Is Low Dose Naltrexone the Secret Weapon for Autoimmune Disease Treatment?

Autoimmune diseases have become an increasingly prevalent health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide.

Conservative estimates indicate that 6.7 million or 78.8% of the persons with autoimmune diseases are women.

I am one of those women.

I have ulcerative colitis, pernicious anemia, and carry the markers for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. If you have autoimmune conditions, you know that even when you're not experiencing a "flare," you can have health complications like joint pain and all sorts of other garbage. This can arise from the chronic inflammation and damage caused by the immune system's attack on the body, even during periods of remission or low activity.

Often, you can't do much about it. Since it's usually a "hidden" disease and/or people with these conditions are used to "masking" their illness and coping under challenging conditions, most folks don't understand how sh*tty you feel and sometimes doubt the fact that you're even sick.

It sucks. 

However, as research has evolved, the need for innovative treatment options has emerged. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is gaining attention as a potential game-changer. But what exactly is LDN, and how might it help those suffering from autoimmune conditions?

I gave it a try. But before I tell you about that, let's get into the basics first.

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Depending on which part of the body is affected, this can result in various symptoms and complications. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are all examples of autoimmune disorders that can profoundly impact daily life.

The conventional treatments for autoimmune diseases often involve immunosuppressants or corticosteroids.

If you've ever been on prednisone for an extended period, you know how sh*tty it can be. For me, it makes me feel CRAZY and affects my sleep cycle. Luckily, it's never caused weight gain or a puffy face, but that happens to many other folks.

Remember how certain a**holes on social media went after Selena Gomez for putting on weight? I do and I'd like to add that most of them were men who looked like sloppy turds who ate five bags of Doritos everyday, old withered dirt bags, or a combination of both. But I digress.

What these jerks didn’t realize is that she has lupus and was experiencing side effects from her medication. While it’s important to note that it is never acceptable to criticize someone’s weight under any circumstances, the point I'm trying to make is that the effectiveness of these medications can come with significant side effects. It's no wonder people look for alternative treatments.

Enter LDN.

What is Low Dose Naltrexone?

Low-dose Naltrexone refers to the use of the medication Naltrexone at much lower doses than what is typically prescribed for substance abuse disorders. Initially developed in the 1980s, Naltrexone was designed to help people overcome opioid addiction. However, researchers discovered that this medication could also modulate the immune system at lower doses, leading to its potential application in treating autoimmune diseases.

LDN works by temporarily blocking opioid receptors in the body, stimulating a rebound effect that enhances the production of endorphins. This increase in endorphins can calm the immune system, promoting a more balanced response.

How Does LDN Benefit Autoimmune Patients?

1. Immune System Regulation

One of the main advantages of LDN is its ability to help regulate the immune system. For autoimmune patients, restoring balance is crucial. By modulating immune responses, LDN may reduce inflammation and improve symptoms related to autoimmune disorders.

2. Minimal Side Effects

Unlike traditional immunosuppressants, LDN has a low risk of severe side effects. The most commonly reported side effects include mild sleep disturbances or gastrointestinal issues, which are generally short-lived. This makes LDN appealing for those seeking a more tolerable treatment plan.

3. Potential to Improve Quality of Life

Many patients have reported improved overall quality of life since starting LDN. The benefits can be substantial, from enhanced energy levels to reduced pain and fatigue. Moreover, the positive effects on mood and mental well-being might be linked to the increased endorphin levels that LDN promotes.

Real-Life Success Stories

Many individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases have shared their success stories after incorporating LDN into their treatment regimen. Take, for instance, a person diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. After struggling with debilitating symptoms for years, they began taking LDN and experienced a remarkable reduction in symptoms, leading to greater mobility and independence.

Another example can be found in patients with fibromyalgia, who often face challenges related to widespread pain and fatigue. For some, LDN has served as a vital part of their treatment plan, helping reduce pain and improve their daily functioning.

How to Start LDN Treatment

If you’re considering LDN as an option, the first step is consulting with a healthcare professional knowledgeable about its use for autoimmune diseases. Not all doctors may be comfortable prescribing LDN, so it may be beneficial to seek out a specialist or practice that has experience with this treatment.

Typically, LDN is prescribed in doses ranging from 1.5 mg to 4.5 mg, taken at bedtime. Starting at a lower dose and gradually increasing may help you gauge your body’s reaction without overwhelming it.

Precautions and Considerations

While LDN shows promise, it’s essential to approach it as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Not every individual will respond positively to LDN, and monitoring for any changes in symptoms is crucial. Engaging with your healthcare provider throughout the process ensures better outcomes and minimizes risks.

Also, because the FDA has not yet approved LDN for autoimmune diseases, it’s categorized as an off-label use. Be sure to conduct thorough research to make informed decisions about your treatment options.

Here is a great place to start.

This promising research gives me hope that more studies will be conducted, resulting in better access to this treatment.

My Story

I have been struggling with joint pain, brain fog, and fatigue for years, and while some of it (I'm sure) is related to perimenopause, much of it started well before I entered that transition. LDN was first brought to my attention by a dear friend who sent me some research on the subject. Then, a doctor colleague brought it up recently on her Instagram feed as an approach for weight loss (LDN combined with Bupropion, AKA Wellbutrin, has shown promising results for weight loss as well).

So I decided it was a sign to give it a try.

As recommended by experts (and my doctor), I started on a minimal dose and increased weekly until I reached the recommended 4.5 mg dose. I had extremely low expectations, but I noticed a difference in my energy levels within the first week.

By the second week, I definitely felt a decrease in joint pain and was feeling GREAT. This was at the 3 mg dose. I can't describe how shocked I was! I was highly skeptical, to the extent that I assumed it was probably a placebo effect.

Until I hit that 4.5 mg dose and everything went to sh*t. 💩

The new dosage caused me terrible brain fog and fatigue. I'm not entirely sure if the dosage change was the reason for this, but it was the only thing I did differently. Up until that point, I had been feeling pretty spectacular! As a result, my provider recommended that I revert to the 3 mg dose, suggesting that I may have increased too quickly. They also mentioned that I could consider trying the 4.5 mg dose again later if I wanted.

I began this journey in January, and I’m a bit apprehensive about altering something that seems to be working well for me, but I am contemplating increasing my dose again. We’ll see. As for side effects, they were minimal and only lasted for the first 2-3 days after changing the dose. These included gastrointestinal upset and some sleep disturbances, but they were manageable.

Low-dose Naltrexone holds great potential as a secret weapon for individuals grappling with autoimmune diseases. With its immune-modulating capabilities, minimal side effects, and positive patient reports, LDN is worth considering as part of a holistic approach to treatment. However, it's always good to try any new treatment with skepticism and patience, since it might take more than a minute to work, and there might be some trial and error with dosage.

If you suffer from an autoimmune disease, it's worth speaking to your doctor about LDN. In the worst-case scenario, it doesn't work, and considering the side effects of other treatments, that's pretty low risk to me!