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Naltrexone

Posted by diverdown1 @diverdown1, Aug 7, 2025

I discussed L low dose Naltrexone with my doctor. The research is showing that doses of 4.5 mg is having some positive results. I tried 4.5-6 mg in 2023. Although it seemed to help some, I stopped taking it due to the price as I have no insurance and Naltrexone is not available in such a small dose unless compounded at a special pharmacy. We discussed my trying it again, as I am desperate to feel better and function better. I started taking 25 mg of Naltrexone about a week or so ago. I took it at night. This was a mistake as I could not sleep so I changed to taking it in the morning. It does help. Just fyi...it can't hurt to try it for all of you who I know are struggling with this debilitating virus that has wrecked our bodies.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

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vostie | @vostie | Jan 7 10:35am

I have my Naltrexone compounded into a liquid - 1 mg per ml. I can draw 4.5 mg with a syringe and mine has little to no flavor. It really helped getting it as a liquid for slowly titrating up to 4.5 mg per day. It is more expensive and runs me about $40 per month.

Doc is now recommending I split my dose into two daily doses to see if I can get a little burst of energy twice a day. And possibly increase slowly to 6 mg per day.

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carlosmayo | @carlosmayo | Jan 8 7:06pm
In reply to @welchllb "@bebold Thank you for all the interesting information. I think my fibromyalgia complications things, too. I..." + (show)
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@bebold
Thank you for all the interesting information. I think my fibromyalgia complications things, too. I have a supply of 4.5 mg capsules and first tried breaking them in half to try a half dose - what a mess!! I also tried cutting the capsule - same mess. When I finally got the capsule open, the powder/med went all over the place. Any ideas of how to break apart a capsule without a mess?
Finally, that's when I stopped taking LDN. Thanks, again. Appreciate you!!

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@welchllb

You could disolve the capsule in water (say 4.5ml, or 6 ml) and then drink half the water to get half the dose. Store in the fridge.

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ravynstar | @ravynstar | May 8 7:33pm
In reply to @welchllb "I have been taking LDN since Dec 2024. It definitely has been a help for my..." + (show)
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I have been taking LDN since Dec 2024. It definitely has been a help for my PEM (Post Exertional Malaise) and shortness of breath. Weirdly, and I don't understand, I still get shortness of breath when bending and reaching but can walk distances and play golf again. I do still have days of extreme fatigue - probably overdoing it. I take 4.5 mg in the morning but have very weird dreams every night, a side effect. I think the dreams effect my sleep quality. Also, I used to enjoy a glass of wine and having one now results in an increased effect of the alcohol and night sweats. If anyone can explain these reactions, I'd appreciate it.

I buy a 3 months supply of compounded LDN for $100 or $400/year. Shop around for compounded pharmacies with cheaper prices than $1,200/year. I have found the $100/3 months in MI and in FL.

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@welchllb

It's because it's originally used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction if you drink it's supposed to make you feel awful so you don't want to again to keep you sober. Speaking as an alcoholic who took this for that reason before discovering it can be used for pain

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celia16 | @celia16 | May 9 8:16am

I’m disappointed because I enjoy a glass of wine on weekends. Does it affect everyone that way?

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vostie | @vostie | May 9 8:17am
In reply to @ravynstar "@welchllb It's because it's originally used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction if you drink it's..." + (show)
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@welchllb

It's because it's originally used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction if you drink it's supposed to make you feel awful so you don't want to again to keep you sober. Speaking as an alcoholic who took this for that reason before discovering it can be used for pain

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@ravynstar You can still drink alcohol on LDN. The dose for pain is usually below 6 mg and the dose for addiction is usually 25 to 50 mg which reacts completely differently in the human body than the LDN. High dose naltrexone completely blocks the opioid receptor for the day so the addict cannot get high...LDN blocks the receptor for a few hours and then the body releases endorphins which help with pain management and energy.

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kentkemmerling1949 | @kentkemmerling1949 | May 9 3:45pm

I use the same compounder and take 6mg per day. I can't tell a huge difference, but I can tell some. I didn't notice until I quit taking it after about 6 months on it at 6 to 9mg per day.

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celia16 | @celia16 | May 9 9:02pm
In reply to @vostie "@ravynstar You can still drink alcohol on LDN. The dose for pain is usually below 6..." + (show)
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@ravynstar You can still drink alcohol on LDN. The dose for pain is usually below 6 mg and the dose for addiction is usually 25 to 50 mg which reacts completely differently in the human body than the LDN. High dose naltrexone completely blocks the opioid receptor for the day so the addict cannot get high...LDN blocks the receptor for a few hours and then the body releases endorphins which help with pain management and energy.

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@vostie , thanks. That sounds reasonable.

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Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | May 10 8:50am
In reply to @bebold "Oh yikes. 25mg is NOT how it works. Its NOT low dose. LDN helps the body..." + (show)
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Oh yikes. 25mg is NOT how it works. Its NOT low dose.

LDN helps the body by shutting your immune system down for 2 or 3 hours die to the short half life of less than 5 mg. Please find a dr who understands LDN. If they are ordering 25mg he does not understand LDN. Yikes. The title of this post says "Naltrexone." Naltrexone and low dose naltrexone (ldn) is almost like 2 different drugs.

Please research LDN and be informed. You are potentially doing harm to your body with zero expectations of any help. Yoo jigh to be "low dose." And too low to help you get off opioids. Naltrexone is not abput alcohol AT ALL

It stops the effects of only opioids. Yikes. You and your dr. are ill informed.

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Hello,

I'd like to remind members about the community guidelines. In particular:

1. Share your story, not medical advice.
- Share your own experiences. But do not tell others what they should do.
- Experience does not replace professional medical advice. It does not replace a diagnosis. It does not replace treatment. See the full Disclaimer.
- Do not ignore professional medical advice. Do not delay seeking medical advice.

Each of us process medications differently and it is important to make any and all medication and medical treatments in partnership with our medical providers. Research is still ongoing about Long Covid and new studies and results are constantly evolving.

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diverdown1 | @diverdown1 | May 10 10:41am
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello, I'd like to remind members about the community guidelines. In particular: 1. Share your story,..." + (show)
Profile picture for Justin McClanahan, Moderator @JustinMcClanahan

Hello,

I'd like to remind members about the community guidelines. In particular:

1. Share your story, not medical advice.
- Share your own experiences. But do not tell others what they should do.
- Experience does not replace professional medical advice. It does not replace a diagnosis. It does not replace treatment. See the full Disclaimer.
- Do not ignore professional medical advice. Do not delay seeking medical advice.

Each of us process medications differently and it is important to make any and all medication and medical treatments in partnership with our medical providers. Research is still ongoing about Long Covid and new studies and results are constantly evolving.

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@JustinMcClanahan I agree with you, however, most doctors that I have encountered in the last 4 years have no idea what to do about Long COVID. I would say that most folks on here do realize that medication is to be taken seriously and will consult a doctor, especially if the medication is prescribed. I understand your reminder. I also appreciate others, living with this life changing condition, sharing what works for them. It is helpful to bring up with my doctor. I am grateful for this platform.

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