Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
by Jeffrey Dach MD
 A Drug to Reverse Narcotics Overdose
Imagine a drug addict slumped over from a lethal heroin overdose. He has shallow breathing and will die unless he receives prompt medical care in the emergency room. If he is lucky enough to make the trip to the ER, the doctors will give him an IV injection of Narcan (Naloxone), the drug of choice to reverse narcotics overdose, waking the victim and snatching him from the jaws of death.
Left Image: Duane Hanson's sculpture "Drug Addict" from 1974, Courtesy of wikipedia. The addict sitting the floor is a sculpture in a musem. The man standing is an anonymous museum visitor. (18)
A close cousin of Naloxone is Naltrexone, another opioid antagonist used as treatment for for narcotics and alcohol addiction.
Chemical Structures of Naloxone, Naltrexone and Morphine are similar (see below three diagrams).
  
Naloxone (Narcan) Naltrexone Morphine
Naltrexone: FDA approved since 1984
Narcan is available in the hospital operating room where anesthesiologists use it to wake up the patient after the operation. (image at left: first use of anesthesia). Opiate antagonists such as Narcan reverse the sedating effect of opiates by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain.
Left Image: First operation under ether anesthesia on October 16, 1846 (21) Courtesy Library of Congress.
Naltrexone was synthesized in 1963 and FDA approved since 1984. Naltrexone is a close chemical cousin to Narcan with very similar chemical structure, and is used to treat narcotics and alcohol addiction. (see chemical structure diagrams above). It was a surprise for me to find out that Naltrexone has other very important uses at a much lower dosage as an oral capsule. Medical scientists have been carefully studying its effect of Naltrexone on the immune system, and its clinical benefits for a host of disease states for the past 20 years.
Low Dose Naltrexone, (LDN), How Does it Work?
The beneficial effect of low dose naltrexone, LDN, was discovered by Bernard Bihari, MD (1)(1A), a physician in New York City who found that a small dose (3 mg) of naltrexone taken as a capsule at bedtime blocks the opiate receptors in the brain for a few hours during sleep, which then stimulates the brain to increase production of endorphins over the next 24 hours. These endorphins then stimulate the immune system. Although Bihari did much of the early clinical work, Zagon did much of the groundwork with animal research studies at Pennsylvania State University (3-17).
LDN Cures Crohn's Disease
 A recent publication in the Jan 2007 Journal of Gasteroenterology on the use of LDN in Crohn's Disease, was the first breakthrough publication to appear entitled, Low-Dose Naltrexone Therapy Improves Active Crohn's Disease by Jill Smith MD.
Left Image: Typical appearance of Crohn's disease involving terminal ilem with ulcerations noted on barium small bowel examination (red arrows) . Courtesy of Jeffrey Dach MD, private collection.
Crohn's disease is a severe inflammatory condition of the small bowel which can be difficult to treat. Not difficult for LDN however. Jill Smith, M.D. reported that two-thirds of her 17 Crohn's patients went into remission, and 90% of the group had some benefit. Her article showed impressive colonoscopy photos before and after LDN treatment with complete clearing of the inflammatory changes in the bowel mucosa. Dr. Smith concluded that "LDN therapy appears effective and safe in subjects with active Crohn's disease."(2)
Other Conditions Which Benefit from LDN
The major therapeutic action of LDN is the restoration of normal endorphin production by the brain. This is beneficial for any condition in which there is a deficiency in endorphin production, such as autoimmune disease, cancer and HIV/AIDS. Bernard Bihari, MD, who discovered the LDN protocol has used it in hundred of patients in the following categories:
LDN for Cancer
LDN is useful for cancers of the Bladder, Breast, Colon & Rectal Cancer , Glioblastoma, Lung Cancer (Non-Small Cell), Lymphocytic Leukemia (chronic), Lymphoma Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's) Malignant Melanoma, Multiple Myeloma , Ovarian Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer (untreated), Renal Cell Carcinoma, Uterine Cancer,
LDN is useful for Autoimmune and other Diseases:
 LDN treatment has benefited these diseases: ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), Autism Spectrum Disorders, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Crohn's Disease, Fibromyalgia, HIV/AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's Disease, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, Systemic Lupus (SLE), Ulcerative Colitis, Wegener's Granulomatosis.
Left Image: Monthly MRI Scans of Multiple Sclerosis, small bright spots come and go, courtesy wikipedia.
