness doctor about whether low-dose Naltrexone therapy is right for you. People who cannot use LDN include anyone who:
Since Naltrexone may cause kidney or liver damage when taken in high doses, people with impaired kidney or liver function should take LDN under careful monitoring. Patients taking LDN should eat well before taking the medication and start with small doses before adjusting the dosage to the right amount.
If you have been battling constant pain or fatigue, you do not have to suffer in silence any longer. Visit Greenwich Hormones today for guidance on low-dose Naltrexone therapy. Being a member of the LDN Research Trust, Dr. Jacobson can help patients in need of hormonal treatment and therapy to address fatigue, pain, fibromyalgia, and other chronic illnesses that affect their quality of life. Contact us today to get started.