The Benefits of Low Dose Naltrexone | Pacifica Compounding Pharmacy

Patients with a variety of conditions and diseases are reaping the benefits of low-dose naltrexone or LDN, a safe, inexpensive, side effect free yet underused drug that is proving to be extremely promising with every clinical study that is released.

Naltrexone is an FDA approved drug that binds to and inhibits opiate receptors and reduces pain. These are the same receptors that morphine, heroine, and other opiate drugs bind to. It has been used in 50 mg doses for decades to help patients recover from addiction to alcohol, heroin, and other opiate drugs. But more than 20 years ago it was discovered that very small doses of this drug—3 to 4.5 mg—can have profound effects on the immune system.

LDN works by boosting levels of endorphins, the peptides produced in the brain and adrenal glands that are best known for relieving pain and enhancing sense of well-being. These natural peptides are also powerful modulators of the immune system. Research shows that when LDN is taken at bedtime, it attaches to opioid receptors and temporarily blocks endorphins from attaching, signaling the body to increase production of endorphins, which helps orchestrate the activity of stem cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, T and B cells, and other immune cells. As a result, LDN enhances the body’s ability to fight disease.

LDN is gaining increasing recognition as a highly effective therapy for conditions ranging from autoimmune disorders and allergies to cancer and autism.

Patients with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease and other autoimmune disorders have seen reductions in flare-ups and intensity of symptoms. Those suffering with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue report more energy and less pain. Individuals dealing with various types of cancer receive an invaluable immune boost from LDN. Because of its broad immune-enhancing properties, LDN is also excellent preventive therapy due to its broad immune-enhancing properties.

Doctors achieving great results with low-dose naltrexone in both cancer patients and those with autoimmune diseases say LDN does not treat symptoms like most drugs do but that it instead modulates the basic mechanisms that result in disease. And best part – LDN has virtually no side effects.