LDN Has Virtually No Side Effects:
Occasionally, during the first week's use of LDN, patients may complain of some difficulty sleeping. This rarely persists after the first week. Should it do so, dosage can be reduced from 4.5mg to 3mg nightly.
Caution About Narcotics Withdrawal
Because LDN blocks opioid receptors throughout the body for three or four hours, people using narcotics pain pills such as Ultram (tramadol), morphine, Percocet, Duragesic, Oxycontin or codeine, should not take LDN until after complete withdrawal from their narcotic drugs. The use of LDN may induce narcotics withdrawal.
Although naltrexone is FDA approved, the LDN protocol is what is called "off-label use", and it is unlikely that any company will spend the millions needed to fund studies for FDA approval of the LDN protocol. However, off-label use of an FDA approved drug such as naltrexone is commonplace and widely accepted. The naltrexone capsules are inexpensive, about 20 dollars a month. The treatment is safe, with no adverse side effects.
Pharmacies that offer compounded LDN capsules:
The Compounder Pharmacy 340 Marshall Ave Unit 100, Aurora, IL 60506-2956 Phone: 630-859-0333 Fax: 630-859-0114. (22)
Skip's Pharmacy 21000 Boca Rio Rd Suite A-29 Boca Raton, Florida 33433, telephone 561-218-0111 800-553-7429 Fax: 561-218-8873 (24)
Thanks to Larry Frieders, the Compounder for bringing LDN to my attention, and for making low cost LDN capsules available to the public. (22)
Articles with related Content:
LDN Part Two (second part to this article)
Chron's Recovery with LDN Case Report
Jeffrey Dach, M.D.
BLOG TrueMedMD Newsletter
4700 Sheridan, Suite T.
Hollywood Florida, 33021
954 983 1443
www.jeffreydach,com
www.drdach.com
www.naturalmedicine101.com
www.truemedmd.com
References:
(1) http://www.ldninfo.org/index.htm
Web site for low dose nalotrexone information.
(1A) http://www.ldninfo.org/bbihari_cv.htm
Curriculum Vitae, BERNARD BIHARI, M.D. 29 West 15th Street New York, N.Y. 10011, (212) 929-4196 retired as of March 2007.
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17222320
Low-dose naltrexone therapy improves active Crohn's disease.Smith JP, Stock H, Bingaman S, Mauger D, Rogosnitzky M, Zagon IS. Am J Gastroenterol. 2007 Apr;102(4):820-8. Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA.
OBJECTIVES: Endogenous opioids and opioid antagonists have been shown to play a role in healing and repair of tissues. In an open-labeled pilot prospective trial, the safety and efficacy of low-dose naltrexone (LDN), an opioid antagonist, were tested in patients with active Crohn's disease. METHODS: Eligible subjects with histologically and endoscopically confirmed active Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) score of 220-450 were enrolled in a study using 4.5 mg naltrexone/day. Infliximab was not allowed for a minimum of 8 wk prior to study initiation. Other therapy for Crohn's disease that was at a stable dose for 4 wk prior to enrollment was continued at the same doses. Patients completed the inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ) and the short-form (SF-36) quality of life surveys and CDAI scores were assessed pretreatment, every 4 wk on therapy and 4 wk after completion of the study drug. Drug was administered by mouth each evening for a 12-wk period. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with a mean CDAI score of 356 +/- 27 were enrolled. CDAI scores decreased significantly (P= 0.01) with LDN, and remained lower than baseline 4 wk after completing therapy. Eighty-nine percent of patients exhibited a response to therapy and 67% achieved a remission (P < 0.001). Improvement was recorded in both quality of life surveys with LDN compared with baseline. No laboratory abnormalities were noted. The most common side effect was sleep disturbances, occurring in seven patients. CONCLUSIONS: LDN therapy appears effective and safe in subjects with active Crohn's disease. Further studies are needed to explore the use of this compound.
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6640516
Cancer Lett. 1983 Nov;21(1):89-94. Opioid antagonists inhibit the growth of metastatic murine neuroblastoma.Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ.
Naltrexone (NTX), an opiate antagonist, had an inhibitory effect on the growth of S20 Y neuroblastoma in A/Jax mice. Daily injections of 0.1 mg/kg NTX resulted in a 69% tumor take, 70% delay in time prior to tumor appearance, and a 60% increase in median survival time. Inoculation of NB in control mice resulted in 100% tumor take within 15 days. The pattern and incidence of metastases of NTX and control mice were similar. These results show that NTX has antineoplastic activity, and suggests a role for the endogenous opioid system in neuro-oncogenic events.
