Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
LDN is a safe, non-toxic, and inexpensive drug that helps regulate a dysfunctional immune system.
LDN is most commonly being used for chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, myalgic encephalopathy, autoimmune thyroid diseases, and various cancers. Many autoimmune diseases seem to respond to LDN.
Which Diseases Are Being Treated With LDN?
Click here for a comprehensive list of conditions where LDN may be a benefit.
Naltrexone Background Information
Naltrexone has been commonly used at daily doses of 50-300mg since it was first licensed in 1984. Naltrexone has been used in lower doses to treat multiple diseases since 1988. Naltrexone is considered a “standard dose” when given in daily amounts of 25mg or more and low dose when the daily dose is less than or equal to 10mg. When prescribed in a standard dose, Naltrexone acts primarily to block opiate receptors and as such is used mainly in addictions. Multiple Phase I and II trials have shown efficacy.
Mechanism of Action
When used in a lower dose, LDN has Immunomodulatory, opiate blocking and antitumor effects, and multiple phase, I and II trials have shown efficacy.
- Improves the immune system response
- Creates an increase in the production of endorphins, which should result in a reduction of painful symptoms and an increased sense of wellbeing
- Increased levels of endorphins can be expected to stimulate the immune system, promoting an increase in the number of T lymphocytes. This effect was observed in Dr Bihari’s research. This increase in T-cell numbers restores a more normal balance of the T-cells such that the effects of the disease process are significantly reduced.
- It may also act directly on these immune cells to stimulate or restore normal function
- Opiate blockade for a short period (4-6 hours)
- Levo naltrexone molecule binds to opiate receptors
- Causes rebound increased endorphin release.
- Increases sensitivity of existing opiate/ endorphin receptors.
- More opiate receptors are formed to capture endorphins.
Cancer
- Intermittent dosing with LDN causes increased cell death and increases cell sensitivity to chemotherapy agents.
- Cells treated with LDN upregulate genes that are responsible for cell death. (BAD and LDN 2022 Patient Guide BIK1)
- Tumor cells pre-treated with intermittent LDN dosing are far more likely to be killed by chemotherapy drugs.
- LDN seems to have a direct cytotoxic effect on cancer cells via a P13 kinase, cyclin P21 and downstream G-Protein coupled receptor routes.
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