Opiods vs. LDN

Posted by andid @andid, Aug 15 9:21am

Has anyone had experience coming off opioids (for pain due to Rheumatoid Arthritis) to start LDN treatment (Low Dose Naltrexone)? If so, I am interested in hearing about your experience. How long did it take you to get off opioids (I'm on a Butrans 10 patch Gabapentin and Nucynta IR)? Any withdrawal issues of note? What dose of LDN did you start at? When, if at all, did you feel relief from the LDN? Are you glad you switched, or did you go back to opioids? I've had RA for 10 years and have tried it all from a pain management point of view. I'm on Metho, Plaquenil, Rinvoq, pain injections, had bilateral TKRs, changed my diet and activity, do PMR, watch my spoons, the whole 9 yards! Not looking for other suggestions, just your LDN experience. Thanks!

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diverdown1 | @diverdown1 | Aug 16 6:59am

You may experience GI issues and just feel really bad. I do not know what medication you have been taking or for how long. I know that Naltrexone does help with mental and physical cravings of opioids. I am a recovering alcoholic/addict and I was also on Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) for several years. It is a slow taper, but your situation may be much different than mine. I have been off of drugs and alcohol for several years now. I do take 25 mg. of Naltrexone once a day for Long COVID symptoms. It seems to help some, although I have experienced some constipation. I also take Gabapentin (much higher dose than you are on). That is not to be stopped without a taper. My experience with 25 mg of Naltrexone has been helpful. LDN is usually 2-6 mg. Someone else may be able to speak to that dose better. Good luck.