LDN Video Interviews and Presentations

Pharmacist Stephen Dickson, LDN Radio Show 2014 (LDN, low dose naltrexone) from LDN Research Trust on Vimeo.

Pharmacist Stephen Dickson from Scotland shares his experience as a LDN compounding pharmacist.

We have got on LDN around 5,000 and that's in the last three to four years.

Basically LDN is compatible with most medications that you're on for a chronic disease. It just means sometimes it needs to be done in a slightly different way or taking a different way or your medication that you are taking altered slightly to enable you to take it.

The obvious exception to that is on the very strong opiate medications. You really have to be very careful not to take the two of those together if you are on a sort of long term, strong opiate painkiller, not because it's going to do any major harm or stop the LDN potentially from working but actually, because the Low Dose Naltrexone stopped the painkiller from working.

Now that doesn't mean that you can't still do that. You just have to be quite clever with your timing and that's where your pharmacist or your doctor can help you with that.

Another one of the questions with interactions, we get very frequently is: "Can I take LDN with Interferon or Tysabri or any of the newer sort of MS drugs?" And certainly there isn't really any logical reason why you can't take the two of them together.

I think what we're finding as time has gone on is that both drugs, Interferon and LDN are modulators of the immune system, but they don't necessarily work in the same subsets of cells or the same receptors and therefore can theoretically compliment each other.

Regarding steroids, there is no direct relationship between steroids and Naltrexone. For example, the main steroids is Prednisone alone and there's no direct interaction between those.

And we certainly tell people that you can continue to take LDN during the whole period of being on a course of steroids, for example, for a chest infection or for a flare up of Emma or for anything.

There's no reason to stop taking it.

People ask what happens if they need to go to the dentist and have a filling or go to hospital for an operation. If you're going into hospital for an operation, we would normally say to people to stop LDN two or three days before you go in. The absolute latest, you would stop with maybe 24 hours before.

And that's not really for any reason other than to make it more simple for your doctors in the hospital. If you were to, for example, taking LDN and you were in a car accident, the amount of opiate painkillers give you in order to relieve your pain if you had a broken leg or something, would still work. They might need to give you slightly more, but it's still complicated. I wouldn't really consider stopping taking LDN before going to the dentist.

The dentists are very limited and the opiates that they can use, generally, if you're having an operation  they'll use a mild sedative and that's via drip, or we'll use an injection, which is a local anesthetic.

LDN has gone from being something that we were very skeptical of initially used in a small number of people with Multiple Sclerosis to something that I'm convinced as a very positive effect in a large number of autoimmune diseases.

One of the most amazing things with LDN is that with people with Fibromyalgia  you would never have thought, I certainly would never have thought would have responded.

I'll never forget the patient who looked at death's door, just absolutely dreadful.

She was exhausted, had been off work for months and months and she just looked terrible. Basically Dr. Tom had given her LDN. Three, four months down the line and the woman was back at work.

It felt great. It looked fabulous. I couldn't believe that something had such a marked effect.

Also the people with Psoriasis, which is like a skin auto immune disease. They tried every cream lotion portion and then eight weeks on LDN and it started to clear up.

These are things that we just don't normally see in a normal practice.

So I'd certainly say LDN for me, it's been very exciting, very interesting.

Now there are over 300 doctors on our database who prescribed LDN in the UK. S couple of years ago, that that was about six, so I think the LDN research trust has been doing an incredible job of promoting awareness of this cause.

And it's something that we hope to continue to be able to support for a long time.

Summary of Pharmacist Stephen Dickson's interview. Listen the above video for the full interview.

Pharmacist Rick Upson, LDN Radio Show (LDN, low dose naltrexone) from LDN Research Trust on Vimeo.

After years working in other pharmacies, Rick did not hear about low dose naltrexone (LDN) until he bought Palm Beach Compounding Pharmacy in Florida in 2009 – the previous owner had been compounding LDN. The forms they prepare it in are capsules, an oral liquid form dispensed with a syringe to measure it easily, and a topical cream. That has been prescribed a couple of times by Dr. Brian Udell, who is about an hour away, in Davie FL. They haven’t been asked to compound LDN as sublingual drops, which can be helpful for patients whose stomach gets upset from swallowing LDN; but they have compounded troches, a lozenge to dissolve in the mouth so it is absorbed through the lining of the mouth rather than the stomach. Then to the liver, where it will be metabolized.

Conditions he’s aware of being treated with LDN include fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, autism, ADD and other behavioral disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Rick’s clients have not reported negative side effects from LDN, however notes that The LDN Book says approximately 8% of people have some sleep disturbance, which is a pretty low incidence. He commented on how it can take three months to get full effect of what LDN can do for you, so impatient people need to be aware.