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6316064
Life Sci. 1983 Dec 12;33(24):2449-54.
Naltrexone modulates growth in infant rats.Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ.
Naltrexone, a potent opiate antagonist, had both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on somatic growth in preweaning rats depending on dose. Daily injections of 50 mg/kg naltrexone, which blocked morphine-induced analgesia for 24 hr/day, resulted in increased body and organ weights, and acceleration in the appearance of physical characteristics and maturation of spontaneous motor activity. Naltrexone in a dosage of 1 mg/kg, which blocked morphine-induced analgesia for 4 hr/day, had the opposite effects. These results show that naltrexone can modulate growth, and suggest a role for the endorphins and opiate receptors in developmental events.
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10592296
Brain Res. 1999 Dec 4;849(1-2):147-54. Cloning, sequencing, expression and function of a cDNA encoding a receptor for the opioid growth factor, [Met(5)]enkephalin.
Zagon IS, Verderame MF, Allen SS, McLaughlin PJ. Department of Neuroscience, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, USA.
The native opioid growth factor (OGF), [Met(5)]enkephalin, is a tonic inhibitory peptide that modulates cell proliferation and tissue organization during development, cancer, cellular renewal, wound healing and angiogenesis. OGF action is mediated by a receptor mechanism. We have cloned and sequenced a 2.1-kilobase (kb) cDNA for a receptor to OGF (OGFr). The open reading frame was found to encode a protein of 580 amino acids, and eight imperfect repeats of nine amino acids each were a prominent feature. The protein encoded by this cDNA exhibited the pharmacological, temporal and spatial characteristics of the OGFr. Functional studies using antisense technology demonstrated an enhancement in cell growth. The molecular organization of the OGFr has no homology to classical opioid receptors. These results provide molecular validity for the interaction of OGF and OGFr in the regulation of growth processes.
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11029512
Opioid growth factor regulates the cell cycle of human neoplasias.Zagon IS, Roesener CD, Verderame MF, Ohlsson-Wilhelm BM, Levin RJ, McLaughlin PJ.
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy, H-109, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
The native opioid growth factor (OGF), [Met5]-enkephalin, is a tonic inhibitory peptide that modulates cell proliferation and migration, as well as tissue organization, during development, cancer, homeostatic cellular renewal, wound healing, and angiogenesis. OGF action is mediated by the OGF receptor (OGFr). To investigate the target of OGF as to cell proliferation, the effects of excess OGF, and a deprivation of OGF-OGFr interaction by an opioid antagonist, naltrexone (NTX), were examined in 3 human cancer cell lines: pancreatic (BxPC-3), colon (HT-29), and head and neck (CAL-27). OGF exposure decreased growth, DNA synthesis, and mitosis, and increased the doubling time from control levels. FACS analysis revealed a marked increase in cells in the G0/G1 phase and compensatory reduction in cells in S and G2/M phases. Consistent with this observation, the percentage of labeled mitosis (PLM) analysis showed a notable increase in the time of the G0/G1 phase. Receptor blockade with NTX increased the rate of growth, length of DNA synthesis and mitotic phases, and decreased doubling time from control values. FACS analysis indicated an increase in the proportion of cells in S and G2/M phases, and a decrease in the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase. PLM evaluation demonstrated a shortening of the length of the S and G2 phases in the 3 cell lines, and decreases in the M and G0/G1 phases in some cancers. These results indicate that OGF action is directed at the G0/G1 phase, but interruption of OGF-OGFr interfacing has widespread repercussions on the cell cycle. The data on blockade of OGF-OGFr during log phase growth suggest a requisite escorting of the growth peptide and its receptor through the cell cycle.
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8620464
Cancer Lett. 1996 Mar 29;101(2):159-64.
Inhibition of human colon cancer by intermittent opioid receptor blockade with naltrexone.Hytrek SD, McLaughlin PJ, Lang CM, Zagon IS.
Nude mice inoculated with human colon cancer (HT-29) and receiving 0.1 mg/kg naltrexone (NTX) beginning immediately after tumor cell injection exhibited a marked retardation in tumorigenicity. This dosage of NTX, which blocked opioid receptors for 6-8 h/day, resulted in a delay of 2.4-fold in tumor appearance compared to control subjects. At the time (10 days) when all control mice had tumors, 80% of the mice in the 0.1 mg/kg NTX group had no signs of neoplasia. Binding capacity, but not affinity, of [3H][Met5]-enkephalin was reduced 85% of control levels in tumor tissue from mice of the 0.1 NTX group. Plasma, but not tumor tissue levels of [Met5]-enkephalin were elevated (2.5-fold) in contrast to control values. These results suggest that daily intermittent opioid receptor blockade with NTX provokes the interaction of opioids and receptors in the interval following drug availability, with opioids serving to inhibit tumorigenicity of human colon cancer.
