Are There Any Risks With the Use of Low Dose Naltrexone?

Naltrexone was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998 as a treatment for drug addiction. Low dose naltrexone, or LDN, blocks opioid receptors. Because of its ability to boost the immune system, however, it has also been touted as useful for treating other medical conditions including autoimmune diseases, cancer and multiple sclerosis. No matter how you use the drug, take care, because it carries some risk.

Risky Side Effects

• The use of lose dose naltrexone can have numerous side effects including constipation, cotton mouth, diarrhea, headache, hot flashes, nausea and vomiting, according to the National Library of Medicine. It can also cause loss of appetite, delayed ejaculation, profuse sweating and uncontrollable thirst. Even riskier side effects can include chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, edema, joint or muscle pain, rash, swollen glands, tremors and vision problems.
  Psychiatric side effects can include abnormal thinking, extreme agitation, anxiety, depression, disorientation, hallucinations, nightmares, paranoia, restlessness and thoughts of suicide.
  Medline Plus advises immediate emergency attention for any severe side effects.

Major Risks

• LDN should not be given to patients diagnosed with liver failure or hepatitis, according to Drugs.com. Even in small doses, naltrexone can build up, resulting in hepatotoxicity for patients prone to that condition. Anyone with a predetermined renal condition could also experience increased impairment.
  Naltrexone is not recommended for use by pregnant or nursing women. Research on the effect of the drug on a fetus is insufficient. Likewise, it is unknown if the drug could cause problems for breastfeeding children.

Contraindications

• Naltrexone should not be prescribed for patients receiving opiate drugs for treatment purposes, because it will block opioid receptors and have minimal or no effect, according to Drugs.com. Addicts should not continue taking opiates while taking LDN. To do so could result in an overdose, bodily injury, coma or death.
  LDN should not be used in connection with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, thioridazine or yohimbine. Taken with NSAIDS, naltrexone risks an elevation in liver enzymes. Taken with thioridzine, it could cause lethargy, making the use of equipment dangerous. When taken with yohimbine, LDN can elevate blood pressure and cause the pulse to race. Naltrexone can also block the medicinal intent of anti-diarrhea and cold medications.