Success with low dose naltrexone for Autoimmune disorders

Posted by julie868 @julie868, Feb 13, 2020

Low Dose Naltrexone, otherwise known as LDN, seems to be helping a lot of people lately who have all different types of autoimmune disorders.
The information I read sounds very interesting and would like to know if anyone has tried it personally?

The theory that I read says that many autoimmune issues are caused by a deficiency in endorphins, endorphins regulate the immune system. LDN temporarily blocks the body's natural endorphin production for a few hours, this tricks the body into thinking it needs to increase endorphin production. When the blockade wears off, all the endorphins are released into the body, regulating the immune system and providing natural pain relief for the rest of the day. Apparently, LDN can increase your endorphins by up to 300%

LDNscience.org has a lot of information and research about it. You can also look at the writer, Annie Habler (@hablerannie) on Medium.com who wrote an article recently about the fascinating background and history of LDN.

Please let me know if you have tried it and what your experience was like. If you could let me know any details your condition,the dosage you used, any side effects, etc it would be helpful.

Thank you!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

krisjb1 | @krisjb1 | Apr 24, 2023

I have used LDN for at least 10 years, maybe more. I take it every night before bed with several other non prescription supplements as sleep aids. I don't know that it has had positive effects because I still have plenty of pain and issues with a recurring pattern of severe illness related to Lyme. So, I can't say anything positive or negative about use of LDN. Just in case I am wrong about not having positive effects I intend to continue using it.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 24, 2023

In reply to @freunch "Hello, (New to the group) Preclinical Hashimoto's with elevated TPO, TSH. I wanted to improve my..." + (show)

Welcome @freunch, Thanks for sharing your experience with LDN. It really helps other members to share your experience and the plus side is you might also learn what has helped others. It is great news to hear that it has helped with the headaches and you haven't had a need for the tACS sessions.

Have you done any research or discussed the selenium supplementation with your doctor?

freunch | @freunch | Apr 24, 2023

Hello @johnbishop,

Thank you, happy to be here. Are there any guidelines as to what type of information may be posted? I wanted to share but should ask first.

I scanned the prior posts and did not find practical information on:

- How to obtain LDN? A pointer to telemedicine providers licensed in all 50 states where it is easy to get an appointment.
- A recommendation for a compounding pharmacy able to ship nationally. (Some are only regional.)
- A reference to authors and book titles providing helpful information for autoimmune conditions.
- Supplement vendors and pointer to relevant studies.

As to local clinicians, I have enjoyed better interaction with our pet's veterinary acupuncturist on LDN than with my PCP or Endocrinologist. Neither are willing to leave their comfort zone to explore alternative therapies. The closest my Endo came to a non-pharmaceutical option was, "Take two Brazil nuts and recheck in six months."

While researching selenium supplementation, I found Brazil nuts could vary over a 10X range (55mcg to 550mcg per nut) depending upon how and where grown. The package on my desk says, "Product of Brazil, Bolivia and Peru", so, even the company is unsure. It would be easy to exceed a recommended daily limit of 400mcg for selenium using nuts.

I located several studies investigating the synergistic effect of supplementation with selenomethionine plus myo-inositol (83 μg/day + 600 mg/day). These studies reveal beneficial effects to thyroid function and a decrease in the level of thyroid autoantibodies in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I chose the same formulation as used in the study for my supplement.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 25, 2023

In reply to @freunch "Hello @johnbishop, Thank you, happy to be here. Are there any guidelines as to what type..." + (show)

Hi @freunch, I think it is really helpful to add evidence based information that can help other members who have questions and especially relevant studies. There are some cautions that we need to be aware of listed in the community guidelines. There is a link at the bottom of every Connect page in the footer. Here's the direct link - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/.

momsys | @momsys | Apr 27, 2023

I have been on LDN (4.5mg) for about 4 months. I see an integrative medicine MD who prescribed low dose naltrexone. I have RA and am undergoing alternative treatments to boost my immune system. Stay tuned…

annewoodmayo | @annewoodmayo | Apr 28, 2023

In reply to @momsys "I have been on LDN (4.5mg) for about 4 months. I see an integrative medicine MD..." + (show)

Hi, Momsys,
Is the LDN working for you?
Are you staying on other RA medicine with it?
Thanks and good luck to you!

momsys | @momsys | Apr 28, 2023

In reply to @annewoodmayo "Hi, Momsys, Is the LDN working for you? Are you staying on other RA medicine with..." + (show)

I went off the Methotrexate and the hydroxychloroquine. They are basically a low dose of chemo. I am using LDN and having blood ozone treatments. I feel good. I did not feel good on those scary drugs.

bayhorse | @bayhorse | Apr 28, 2023

In reply to @momsys "I went off the Methotrexate and the hydroxychloroquine. They are basically a low dose of chemo...." + (show)

Momsys: What are blood ozone treatments?

covidstinks2023 | @covidstinks2023 | Apr 28, 2023

In reply to @krisjb1 "I have used LDN for at least 10 years, maybe more. I take it every night..." + (show)

I truly wish I could have stayed on LDN because it helped my fibromyalgia pain and thyroid issues. Then I started having peripheral neuropathy symptoms in my arms and legs at night. My doctor took me off the Naltrexone because peripheral neuropathy was listed he said as a side effect. I will also say my B12 was low which can also cause peripheral neuropathy symptoms and I went on B12 injections and quit taking the LDN and the symptoms went away. I'm so glad it is working for you. God Bless You!