Low Dose Naltrexone

DOCS Outside the Box utilizes many approaches and tools to help you achieve better health, such as Low Dose Naltrexone, depending on your personalized health needs.

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What is Naltrexone?

 

Naltrexone is a FDA- approved medication that has been in use since 1984 for the treatment of addiction to alcohol and opiates.

The dose of naltrexone used for addictive behavior is 50-100 mg daily.

 

What is Naltrexone NOT?

 

Naltrexone is NOT AN OPIATE

Naltrexone is NOT A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

Naltrexone is NOT HABIT FORMING

 

Why and what is low dose Naltrexone?

 

At much lower doses, (1.5-4.5 mg daily) naltrexone has been shown have a beneficial effect on immune regulation.

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Our internal opioid and endorphins have an important effect on the immune system. It is now understood that various immune cells have opioid receptors on their surface.

It is the ability of LDN to block opioid receptors, specifically between 2 and 4 am that produces the beneficial effects on the immune system.

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Blockade of opioid receptors in this manner increases the body’s endorphin and encephalin levels.  These are powerful modulators of the immune system

Autoimmune diseases are associated with decreased levels of endorphins.

The typical dose of LDN is 1.5-4.5 mg daily.

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It is this dose specifically that naltrexone has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

 

Who should not take low dose Naltrexone?

 

LDN is not for everyone

 

Do not use Naltrexone if

1) You are allergic to the drug

2) You have an organ transplant and are taking anti-rejection drugs

3) You have advanced liver or kidney failure.

4) If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you should consult your physician before using.

5) You are regularly using high doses of opioid analgesics or narcotics.

 

What side effects are possible with low dose Naltrexone?

 

Most patients take LDN without side effects.  The following is a partial list of side effects, there may be others.

 

1) Difficulty sleeping.  This is usually just for the first week or so.

2) Vivid dreams.  This is seen in up to 37% of LDN users and generally decreases over time.

3) Headaches.

4) Loss of appetite

5) Rare side effects include: anxiety, increased heart rate, fatigue, nausea, mood swings, and disorientation.

 

What tests are needed before starting LDN?

 

We run our standard labs which include thyroid function tests, metabolic panel, complete blood count, hormone profile, and inflammatory markers.

 

What drugs interact with LDN?

 

Other than opiates, there are no significant drug interactions.

 

Where do I get my prescription for LDN filled?

 

LDN must be compounded properly.  Your prescription will be sent to 

 

Bay Life Pharmacy and Compounding

5665 Park St N

St Petersburg, FL    33709

727-216-6374

 

Once Bay Life receives your prescription, you will be contacted.   Please call us if you have not heard from the pharmacy within 24 hours of your visit.  A delivery service is available. 

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Ready to get started? Call to schedule an Establishing Appointment.