Low Dose Naltrexone Dosage

What Patients Need to Know About Low Dose Naltrexone Dosage Sizes

Many patients take low dose naltrexone (LDN) to help alleviate symptoms from chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, and more. Though it is becoming more prevalent, patients and providers might not know where to begin.

Understanding dosage strategies is integral for patients looking to start LDN. Naltrexone at regular doses is used to treat opioid and alcohol addiction disorders. This dosage is usually 50 mg per day. This is an FDA-approved medication with many brand-name manufacturers.

LDN is an off-label use for naltrexone. Instead of the regular 50 mg dose, patients take 1.5 mg—4.5 mg per day. The dosage begins at a low level and is gradually increased by pharmacists.

Due to the off-label use, LDN is only available from compounding pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription.

Who Can Use LDN?
How Does LDN Work?
Finding the Right Dose
Why Dosage Sizes Matter
What to Expect with LDN
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Who Can Use Low Dose Naltrexone?

LDN is available to patients with prescriptions from their doctors. Patients often seek out LDN to help with several conditions, including:

Chronic pain
Mental health
Autoimmune diseases
Weight loss
Inflammatory conditions
And more

Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, using opioids, or have liver disease are not great candidates for LDN.

It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to help determine if LDN is a good fit.

How Does LDN Work?

LDN works by temporarily blocking opioid receptors in the brain, which triggers a boost in endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers. This surge in endorphins helps to ease pain and reduce inflammation.

LDN is also believed to help balance the immune system, making it a promising option for patients with autoimmune conditions.

Finding the Right Dose

One key aspect of LDN treatment is finding the correct dose for your specific needs. LDN is not a one-size-fits-all medication.

The appropriate dose can vary depending on the condition and the patient’s response to the medication. Your doctor and pharmacist will help you find the correct dose.

In general, most patients will follow these guidelines:

Start Low: Patients start with a very low dose, often around 0.5 to 1.5 mg. This initiation period allows your body to adjust to the medication and helps minimize any potential side effects.
Gradual Increase: Your healthcare provider will gradually increase your dose over time, depending on the side effects and effectiveness of the medication. The goal is to settle on a dosage size of 4.5 mg. Some patients may find relief at lower doses, while others may need to adjust slightly higher or lower within this range.
Personalized Dosing: Your compounding pharmacy can completely customize the dosage size. This personalized approach helps make sure you get the most out of your medication.

Why Dosage Sizes Matter

Different dosage sizes of naltrexone will impact how the medication works in your body. At regular doses (50 mg), naltrexone helps patients suffering from opioid and alcohol addiction.

The low-dose range (0.5 mg – 4.5 mg) helps achieve the therapeutic effects mentioned above.

Low and Slow: Starting low and slowly increasing dosage allows the body to respond positively without overwhelming it. Ultimately, this minimizes side effects and maximizes benefits.
Monitoring and Adjusting: Regular monitoring by your healthcare provider is crucial for your well-being. They may adjust your medication based on your symptoms and how you feel. Maintaining open communication with your provider ensures that your treatment remains on track.

What to Expect with LDN

Every patient’s experience with LDN is unique, but there are some expected things to be aware of when starting treatment:

Gradual Onset: LDN isn’t a quick fix. It may take several weeks or even a few months before you start noticing significant improvements in your symptoms. Patience and consistency are key.
Minimal Side Effects: Most patients tolerate LDN well, but some may experience mild side effects like vivid dreams, sleep disturbances, or temporary headaches. These usually subside as your body adjusts.
Long-Term Benefits: Over time, many patients find that LDN not only helps with pain and inflammation but also improves their overall sense of well-being.

Can You Benefit From LDN?

Low dose naltrexone offers a promising treatment option for those dealing with chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, mental health disorders, and other inflammatory conditions. Understanding how LDN works, finding the right dose, and being patient with the process will help you get the most out of this therapy.

If you’re thinking about LDN, it’s crucial to speak with your healthcare provider who understands the treatment. They can help assess whether LDN is suitable for your condition and support you through the dosing process.

Additionally, you can reach out to us for more information. ClearSpring Pharmacy has years of experience compounding and filling LDN prescriptions. We help both patients and providers navigate the prescribing process.

You can call our pharmacy at either the Littleton or Cherry Creek location.

You can also send us a direct text here:
Littleton: 303-707-1500
Cherry Creek: 303-333-2010

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