The Best Time of Day to Take Low-Dose Naltrexone
A pharmacist and doctor will help patients understand the time of day best for them.
Nonetheless, the following broad principles apply:
- Consistency: It’s critical to take LDN at the same time every day and adhere closely to your doctor’s dosage guidelines. Patients see better outcomes when they can remain consistent.
- Titration: LDN is typically initiated at a low-dose and progressively increased. Your healthcare practitioner will guide you through this procedure. Following the schedule is vital for the process.
Why Take LDN at Night?
Pharmacists will recommend taking LDN at night before bed. Taking LDN at night promotes the production of endorphins.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that have various functions in the brain. They are crucial for pain management, mood regulation, and stress reduction. Boosting the natural production of endorphins can be highly beneficial for the patient.
When taken at bedtime, endorphin production increases by as much as 300%! This increase occurs because our body produces 90% of endorphins between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
LDN blocks opiate receptors to increase endorphin production. Blocking these receptors gives the false impression that there are not enough endorphins. The body then responds by producing more.
While naltrexone remains in the body for only 3 hours, endorphin levels remain elevated all day.
But taking LDN in the nighttime might not work for everyone.
Why Take LDN in the Day?
The effects of LDN are highly individualized. Though there are many benefits to taking LDN at night, it may not work for everyone.
Some people may experience sleep disturbances when taking it at night. Side effects such as insomnia or vivid dreams may be uncomfortable for patients.
Additionally, doctors always consider patients’ lifestyles and routines. For example, it may be challenging to take the medication at night if the patient works the night shift.
Ultimately, patients will need to determine the best time to take LDN with the help of their healthcare providers.
Should I Take LDN with Food?
This is another patient-dependent question.
Taking LDN on an empty stomach can help with absorption. Pharmacists suggest taking the drug one or two hours after eating.
Some people can experience an upset stomach or other side effects when taking LDN on an empty stomach. In this case, doctors recommend taking LDN with food.
LDN Benefits
These benefits include:
- Increased endorphins
- Reduced inflammation
- Decreased pain
- Enhanced mood
LDN Side Effects
These may include:
- Vivid dreams or sleep disturbances
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Nausea
- Mild headache
- Mild agitation
Learn More About LDN
Please contact our pharmacy to learn more about LDN.
Our pharmacists are experienced in prescribing LDN and can help you determine if it is right for you.
You can fill out our form, give us a call, or send us a text!
