LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone)

Naltrexone belongs to a drugs called opiate antagonists. In 1984, Naltrexone was approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid addiction, used at a standard dose of 50 mg to 100 mg per day. However, over the last 20 years, it has been recognized that naltrexone has immunological effects that have been reported to be beneficial in autoimmune diseases in lower doses. Low dose naltrexone tricks the body into producing endorphins thus it helps balance the immune system.

The first clinician to record immunological effects of LDN was Dr. Bernard Bihari, working in New York City in 1985. He was using LDN in treating HIV/AIDS patients in his practice. He was able to demonstrate that taking LDN regularly prevented the gradual destruction of the immune system.

Over the next few years there were tons of studies and research done on the importance of endorphins and opiate antagonists to the regulation of the immune system. These includes research done by Dr. Ian Zagon and Dr. McLaughlin.

The mechanism of action of LDN as proposed by these studies includes:

1. Many outward diseases are expressions of a malfunctioning immune system.
2. The immune system is regulated by endorphins, which have a primary action on opiate receptors.
3. Blocking opiate receptors briefly using LDN causes an up-regulation in the production of endorphins, which can act in an immunomodulatory way to correct immune system malfunction.
4. Cell proliferation can be suppressed by endorphins, and this is applicable to some forms of cancer.

Low dose naltrexone has been used in a variety of chronic disease conditions including Multiple Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Thyroid disorders, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Cancer.