Is Low Dose Naltrexone helpful in 
treating Fibromyalgia?

What is Low Dose Naltrexone? 

First. let's talk about what low dose naltrexone is. 
This is in a medication class of what is called opioid antagonist.

It is in a very low dose form unlike regular naltrexone. I say this because I am aware that there is still confusion among some people regarding the two. 

Low dose naltrexone (LDN) is a medication that has gained attention for its potential uses in various medical conditions, although its effectiveness is still a subject of ongoing research and debate. Naltrexone is originally an opioid receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids.

In low doses, typically ranging from 1 to 4.5 milligrams, LDN has different effects on the body compared to the higher doses used to treat opioid addiction.

It has been used to treat these conditions: 

• Inflammation
• Nerve cell inflammation
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease 
• Auto Immune Conditions, including Hashimotos or Thyroiditis 
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 
• Crohns Disease 

Fibromyalgia and Low Dose Naltrexone

Low Dose Naltrexone and Fibromyalgia. Does it have any benefit for fibromyalgia?

First, let me say that Fibromyalgia is a complex condition, and our tool box is very expansive. There is not one silver bullet for fibro and its primary co-conditions.

This is not a "one and done" condition, where you take a pill (or two) and get on with your day. We also address root causes very differently here. 

If you have fibromyalgia, it is probably on your mind quite often. You have likely tried many things to reduce your pain and symptoms. 

As a practitioner specializing in fibromyalgia and living with it over 40 years myself, I like to keep up with all things regarding fibromyalgia support. This includes its primary co-conditions, CFS/ME, and MCS. 

People often ask me about Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), and I am here to give you the truth, to tell you what it can do and what it cannot do. As listed above, it is often prescribed for treating inflammatory conditions and auto immune conditions. 

It is much easier to get onboard with a medication that is used for irritable bowel and inflammatory conditions, knowing that many medications on the market today can have some unwelcome side effects. 

Why we don't recommend most fibro medications

If you have been to a doctor regarding your fibromyalgia, he or she has likely prescribed you a medication. You are in pain, and he or she wants to get you out of pain, it's pretty simple, right? 

Well, that is the problem, It is more of a quick fix, but not a long term solution. 

A doctor, your spouse, your family member, or friend.

They all want to support you in getting out of pain, but often this means resorting to medications that come with dangerous side effects. we have never used those common fibro medications.

However, LDN has been one part of our toolbox, as how it works is very different. At the bottom of this article , see my feedback from those also taking LDN. 

Like anything else that is promoted for health, I often hear claims about LDN that are not always accurate. 

LDN has its place, but we have to be very careful about the claims made here. 

What if Low Dose Naltrexone did only so much for lowering pain levels in fibromyalgia, like soft tissues pain or trigger point pain ? Or even migraines? 

But, what if we found it helpful for some of the symptoms more common in fibromyalgia, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and auto immune thyroid symptoms?

LDN is really another example of avoiding "all or nothing" thinking. It can work on some of the symptoms in fibromyalgia, but it is not a quick fix. 

Remember also that LDN cannot be taken while on opiates.

Always consult with your doctor. I will say however that not all doctors understand the use of LDN. Below is my own experience with low dose naltrexone. 

My Experience with LDN

For awhile, I didn't really notice a difference. LDN wasn't really touching the soft tissue pain for me, or the trigger point pain, however because I also live with auto immune thyroid, I decided to keep taking it. 

When we live with a complex condition, it can be difficult to ascertain if something is "working" but that is where we must not get into all or nothing thinking or we can miss out on potential benefit. 

Many years ago, I obtained low dose naltrexone and made liquid tinctures with it, I once did a video on this.

And I like that way of taking it, however, I realized I wasn't getting quite the dose I needed, so now I simply take it in capsule form and below I have resource suggestions. 

Most people I have interviewed about their experience with LDN have good things to report, however, some have reported side effects of increased adrenaline or more intensity in dreams. Some people reported more energy whereas some reported being tired. 

Most people do not have negative side effects with LDN. I personally take it in the morning, and again I am one of those very sensitive fibro bodies who doesn't tolerate or use other meds for fibromyalgia. We have to get to the roots. 

Resources for LDN online 

If you do not have a doctor that will prescribe LDN for you, it is now possible to get LDN online. Actually it has been possible for many years, but it is much easier today. 

My favorite resource and that one I use is Ageless Rx. A doctor will have you fill out some information and health history and then assess you. It is very easy.  You can find Ageless Rx online. No previous doctor order is needed. 

I have personally stayed at a dose of 3 mg. , however some will go to 4.5 mg. 
The general dosing starts at 1.5 mg, then working up to 3 mg. and then 4.5 mg if needed. 

Stay with 1.5 as long as you need, just to be sure you are not being influenced by something else or even fear of things you might have heard. 

Lisa   CT, PT (Living Smarter with Fibromyalgia) 

Related Articles :
Fibromyalgia and Thyroid Health 
Fibromyalgia and Medications 

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