Linda Elsegood commented on the progressive nature of most autoimmune conditions, and how amazing it is to hold the progression with LDN. She noted that surveys found most people notice something around 4 months on LDN, although some are not stabilized until as long as 18 months on LDN. So patience is needed.

Rick tells of a Facebook page [LDN Got Endorphins?] with many patient stories, that has been informative. He has been selling The LDN Book and finds it valuable, though some content might be too technical for patients. He appreciates how it explains not only LDN, but the related body systems and how they work together, and relevant tests. Linda replied that sales of The LDN Book have done really really well, and it is aimed for both the lay person and prescribers. Rick has focused on getting the book out to those who prescribe compounded medications, as they are the kind who think outside the box.  He knows many who treat things that would benefit from LDN: gastroenterologists who treat Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, and other similar difficult to treat conditions.

Keywords: fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, autism, ADD and other behavioral disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease. The LDN Book, compounding, side effects, low dose naltrexone, LDN

Summary from pharmacist Rick Upson, listen to the video for the show.

 Any questions or comments you may have, please contact us. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Pharmacist Dan Karant, LDN Radio Show (LDN, low dose naltrexone) from LDN Research Trust on Vimeo.

Pharmacist Dan Karant shares his Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) experience on the LDN Radio Show with Linda Elsegood.

Dan Karant is a pharmacist at, and the current owner of, the Medicine Shop in Northern Ohio, the United States. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) has been incorporated into his treatments for as long as he can recall and has had a great deal of success.

Throughout his career he has predominantly specialised in fibromyalgia, finding that LDN can be incredibly effective in relieving the pain and other symptoms inflicted upon his patients by the autoimmune disease.

In this interview Dan explains how he personally prescribes LDN and how to achieve the best results.

This is a summary of Dan Karant’s interview. Please listen to the rest of Dan’s story by clicking on the video above.

Pat - England: Fibromyalgia, Pain, Fatigue, Hormone Balance, Depression, Skin Issues (LDN, low dose naltrexone) from LDN Research Trust on Vimeo.

Pat from England takes Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for fibromyalgia. It has helped with her pain, fatigue, hormone, balance, depression, and skin. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in her mid-twenties after suffering with symptoms. Other symptoms included chronic pain and feeling depressed and in pain all the time.

4 years ago, at the age of 45, Pat found Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) after research. After speaking to her GP about the medication, the surgery was not prescribing it.

After being able to try the Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), Pat noticed fast results, she stated that her pain was more kind to her, her mood was improved and her concentration was better.

Pat rated her quality of life a 4 out of 10, everything - at the time - was at a minimum for her, and now, after using the LDN medication, it has shot up to an 8 / 9 out of 10.

Please watch the video to view the full interview. Thank you

Any questions or comments you may have, please Contact Us.

Noor - Netherlands: Fibromyalgia, Thyroid Issues (low dose naltrexone, LDN) from LDN Research Trust on Vimeo.

Noor from the Netherlands shares her Fibromyalgia (FM) and Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) story on the LDN Radio Show with Linda Elsegood.

Noor first noticed symptoms of Fibromyalgia around the age of 30. She has struggled with a loss of energy for over 20 years since, limiting her ability to continue her gymnastics.

Luckily, Noor discovered Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) around 10 years after noticing her symptoms, which has significantly improved her health.

“I have more energy, I’m able to do stuff that I wasn’t able to before. I can make the days longer and I’m forever grateful for finding LDN.

If you’re thinking about trying LDN, give it a chance. You must have patience as you may not see the benefits straight away, but it’s so worth it in the long run.”

This is a summary of Noor’s interview. Please listen to the rest of Noor’s story by clicking on the video above.

Michelle - US: Fibromyalgia (LDN, low dose naltrexone) from LDN Research Trust on Vimeo.

Michelle from the United States shares her Fibromyalgia and Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) story on the LDN Radio Show with Linda Elsegood.

Michelle had been experiencing muscle pains since she was a young child when she fell one winter and broke her tailbone. Yet, it wasn't until her late teens that she began to experience daily chronic pain. After experiencing this pain for over 15 years, Michelle decided to search for a solution and found Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN).

“My fatigue has been cut in half since starting on LDN, I feel so much better. My inflammation has calmed down also and no longer have muscle spasms, meaning I can get back to exercise. I’ve got a life again and I can’t stop smiling.”

This is a summary of Michelle’s interview. Please listen to the rest of Michelle’s story by clicking on the video above.

May - US: Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s, Asthma, Allergies (LDN, low dose naltrexone) from LDN Research Trust on Vimeo.

Mae from the US takes Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s, Asthma and Allergies.

Mae started having skin issues as a teenager and at 37 was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Her rheumatologist put her on amitriptyline and after two weeks she started losing her vision. Mae tried diet changes, elimination of certain foods and additives and managed to get control of her migraines. Feeling a little better but not as well as she could have been she was prescribed prednisone which made everything worse still. 

