Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) (Low-Dose Naltrexone)
At 1-4.5mg (vs standard 50mg), naltrexone briefly blocks opioid receptors, causing a rebound upregulation of endorphins and enkephalins. Widely prescribed by telemedicine clinics for autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, and inflammation.
How it works
Brief nocturnal opioid receptor blockade triggers compensatory upregulation of endogenous opioid production and OGF (opioid growth factor), modulating immune cell proliferation and reducing inflammatory cytokines.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: 341.40 Da
- Half-life: ~4 hours
- Bioavailability: ~5-40% oral (first-pass)
- Storage: Room temperature.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: 1.5-4.5 mg
- Frequency: Nightly at bedtime
- Duration: Ongoing
- Route: Oral capsule (compounded)
Protocol notes
- Classic protocol starts at 1.5 mg nightly and titrates up by ~0.5-1.5 mg toward the typical 4.5 mg target.
- Some find their "sweet spot" below 4.5 mg - more is not better with LDN.
- If vivid dreams/sleep disruption are an issue, the dose can be moved to the morning.
Reported benefits
- Immune modulation
- Reduced inflammation
- Chronic pain relief
- Autoimmune support
- Improved mood via endorphins
- Weight loss support
Possible side effects
- Vivid dreams
- Initial sleep disruption
- Mild headache
- Nausea (first week)
- Temporary pain increase
Research
- LDN in autoimmune disease management (2022): Reduced inflammatory markers by 40% and improved quality of life scores in fibromyalgia and Hashimoto patients.
- LDN for chronic pain syndromes (2021): Achieved 30% pain reduction in 65% of chronic pain patients with minimal side effects vs conventional opioid therapy.
Compare Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.