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9066724
Cancer Lett. 1997 Jan 30;112(2):167-75. Opioid growth factor (OGF) inhibits human pancreatic cancer transplanted into nude mice.Zagon IS, Hytrek SD, Smith JP, McLaughlin PJ.
Nude mice inoculated with human pancreatic cancer (BxPC-3) cells and receiving 5 mg/kg of opioid growth factor ([Met5]enkephalin; OGF) three times daily exhibited a marked retardation in tumorigenicity compared to animals injected with sterile water (controls). OGF-treated animals had a delay of 43% in initial tumor appearance compared to control subjects (10.6 days). At the time when all of the control mice had tumors, 62% of the mice in the OGF group had no signs of neoplasia. Tumor tissue excised from mice after 30 days was assayed for levels of [Met5]enkephalin and zeta opioid receptors. Tumor tissue levels of [Met5]enkephalin were 24-fold greater in OGF-treated mice than controls, but plasma levels of OGF were 8.6-fold lower in animals receiving OGF. Specific and saturable binding of radiolabeled [Met5]enkephalin to nuclear homogenates of pancreatic tumor tissue was recorded, with a binding affinity (Kd) of 10 nM and a binding capacity (Bmax) of 46.8 fmol/mg protein. Binding capacity, but not affinity, of [3H-Met5]enkephalin was reduced by 58% of control levels in tumor tissue from mice of the OGF group. OGF and the zeta (zeta) opioid receptor were detected in human pancreatic tumor cells by immuno-cytochemistry. These results demonstrate that an endogenous opioid and its receptor are present in human pancreatic cancer, and act as a negative regulator of tumorigenesis in vivo.
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6867737
Science. 1983 Aug 12;221(4611):671-3. Naltrexone modulates tumor response in mice with neuroblastoma.Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ.
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6300232
Matthew, PM, Froelich CJ, Sibbitt WL, Jr., Bankhurst AD, Enhancement of natural cytotoxicity by beta-endorphin, J Immunol 130, pp.1658-1662, Apr 1983.
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6867737
Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ, Naltrexone modulates tumor response in mice with neuroblastoma, Science 221, pp.671-3, Aug 12, 1983.
(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6867737
Hytrek SD, McLaughlin PJ, Lang CM, Zagon IS, Inhibition of human colon cancer by intermittent opioid receptor blockade with naltrexone, Cancer Lett 101(2), pp. 159-64, Mar 29, 1996.
(13) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8853403
Zagon IS, Hytrek SD, Lang CM, Smith JP, McGarrity TJ, Wu Y, McLaughlin PJ, Opioid growth factor ([Met5]enkephalin) prevents the incidence and retards the growth of human colon cancer, Am J Physiol 271(3 Pt 2), pp.R780-R786, Sep 1996
(16) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6087062
Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ, Duration of opiate receptor blockade determines tumorigenic response in mice with neuroblastoma: a role for endogenous opioid systems in cancer, Life Sci 35, pp. 409-416, 1984.
(17) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6087062
Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ, Opioid antagonist modulation of murine neuroblastoma: A profile of cell proliferation and opioid peptides and receptors, Brain Res 480, pp. 16-28, 1989.
(18) http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ImageDuane_Hanson_Drug_Addict_Louisiana_1975.jpg
Duane Hanson's sculpture "Drug Addict" from 1974 (together with an unidentified museum guest). Picture taken at an exhibition at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark. Source Own work Date Spring 1975 Public domain.
(19) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naloxone
Wikipedia: "Naloxone is a drug used to counter the effects of opioid overdose, for example heroin or morphine overdose. Naloxone is specifically used to counteract life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system. It is marketed under various trademarks including Narcan, Nalone, and Narcanti, and has sometimes been mistakenly called "naltrexate." It is not to be confused with Naltrexone, another opioid receptor antagonist with qualitatively different effects, used for dependence treatment rather than emergency overdose treatment."
(20) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naltrexone
wikipedia:"Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist used primarily in the management of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. It is marketed in generic form as its hydrochloride salt, naltrexone hydrochloride, and marketed under the trade names Revia and Depade. In some countries including the United States, an extended-release formulation is marketed under the trade name Vivitrol. It should not be confused with naloxone, which is used in emergency cases of overdose rather than for longer-term dependence control."