Feeling at her lowest she admits to feeling suicidal and finally found mention of Low Dose Naltrexone in a blog and she researched it. Mae got a prescription from her doctor and took her LDN the first night and woke the following day feeling better than she had in a long time. Within three days of taking LDN she felt better brain function, less pain and stiffness and she had renewed hope for the future. 

Mary Grace - US: Fybromyalgia, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, ME/CFS (LDN, low dose naltrexone) from LDN Research Trust on Vimeo.

Mary Grace from the United States takes low dose naltrexone (LDN) for fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She first noticed symptoms near 30, all starting slow; and has now been successful on LDN medication for four years now. 

Before the medication she had depression and unexplainable pain. To try and relieve this, Mary Grace resulted on 13 different medications; Norco, an anti-depressant and Vicodin for muscle relaxation. She had no pain relief medication at this time and all 13 medications had terrible side effects.

Mary Grace heard about LDN through a therapist after hearing from a patient who travelled to Mexico to find drug treatment. 

During Mary Grace’s suffering she was bed ridden for two years nearly but was so desperate for a suitable and successful medication like LDN. All 5 of her doctors would not prescribe Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) to her. Mary Grace found a resource to order some herself and even after the first day of trying the new LDN medication she had more energy, but still trouble with sleeping and dealing with her ongoing pain. 

Now, 4 years on the LDN medication, Mary Grace has spread widely about her experiences, telling near to 30-40 people.

Although, she still suffers from fatigue, but it is not as bad. She can successfully walk two miles, which she could not do before, and even go on daily walks and outings. Mary Grace has lost 70 pounds and now has lowered the Thyroid medication. Feeling as though she has her life back!

Key Words: Thyroid Medication, weight, Low Dose Naltrexone, LDN, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, CFS/ME, Fibromyalgia, Myofascial Pain, Depression, muscle relaxation, pain, bed ridden, energy, fatigue

Mary - US: Lyme Disease (LDN, low dose naltrexone) from LDN Research Trust on Vimeo.

Mary shares her story of using low dose naltrexone (LDN) to treat Lyme disease. She became ill approximately four years ago, at age 42. She was in great shape, exercising four times per week, but she had a heart attack and was hospitalized for it, although tests did not show evidence of coronary artery disease. After that, she started having a lot of pain, reduced tolerance for exercise, and her doctor thought she had fibromyalgia. The doctor prescribed Cymbalta for the nerve and muscle pain. 

Mary didn’t think that she had fibromyalgia, so she researched things herself. Two years after the heart attack, her symptoms worsened greatly. She started developing palpitations, transient tachycardia, and neurological symptoms including burning pain in her feet and tingling in her fingers and toes. The fatigue was to the point that after coming home from work, she slept hard for two hours. She went to many doctors, who ran quite a few tests, but the only tests coming back abnormal were her inflammatory markers. She went to a holistic doctor that she knew, who prescribed LDN for her. 

Within a week or two of starting LDN, her fatigue was diminished, and her joint and muscle pain was a lot better. She also modified her diet to remove gluten and dairy, and reduce sugar. She also started eating more organic, cleaner food.

Since beginning the LDN and improved diet, she is happy to be able to keep working. She’d been having terrible pain, fatigue, trouble walking, and brain fog, and as a nurse, she was having trouble doing her job. But all that improved tremendously with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN).

Mary has found that her best dosage is 3 mg. She takes her LDN at night and it works well for her. She was also recently diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease, and is hoping that the LDN will help with that as well. While drugs like Cymbalta had side effects that were as bad as her symptoms the doctor was trying to treat, LDN has improved her life very much. 

This has been a summary of Mary’s interview. For the full story, please go to the recording at the link above.

Martha - US: Fibromyalgia (LDN, low dose naltrexone) from LDN Research Trust on Vimeo.

Martha is from Hawaii in the United States, and takes low dose naltrexone (LDN) for fibromyalgia. Her first symptoms were a series of mysterious illnesses, stomach problems, fatigue, multiple chemical sensitivities, that in  2010 was diagnosed as fibromyalgia.

She was pretty much bedridden, felt feverish without a fever, fatigued, and in pain. Her quality of life was a 4, or 5 on a good day.

She heard about LDN in 2006 from a friend who was working with Dr Jackie McCandless, who was from the little community where she lived on the Big Island. She recently passed away but she had used it autism and then started the study in Africa using it for children with HIV.

She started LDN two years ago, and in three weeks her pain was decreased, she slept better, her depression lifted, and now she rates the quality of her life at a 10.

This is a summary of Martha’s interview. Please listen to the rest of Martha’s story by clicking on the video above.