The Use of Naltrexone for Immune Deficiency

Full strength naltrexone is used by doctors to help those with drug addiction. However, in small doses, this drug helps regulate the immune systems of those with autoimmune disease. The treatment, called Low Dose Naltrexone, or LDN, is being used to treat immune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, HIV, Crohn's disease, Lupus, and even some forms of cancer. LDN is also used by some doctors to treat autism.

What is LDN?

• Naltrexone blocks the opiate receptors throughout the body. Because of this action, it has been used to help treat opium and heroin drug addiction since 1984. The standard, FDA approved dosage for addiction is 50 mg.

  Dr. Bernard Bihari developed the low dose protocol used by people with autoimmune diseases. He found that by taking between 3 mg and 4.5 mg each night at bedtime, the naltrexone blocked opiate receptors for two to four hours while the person slept.

  This short, temporary blockage causes the body to release more early morning endorphins. The extra endorphins help regulate the immune system, and seem to improve its function.

Finding a Doctor to Prescribe LDN

• Low dose naltrexone is available through prescription only. Unfortunately, LDN is not a widely known treatment and many physicians are unfamiliar with its usage. Speak to your family physician, share the information found on the Low Dose Naltrexone website in the Resource section, and ask your doctor to prescribe it.

  If your doctor refuses, consider joining the LDN_Users group on YahooGroups. Several members of this group keep a list of physicians who are known to prescribe LDN.

  You can also call one of the LDN familiar compounding pharmacies listed on the Low Dose Naltrexone site and ask them to refer you to a LDN friendly doctor near you.

  Many LDN friendly doctors do telephone consultations for patients who are more than several hours away. Most will require you to send a copy of your medical records so they can determine if LDN is a good medication choice for you.