Am I Crazy for adding a boost to My Anti Aging protocol with the taboo drug Naltrexone?

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has been gaining traction as a promising therapy in various medical fields due to its unique action on the body’s opioid receptors and potential anti-inflammatory effects. Traditionally used at higher doses as a medication for opioid and alcohol dependency, naltrexone at low doses offers a different set of benefits, particularly influencing opioid growth factors, potentially aiding in cancer prevention, and enhancing brain health. This article delves into these aspects, highlighting the scientific research and findings that support the therapeutic use of LDN. Low dose naltrexone therapy encapsulates its diverse applications across conditions such as opioid analgesia, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and inflammation-related conditions, showcasing its effects on immune system function and quality of life.

Use of LDN in chronic neuropathic pain

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which, at typical doses of 50 mg to 100 mg, is used to block the effects of opioids. However, when administered at doses typically around 4.5 mg, it is called low-dose naltrexone. At this lower dosage, naltrexone exhibits a paradoxical effect by transiently blocking opioid receptors and subsequently leading to an increase in the production of endorphins and enkephalins – the body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers. This mechanism modulates the immune system and reduces inflammation, providing potential therapeutic benefits in various conditions, including the management of chronic neuropathic pain and other forms of neuropathic pain. It has shown promise in treating chronic pain disorders, particularly in conditions such as fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and complex regional pain syndrome, where traditional treatments may fall short. This makes LDN a valuable option to treat neuropathic pain, especially in cases where patients have exhausted other therapies.

Effects of naltrexone on opioid growth factor receptor

Opioid growth factors (OGF) are critical in regulating cell growth in normal and abnormal tissues. Research suggests that LDN modulates the OGF receptors, which is crucial for managing cell proliferation. It also modulates the immune system and prevents the proliferation of tumor cells, as described in this PubMed article.

Cancer Prevention

The potential of LDN in cancer prevention and treatment is one of the most compelling aspects of its use. The mechanism involves the temporary opioid-receptor blockade, leading to increased levels of endogenous opioids and opioid receptors, enhancing the body’s ability to inhibit cell proliferation. In cancer research, this has translated into slowed tumor growth and metastasis in several types of cancer, including pancreatic, ovarian, colorectal, and neuroblastoma. Here is an example showing the benefits of low-dose naltrexone in the case of colorectal cancer

Brain Health

Beyond its implications for physical health, LDN appears to have significant benefits for brain health, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases and mood disorders. Its neuroprotective effects may stem from its ability to reduce microglial activation, a common pathophysiological feature of various neurological disorders. An article in the Sage Journal explored LDN’s potential in treating multiple sclerosis, highlighting its efficacy in reducing clinical symptoms by modulating the immune response.

Furthermore, LDN has shown promise in managing chronic pain conditions that have a neurological basis, such as fibromyalgia. A pilot study published in the “Pain Medicine” journal found that LDN significantly reduced pain and improved general satisfaction in patients with fibromyalgia, underscoring its role in enhancing mental well-being through pain management.

How Naltrexone works in the brain

The exact mechanisms by which LDN enhances brain health are complex and multifaceted. One theory is that LDN’s modulation of the opioid growth factor receptor pathway may contribute to neuroprotection. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects are crucial, as chronic inflammation is a known contributor to the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Reducing neuroinflammation not only helps slow disease progression but also aids in symptom management.

Safety of Naltrexone

One reason for the growing interest in LDN is its safety and tolerability profile. Being a well-established drug repurposed at a lower dose, naltrexone presents fewer side effects than many other treatments. Side effects are generally mild and transient, typically including sleep disturbances and digestive discomfort, which often resolve as the body adjusts to the medication.

What are the side effects of low-dose naltrexone?

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication, it can cause side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are mild and transient, including sleep disturbances such as vivid dreams or insomnia, which often subside after the first few weeks of treatment. Other potential side effects include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, constipation, or stomach cramps. Some patients may experience headaches, dizziness, or fatigue. It’s important to note that these side effects are usually temporary and less severe compared to the higher doses used for addiction treatment. Patients considering LDN should discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use.

How to obtain Naltrexone and What is the cost

Obtaining low-dose naltrexone (LDN) typically requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. Once prescribed, LDN can be compounded at specialized pharmacies, as the standard commercial tablet forms of naltrexone (used for addiction treatment) are not suitable for the low doses needed for LDN therapy. Compounding pharmacies can prepare LDN in the appropriate low doses, such as 0.5 mg to 4.5 mg capsules. LDN costs vary depending on the compounding pharmacy and the prescribed dosage but generally range from $35 to over $100 monthly. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable about LDN to ensure proper dosing and monitoring.

My personal experience with Low Dose Naltrexone

I started taking LDN about a year ago after learning about its benefits in terms of anti-inflammation, mood improvement, and brain health and decided to add it to my rapamycin protocol. First, I requested an appointment from an anti-aging medicine online clinic and filled out a medical questionnaire about my health history. My answers were then reviewed by a licensed medical doctor before the prescription was issued and the drug was mailed to me. The instructions were very straightforward: Take one a day with or without food. It is part of my morning stack.

Since starting LDN, I can not say unequivocally that I have noticed a particular benefit that stood out. Over the past several months, I can say that my mood has improved, and I am less reactive to unpleasant situations. Does Naltrexone have anything to do with it? It may be. I am not sure. But I know I have been practicing more mindfulness and present-moment awareness, which can easily explain my current mood.

I have not experienced any of the side effects mentioned in the previous paragraph. I plan on continuing to take LDN for the foreseeable future.