Naltrexone has been around for quite some time and was approved in the 1980’s by the FDA to be used in treating patients suffering from chronic addictions to opioids and alcohol, with the typical dose for a patient being between 50 milligrams – 100 milligrams each day. In 1985, Bernard Bihari, MD, a physician with a clinical practice in New York City, discovered the effects of a much smaller dose of Naltrexone (approximately 3mg once a day) on the body’s immune system. He found that this low dose, taken at bedtime, was able to enhance a patient’s response to infection by HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. [Note: Subsequently, the optimal adult dosage of LDN has been found to be 4.5mg.]

In the mid-1990’s, Dr. Bihari found that patients in his practice with cancer (such as lymphoma or pancreatic cancer) could benefit, in some cases dramatically, from LDN. In addition, people who had an autoimmune disease (such as lupus) often showed prompt control of disease activity while taking LDN.

How is Low-Dose Naltrexone Used?

LDN has shown in studies to have paradoxical properties, including analgesia and anti-inflammatory actions, which have not been reported at larger dosages. It has been used to treat patients with opioid addiction’s as well as alcoholism but now Low-Dose Naltrexone has been used to help treat a wide variety of medical conditions such as:

• • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetic Neuropathies
  • Lupus
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Chronic Pain

And many more!

Here’s how one little-known drug can provide relief for so many ailments. LDN binds to the opioid receptors in your brain and other cells—the receptors that regulate the release of endorphins. This signals to your body that you are not getting enough natural endorphins, so you begin to produce more. By the time the Naltrexone has worn off, opening the receptors again, your body has upped its endorphin production and you experience relief from your symptoms.
Where Would I Start?

Low-Dose Naltrexone is not commercially available and must be compounded so your first step would be to speak with your physician about prescribing LDN to you. You would want to have this medication filled at a specialized compounding pharmacy, and we would suggest looking for only pharmacies that have PCAB accreditation to ensure the best quality. At Marin Wellness Pharmacy we are not only PCAB accredited but Low-Dose Naltrexone is a specialty of ours and you will receive information and guidance from pharmacists who are experts in Low-Dose Naltrexone therapies.

We are happy to answer any questions you might have about Low-Dose Naltrexone.