Clinical trials and anecdotal reports suggest that low doses of the opioid antagonist naltrexone offer promise to patients with a variety of different illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, HIV infection, various cancers and  neuro-degenerative diseases. The use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) in treating MS (multiple sclerosis)  patients was first proposed by Dr.  Bernard  Bihari, a New York City  neurologist. In his practice, Bihari found that a low dose of naltrexone (1.5 to 4.5mg daily) taken at bedtime offered  benefits to patients with MS and other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.*

     A new study, published online April 17, 2009 in the journal Pain Medicine, found that low-dose naltrexone helped reduce pain and fatigue in women with  fibromyalgia. The patients that participated in the study averaged a 30% reduction in symptoms compared to placebo. The author of the study, Jarred Younger, an instructor in pain medicine and anesthesia at Stanford University School of Medicine, noted that "the drug helped daily pain, fatigue and stress. Very few side effects were seen, the most typical being vivid dreaming."**

     Another study from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine has determined that low-dose naltrexone may improve symptoms in patients with Crohn's Disease. In the study, the safety and efficacy of LDN were tested in patients with active Crohn's disease. These patients were given 4.5mg of naltrexone by mouth each evening for 12 weeks. 89% of the patients exhibited a response to the therapy and 67% of the patients involved in the study achieved remission.***

* http://autoimmunedisease.suite101.com/srticle.cfm/low_dose_naltrexone

** www.drugs.com/news/addiction-may-help-ease-fibromyalgia-17278

*** American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2007 Apr; 102(4): 820-8.Epub 2007 Jan.11.

For information on prescribing compounded low-dose naltrexone, contact our nearest Pharmacy Innovations location, or visit us at www.pharmacyinnovations.net.