Introduction to LDN and Dosage Guidelines
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is a prescribed compounded medication that is used to treat or manage numerous diseases such as depression, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and many more.
You may be wondering, why LDN is compounded. It’s because LDN is administered in such low doses. LDN should be compounded by a trusted pharmacy to guarantee the quality and safety of the medication, Buying LDN without a prescription online is illegal and extremely dangerous so it must be avoided.
In the past few years, therapeutic dosing regimens of LDN were known to be 1.5 to 4.5 mg administered at night (It could be taken in the morning if insomnia or sleeping disturbance occur) but now, the dose regimen is more variable and tailored to suit each patient.
Compounded Forms of Naltrexone
Naltrexone can be compounded into various forms, such as:
- Capsules (Dose starts from 0.1 mg)
- Tablets
- Gummy bears
- Sublingual Drops (Suitable for patients with swallowing difficulties, or if they don’t benefit from other ingested forms)
- Liquids (Allow dose titration from 0.1 mg to 16 mg)
- Eye drops
- Torches (can be split into four and they dissolve under the tongue in 1-2 minutes)
- Topical lotions (for children or various skin diseases)
- Transdermal creams
- Nasal spray
LDN Benefits
What makes LDN unique is that it’s inexpensive, has broad dose variability, can be used on numerous conditions, and its side effects are considered minor.
Potential Side Effects of LDN
The most common side effects of LDN are sleep disturbance and vivid dreams. However, they tend to settle within one to two weeks of use.
LDN General Dosage Guidelines & Dose Titration
Dosing protocols vary depending on the type of illness, age, and condition of the patient.
*, the upper limit of what was defined as LDN was 4.5 mg, but this definition has been slightly widened.
Dosing Time
Normally, LDN is administered in the evening, )may be taken in the morning to avoid sleep disturbance). Some patients Skip one dose per week, which may help with receptor sensitivity.
Conclusion
LDN is used in the management of numerous conditions, it’s commonly administered in the evening, and the exact dose is variable according to the condition of each patient, you should consult your doctor to know the optimum dose regimen for you.
References
- The LDN Book volume two, The Latest Research on How — LOW DOSE NALTREXONE — Could Revolutionize Treatment for PTSD, Pain, IBD, Lyme Disease, Dermatologic Conditions, and More EDITED BY Linda Elsegood.
- The LDN Book 3: Low Dose Naltrexone: The Latest Research on Viral Infections, Long COVID, Mold Toxicity, Longevity, Cancer, Depression, and More.