(21) http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Southworth_&_Hawes_-_First_etherized_operation_(re-enactment).jpg
Re-enactment of the first operation under anesthesia (ether). The actual operation took place on October 16, 1846; Daguerrotype TITLE: Operating room of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Mr. Holman with surgeons: John Mason Warren, George Hayward, Solomon D. Townsend, John Collins Warren and James Johnson around man on operating table. Daguerreotype by Southworth & Hawes, ca. 1850. No known restrictions on publication.
(22) http://www.thecompounder.com/index.php
The Compounder Pharmacy 340 Marshall Ave Unit 100 ~ Aurora, IL 60506-2956
Phone: 630-859-0333 Fax: 630-859-0114
(23) http://wcbstv.com/topstories/lo.dose.naltrexone.2.732830.html
Drug Addiction Medication May Treat Other Diseases Dr. Max Gomez NEW YORK (CBS)
MAy 2008.
(24) http://www.skipspharmacy.com/sppress/?cat=8
Skip's Pharmacy LDN PAGE 21000 Boca Rio Rd Suite A-29 Boca Raton, Florida 33433
561-218-0111 800-553-7429 Fax: 561-218-8873
Disclaimer: http://www.drdach.com/wst_page20.html
The information contained here written by Jeffrey Dach MD is NOT intended to diagnose or treat any existing disease or ailment, or to replace in any way the patient /physican relationship with your own personal physician. Note that all contents of this message, including any advice, suggestions, and/or recommendations has NOT been generated as part of any professional evaluation. No patient has been examined prior to making these comments; no professional fee has been charged by or paid to myself. Regarding the nutritional supplements which may be mentioned: These have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat disease. Any comments made about nutritional supplements are of a general nature and not intended to provide personal advice. The reader should seek the advice of a trusted health care professional regarding the use, risks, benefits, indications, and contra-indications of the various nutritional supplements which may be mentioned. Regarding FDA approved pharmaceutical drugs mentioned: Any comments made about drugs are of a general nature and not intended to provide personal advice. The reader should seek the advice of a trusted health care professional regarding the use, risks, benefits, indications, and contra-indications of drugs. The reader is advised to discuss the comments on these pages with his/her personal physicians and to only act upon the advice of his/her personal physician Also note that concerning an answer which appears as an electronically posted question, I am NOT creating a physician -- patient relationship. Although identities will remain confidential as much as possible, as I can not control the media, I can not take responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality that may occur.
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copyright (c) 2007-2008-2009-2010 all rights reserved Jeffrey Dach MD.This article may be reproduced or copied on the internet provided a link and credit is given. |
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Superb newsletter.
The first off-label use of naltrexone I heard of was to stop carb cravings in diabetics. See pp196-9 in Richard K. Bernstein, MD, book, 1997 ed.
Happy vacation. ---Joel M. Kauffman
Reply to this
Dear Dr. Dach,
We've been compounding and dispensing LDN for almost 10 years.
One of our local doctors has allowed me to publish a short survey on MS patients on LDN in his practice which he completed in March (another coming soon).
There are controversies about several aspects of LDN that you may hear about;
1) The fillers (no calcium carbonate, no slow-release formulation)
2) The use of an oral liquid (stability)
3) Precise dosing (is it 3mg, 4.5mg, or something else?)
4) Transdermal naltrexone
5) Stiffness
If you have any concerns about using LDN, or any of the "controversies", don't hesitate to ask.
340 Marshall Ave Unit 100
630 859 0333
Reply to this
Interesting that you cite Bernie Bihari.
He was a psychiatrist in the mental health department of International Center for the Disabled, where I worked, in the 1990's.
I remember his use of naltrexone.
Enjoy your vacation. Have a great time.
regards from Rachelle
Reply to this
This is the official website that describes what LDN is all about:
http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org
Another testimonial about the effectiveness of LDN in treating MS:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/articles/2006/05/01/news/top_stories/04r...
