Author: Bob Brensel | President, Pharmacist | ScriptWorks
Bob Brensel, RPh, earned his Pharmacy Degree at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California in 1980. Former California Pharmacists Association’s Award Winner for Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Compounding Pharmacy. Read More →
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) has emerged as an area of interest for patients and healthcare providers seeking alternative options for autoimmune and chronic pain conditions. Compounded at significantly lower doses (typically 0.5 mg to 4.5 mg) than standard naltrexone used for opioid addiction, potential LDN benefits may include addressing conditions involving inflammation, immune dysfunction, and chronic pain.
For patients in California, access to LDN through compounding pharmacies provides a personalized approach to care. Let’s explore common questions about LDN, potential LDN benefits for specific diseases, and how you can explore it further with the support of a licensed healthcare provider.
What Is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)?
What Conditions are CA Practitioners Prescribing LDN For?
Many patients and practitioners continue to explore the use of LDN for a variety of conditions that involve chronic pain, inflammation, or immune system dysfunction.
1. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues. For many patients, managing symptoms can be challenging. Researchers believe that LDN works by reducing inflammation and enhancing endorphin production, which may help reduce pain sensitivity and improve daily function. Some early studies and anecdotal reports suggest that LDN may contribute to better quality of life in fibromyalgia patients.
2. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks nerve coverings in the central nervous system. Symptoms like fatigue, neuropathic pain, and muscle spasticity can impact daily activities. Some MS patients report improvements in fatigue and pain levels when using LDN.
3. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Early studies suggest that LDN may help reduce inflammation and support symptom improvement, such as fewer flare-ups and better digestive health.
4. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis & Sjogren’s Syndrome
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disorder that causes hypothyroidism and chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack the glands that produce tears and saliva. Some patients exploring LDN as part of their management strategy have reported reduced inflammation and improvements in energy levels and symptom control.
5. Chronic Pain Disorders
For conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), neuropathy, and other chronic pain syndromes, LDN’s potential to modulate inflammation in glial cells of the nervous system is an area of growing interest. Patients exploring LDN have reported reduced pain levels and improved functionality, particularly for conditions resistant to traditional pain management strategies.
“An estimated 36–62% of patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases have a concomitant diagnosis of a chronic pain syndrome (e.g., chronic low back pain, migraine, and fibromyalgia)”
Common Questions About LDN
How Does LDN Work?
Researchers believe that LDN works by blocking opioid receptors for a short period, which may stimulate the production of endorphins and reduce inflammation in the body. It may also regulate glial cells in the central nervous system, which play a key role in inflammation and chronic pain.
Are There Any LDN Side Effects?
Patients generally report LDN side effects as mild. These may include sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, or headaches during the first few weeks of use. Most patients adjust well over time, but it is essential to work closely with a healthcare provider when starting LDN.
How Is LDN Prescribed?
LDN is not commercially available and requires compounding through a licensed pharmacy. It is prescribed off-label at low doses, tailored to individual patient needs by healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about LDN.
Who Should Consider LDN?
Patients with autoimmune conditions, chronic pain syndromes, or inflammatory disorders who have not responded to traditional therapies may want to explore LDN as part of a comprehensive therapy plan.
How to Access LDN in California
For patients in California, compounded Low Dose Naltrexone is available through specialized compounding pharmacies. A compounding pharmacy works closely with healthcare providers to customize medications, ensuring appropriate dosage and formulation for each patient’s unique needs.
Low Dose Naltrexone offers a potentially promising option for individuals managing conditions like fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, chronic pain, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. While research is ongoing, many patients are exploring LDN with the support of their healthcare providers as part of a broader health strategy.
Take the Next Step with ScriptWorks
If you are a patient or practitioner in California looking to learn more about compounded Low Dose Naltrexone, ScriptWorks is here to help. With over 20 years of experience, ScriptWorks specializes in LDN compounding, offering personalized formulations to meet each patient’s needs. Our team is dedicated to supporting patients and providers with high-quality, customized medications and expert guidance.
Contact ScriptWorks today to explore how Low Dose Naltrexone may be a good fit for you. Let our experience and commitment to care help you take the next step towards optimal health.
References
Cree, B. A., Kornyeyeva, E., & Goodin, D. S. (2010). Pilot trial of low‐dose naltrexone and quality of life in multiple sclerosis. Annals of neurology, 68(2), 145-150. Link
Jarred Younger, Sean Mackey, Fibromyalgia Symptoms Are Reduced by Low-Dose Naltrexone: A Pilot Study, Pain Medicine, Volume 10, Issue 4, May 2009, Pages 663–672, Link
Smith, J. P., Bingaman, S. I., Ruggiero, F., Mauger, D. T., Mukherjee, A., McGovern, C. O., & Zagon, I. S. (2011). Therapy with the opioid antagonist naltrexone promotes mucosal healing in active Crohn’s disease: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Digestive diseases and sciences, 56, 2088-2097. Link
Younger J, Parkitny L, McLain D. The use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic pain. Clin Rheumatol. 2014 Apr;33(4):451-9. doi: 10.1007/s10067-014-2517-2. Epub 2014 Feb 15. PMID: 24526250; PMCID: PMC3962576. Link