What Is Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)? (News)

What Is Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)?

Lifespan.io
29 April 2022
https://www.lifespan.io/topic/what-is-low-dose-naltrexone-ldn/

LDN, through its action on MOR, can theoretically reduce pain, anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties, improve motivation, and possibly contribute to better weight control, sleep, libido, and energy. In combination with LDN’s effects through OGFr, LDN may improve conditions like IBS, Crohn’s disease, and other gastrointestinal disorders.  LDN may indirectly stimulate increases in fat-burning growth hormone, as insulin is a growth hormone antagonist.  Naltrexone has been shown to reduce insulin output in some contexts. Finally, LDN may improve sleep, and poor sleep is associated with weight gain. LDN is likely to influence several hallmarks of aging. LDN’s capacity to modestly increase endogenous opioids suggests that it has the potential to reduce stress through the promotion of a greater sense of well-being. Evidence supports the safety and tolerability of LDN in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and Crohn’s disease. Subjective reports indicate that patients experience reduced pain and improved quality of life. However, studies documenting the objective benefits of LDN in these diseases are limited.

The most reported side effects for LDN are transient sleep disturbance and mild headache [58]. Sleep disturbance, usually in the form of vivid dreams, occurs in about 37% of patients. A small minority also experience nightmares