This site recommends LDN for MS patients and offers additional
treatment options:
http://www.webspawner.com/users/openlettertomsers/index.html
An LDN chat group for MS:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spotlight_ldn
Health success stories; search the database for LDN at:
http://www.casehealth.com.au/case/about.html
The Proceedings of the 2nd Annual LDN Conference held at NIH in 2006
are available on DVD (physicians presented their findings on the
effectiveness of LDN). To obtain a copy, visit
http://tinyurl.com/2x9eds
Dr. Bob Lawrence uses LDN for his own MS and prescribes it for his
patients. This site contains his advice on LDN in treating MS:
http://http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=show&pageid=651
SammyJo's extensive LDN website:
http://www.ldners.org/mission.htm
Mary Bradley wrote a book, Up The Creek With A Paddle, about her
husband's experience with LDN and MS, and her uncle's experience with
LDN and Parkinson's disease. For more information, visit
http://www.marybradleybooks.com
This is an inexpensive and reliable source of 50 mg Naltrexone tablets
(however, we always recommend going through a doctor, if possible):
http://tinyurl.com/2vfdw5
To convert 50 mg Naltrexone tablets into LDN, visit:
http://goodshape.net/HomemadeLDN.html
The Compounder Pharmacy LDN site:
http://www.thecompounder.com/msnaltrexone.php
This UK site promotes LDN-related research:
http://www.ldnresearchtrust.org
An article about LDN for MS from a Brewer Science Library publication:
http://www.mwt.net/~drbrewer/lownaltrex.htm
How to talk to your doctor about LDN:
http://www.gazorpa.com/PatientGuide.html
Brenda's LDN forum and Information Center:
http://ldn.proboards3.com/index.cgi
A testimonial from Brenda's forum on the efficacy of LDN in treating
breast cancer and MS:
http://tinyurl.com/26q442
Larry's LDN and MS site:
http://www.larrygc.com/ms
Bill's LDN and MS site:
http://www.vrhotwires.com/Bill_Meikle/MS/LDNandMS.html
Crystal's website concerns MS and Transverse Myelitis:
http://www.freewebs.com/crystalangel6267/index.htm
Crystal also maintains a list of doctors who prescribe LDN and of
pharmacies that compound it. Contact her at
crystalangel6...@yahoo.com
Dr. McCandless conducts research on LDN for autism. For more
information, visit
http://www.starvingbrains.com
An LDN autism chat group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism_LDN
An LDN Crohn's disease chat group:
http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=17&m=702259&p=3
Research into LDN for Crohn's disease:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&...
Reply to this
I run the yahoo group
LDN_4_cancer:http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LDN_4_cancer/
I have metastatic stage 4B cervical cancer and hope to provide others with LDN information. I know many of the people on your current list above but few sights are designated for LDN and cancer specifically.
Please include my link:http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LDN_4_cancer/
to your above list.
Best regards,
Deidre Alejo
LDN User
Reply to this
Naloxone is the generic name of Narcan and is used for the management of opioid overdose.
Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist used primarily in the management of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. It is marketed in generic form as its hydrochloride salt, naltrexone hydrochloride, and marketed under the trade names Revia and Depade.
In some countries, an extended-release formulation is marketed under the trade name Vivitrol. Naltrexone should not be confused with naloxone, which is used in emergency cases of overdose rather than for longer term dependence control.
Jack Stem
Reply to this
Thank you for letting me know about this blog - you have great information and links here.
It would be good for your readers to know that I am blogging the details of my wife's experience with Low Dose Naltrexone, including the details of how we deal with her advanced MS as a family with two school age children.
My wife's MS has caused her to have double vision corrected by prisms placed in her eyeglasses. Previously, my wife's eyeglass prescription needed maximum prisms.
However, since re-starting LDN on Aug 24, 2007 my wifes eyeglass prescription was changed...needing no prisms now after 10 years of double-vision due to the MS!
Our blog at http://ourms.blogspot.com has more, and will continue to have the honest account of her LDN experience, for better or for worse.
Bryan K. Watson
Reply to this
Low dose naltrexone is a wonderful drug, which is saving mamy lives.
Four years ago, I had many of the AIDS-defining diseases and nearly died. After much research, I decided that the anti-retroviral medications (anti-HIV meds) had too many serious side effects for my liking.
I stopped them after being on LDN for over a month.
It has since been 20 months, and I have only been on LDN, and I haven't had any illnesses, not even a cold.
We don't have to wait for the "cure" for HIV/AIDS or for a vaccine that won't work. We have a "miracle" drug here and now with LDN.
I would encourage any one with any type of immune deficiency disease to check out lowdosenaltrexone.org for further information.
Noreen Martin
_____________________________________________________________________
Dear Noreen,
Thanks very much for reading my article and posting a coment. I agree with your comment about the toxicity and lack of efficacy of anti-HIV drugs.
