LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone)

Naltrexone is used to help people withdraw from opiates or alcohol. Frequently when Naltrexone is used for withdrawal it is dosed as a 60 mg tablet. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) utilizes small doses of Naltrexone such as 0.5 mg, or 1 to 3 mg capsules. LDN must be manufactured by a compounding pharmacy.



Low dose naltrexone has a very short half-life – around 4 to 6 hours – which means its binding effects wear off quickly, but this is long enough to boost levels of naturally occurring opioids for 18 to 24 hours. Endogenous opioids are natural pain relievers and having more of these around in the body is one of the ways low dose naltrexone is thought to work.

Low dose naltrexone also appears to have anti-inflammatory effects by regulating microglial cells which have a key role in general and nerve inflammation. When microglial cells are activated, they produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, free radicals (reactive oxygen species), and nitric oxide – all of these substances have been associated with pain, inflammation, fatigue, feeling rundown or like you have come down with something. Low dose naltrexone is thought to stop microglial cells from being activated by blocking the TLR-4 receptor.