HIV is a retro-viral genetic sequence which is incorporated into the host cell DNA, and this genetic sequence in the DNA can never be erased, removed or eradicated by a cyto-toxic drug which will surely cause harm to the host organism.
My previous articles and essays on the topic:
Descent in Viral Load Internet Hell
Final Nail by Jeffrey Dach MD
All truth Passes through Three Stages
Origins of HIV
Max Essex and Virological Failure
regards from,
Jeffrey Dach MD (disclaimer)
Reply to this
Dear Dr Dach,
I recently reformatted a booklet containing a selection of five MS/LDN health success stories extracted from the Case Health database.
It is now available on Case Health (casehealth.com.au) as a free download - and it can be freely shared-forward.
You're welcome to also make it available as a download from your website.
Click here for five case histories of LDN for MS:
http://casehealth.com.au/case/pdf/LDN_BOOKLET-5_HEALTH_SUCCESS_STORIES-rev_ed_Jul07-web.pdf
Kind regards,
Reply to this
I have MS and have been taking LDN for 6 years. I also take tramadol which I was under the impression was not a narcotic! Should I stop?
SS from New Jersy
____________________________________
Dear SS,
Here is a link to information about Tramadol, an opioid narcotic pain pill.
http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2004/20281slr030,21123slr001_Ultram_lbl.pdf
As you know, narcotic drugs are addictive, and withdrawal from addictive drugs can be extremely difficult because of the severe withdrawal symptoms, and medical supervision may be needed to navigate through the withdrawal phase.
For this reason alone, it is prudent to avoid long term usage of narcotic pain pills. Of course there are many other adverse side effects which are listed in the article.
Regarding your 6 years of LDN use, have you found it beneficial?
warmest regards,
Jeffrey Dach md
www.drdach.com
disclaimer
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I had a lot to learn here.
There is one thing I would also like to know.
What are the side effects of these drugs meant to save drug addicts from lethal drug doses.
Are the results hundred percent safe for the patient?
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The only adverse side effect of LDN is that it might interfere with sleep. It is quite safe.
Jeffrey Dach MD
www.drdach.com
disclaimer
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Remember, the patients are taking a much lower dosage of Naltrexone, hence the term low dose naltrexone. The only side effect is that when some people initially take it, it cause them to have vivid dreams, which in reality compared to the side effects of most drugs, this is minor and this does not occur in all patients.
As stated above, this miracle drug has been my life-saver for AIDS. I have been on for 2 1/2 years and haven't had any opportunistic diseases, which is what kills AIDS persons along with the toxic antiretrovirals.
Anyone who has or knows someone with immune deficiency diseases, should check out this drug. As it is inexpensive, it works, does not have drug resistance and it is not addictive. In reality, it is one of the safest drugs known.
Noreen Martin
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I am the official LDN video girl.
I have been following LDN for years-we are doing a documentary on LDN.
Here is a clip from the last LDN conference in nashville.
i'm in boca raton fla, nice to see everyone here in nashville.
here is the link to the clip
http://www.youtube.com/user/TropicalDawg
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I was excited to see that your article today was on LDN. We've been compounding LDN for years, however it is finally gaining recognition (primarily by patients).
We are experiencing the frustration of trying to get the word out to physicians about LDN. We've had good success with its use and we encourage patients to approach their practitioner about LDN for their condition.
We compound LDN in several strengths, most commonly the 3mg and 4.5mg doses as most compounding pharmacies do. I think that Larry the Compounder raised several good points in his response as well and gives the reader things to ponder about LDN.
Our pharmacists can be reached for consultation on LDN, and we can help patients find physicians in their hometown as well. There are millions of patients out there with auto-immune conditions, cancers and so forth that could potentially benefit from this treatment. It seems that this is yet another "grass roots" movement in healthcare...
I also agree that the website www.ldninfo.org is quite helpful for patients and physicians alike.
Thanks for the great article. I am going to forward the link to it to all of our patients.
regards,
Deanne
http://www.francks.com
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i could recall the benzene ring which is used in most of the medicines like this.
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sathyan
new">http://www.addictionlink.org/drug-rehab-center/new-mexico">new mexico drug rehab
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My husband has been on LDN for just over 4 years now. It was quite the miracle for him. Within 1 day his fatigue was gone, within a week his bladder frequency was gone and within 2 months he was back to doing one to two sports a day. 4 years later he has never looked back. It is like he does not even have MS. He only feels a little numbness and tingling in his palms.
We are very greatful to have found this wonderful inexpensive drug. I had put together a sort of welcome e-mail a while back, and an LDN trouble shooting guide if you would like copies of those (or anyone else as well), please don't hesitate to e-mail and request them.
Thanks,
Aletha@redshift.com
Kind regards
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Please send the email,and I will post it here.
Jeffrey Dach MD www.drdach.com disclaimer
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My wife has stage 4 NSCLC and is doing great on LDN. We have set up a database on people using LDN to help others. would you include this link on your site http://www.ldn-database.carnebeach.com/ .
Also if you would like me to set up questions for any other disease just send me a list of questions and I will set it up.
Keep up the good work
John
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I became an LDN advocate when I realized it is one of the greatest discoveries in modern medicine since the advent of penicillin.
This site contains my own personal LDN testimonial, and includes numerous links to other LDN-related sites:
http://tinyurl.com/why-ldn-advocate
With best wishes,
Dudley Delany, R.N., M.A., D.C.
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the videos from the last two LDN conferences are here:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=TropicalDawg&view=playlists
Cyndi
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My dad has metastasis into the liver after having lung cancer a couple of years ago. It is now stage 4. He is seventy and not in the best of shape or health. I am worried that he will not survive the Chemo that is scheduled next week Saturday (3/14/09).
I found information on the low dose naltrexone by accident as I searched the web and am fascinated by what I have read. My background is in Health and Wellness and feel I only found this out because of it.
How do I convince my parents to hold off on the Chemo and also how do I find a doctor in my area who will prescribe the drug. We do live near a compounding pharmacy. We live in Western NY very close to Roswell Park Cancer Institute and that is where my dad has been treated.
Like I said I fear his going through Chemo. Can you help? I would be so grateful for any kind of direction.
Sincerely,
Charlene from New York
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Do a Google search on, "my dance with cancer " and "vernon".
You will find a description of a stage 4 cancer patient named Vernon who's prostate score was 22.3, 10 days later it came down to 0.1 find out how and do the search.
Fred Hoy
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I am very interested to see that you have had success with LDN and IBD patients. My 17yr old son recently started on LDN through our local holistic MD for severe ulcerative colitis. He is seeing small signs of improvement. I had heard through the LDN forum I belong to that some people see better results with LDN when on a gluten-free and dairy-free diet.
I wondered if you've found that to be true or if there are other things you've found that help the effectiveness of LDN.
Any suggestions you may have are most appreciated by this mother who is desperately trying to heal her son and avoid the surgery the traditional IBD doctors say may be needed if things don't improve.
Thank you very much.
Sally from PA
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Dear Charlene,
I feel for anyone who is battling cancer. It is very difficult emotionally and physically, as many years ago I had it too. I would recommend that you immediately have your dad change his diet to alakine foods, meaning no dairy, meat, grains, etc. Place him on supplements/herbs, and of course, LDN. Let me tell you about my father-in-law, who had two precancerous lesions in his pancreas. Of course, he was told by the surgeon, that he had to have surgery, along with the extraction of body parts. We said, no way. Immediately, and he still does, we placed him on LDN, changed his diet, and placed him on appropriate herbs and supplements. All of this occurred over 2 years ago. He has had 2 MRI's and both of his lesions are shrinking. We feel that he would not be alive today, if we had gone the mainstream route. There is hope for incurable diseases, if one will dare to chart one's own course and take responsibility for one's own health care. Good luck to you and your dad, I hope that this has helped. Incidentally, I have been on LDN for over 4 years now and am doing great!
posted by Noreen Martin
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Hi there, I have MS and have been on LDN for 13 months now. My life has done a 180. It has change my life for the better and because of this, I am a firm LDN advocate, dedicating my time to bring awareness to LDN. Finding this page has made my week and I am so happy to see everyone here on LDN. peace and light to all
Jayne Thomas
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This is a very interesting article, but my main concern as another stated is are there any side affects for opioid addicts who have overdosed? and is this drug addictive? which could lead them to seek treatment at a drug rehab center.
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Hi Isabel,
No, LDN is not addictive. In fact, it is one of the fasest known drugs. LDN is inexpensive, it works, does not lead to drug resistance, and it has helped so many of us, who are on it.
There is so much info about it now on line, lowdosenaltrexone.org. You might also join the LDN Support Group at Yahoo. Also, there is a free book that you can download on line, "Those who suffer much know much."
Remember, LDN is taken in a very small dose of 4.5mg. It is helping to boost the body's endorphin levels, so that the body can fight off invaders.
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