What to Avoid When Taking Low-Dose Naltrexone

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Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has gained popularity in recent years as a promising treatment for various conditions, from chronic pain and fatigue to fibromyalgia and autoimmune diseases.

However, like any medication, LDN has its own guidelines for safe use. Before starting treatment, it’s important to be aware of potential drug interactions and side effects, as well as substances to avoid when taking low-dose naltrexone.

Being well-informed about the risks and rewards of this powerful medication is essential for a safe and successful treatment. To learn more about low-dose naltrexone, keep reading!

What is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a type of medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). It’s an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks the opioid and endorphin receptors in the body, reducing a person’s cravings for substances like opioids and alcohol.

This medication is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but is only available with a doctor’s prescription. It comes in two forms: an oral tablet and an intramuscular injectable administered by a healthcare provider.

Naltrexone is not a cure for addiction. It blocks euphoric effects only, which can include the “high” feeling that may make you want to use narcotics or drink alcohol. It’s also not a narcotic, so it won’t cause narcotic-like effects or physical or mental dependence.

Naltrexone is approved for use in adults aged 18 and above. It’s meant to be used as a part medically supervised treatment program advised by a doctor or qualified health professional.

What is Low-Dose Naltrexone?

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) refers to the use of naltrexone in low doses, typically between 1 to 5mg, compared to the standard dosage of naltrexone for opioid or alcohol use disorder, which is 50mg to 100mg per day.

Low-dose naltrexone has been used to provide pain relief and treat conditions, such as:

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Long Covid
• Cancer

There is also promising research for the use of LDN in treating depression, autoimmune thyroid disorders, Gulf War syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Using low-dose naltrexone for these conditions is “off-label.” This means that it’s a recognized use among healthcare professionals, but not approved by the FDA and requires a licensed practitioner to prescribe it.

How Does Low-Dose Naltrexone Work?

At a normal dose, naltrexone binds and blocks the opioid and endorphin receptors in the body, eventually reducing alcohol and opioid cravings.

Larger studies and clinical trials are needed to clarify how low doses of naltrexone work in alleviating chronic pain, fatigue, and inflammation, but recent research suggests the following:

• LDN can help keep the immune system well-balanced, which is why it tends to provide relief to people suffering from immune system-related illnesses
• LDN acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, regulating certain cells that play a role in general and nerve inflammation
• LDN blocks proteins that trigger symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
• LDN targets the glial cells in an overactive nervous system, reducing a person’s pain sensitivity and improving their quality of life
• LDN boosts levels of naturally occurring opioids in the body, providing pain relief

What to Avoid When Taking Low-Dose Naltrexone

Doctors and health care professionals recommend avoiding the following when taking LDN to protect your health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of side effects:

1. Opioids

People who are taking naltrexone should avoid using any type of opioid, as this can lead to opioid withdrawal. Common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, hot and cold flushes, anxiety, irritation, runny nose, watery eyes, and sweating.

In extreme cases, these symptoms can be life-threatening or require hospitalization. Always tell your doctor or healthcare provider about recent opioid use, opioid dependence, or symptoms of opioid withdrawal before taking LDN, so they can inform you when it’s safe to begin treatment.

Before starting low-dose naltrexone, your doctor may give you tests to check if opioids are in your body. These can include a urine test and a naloxone challenge test. If the tests show that opioids are in your system, your doctor might delay your LDN treatment.

2. Alcohol

Your doctor may advise you to avoid alcohol consumption while taking low-dose naltrexone. This is because drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking LDN can increase your risk of liver damage, and cause unexpected interactions and potentially harmful side effects to occur.

Naltrexone blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol and reduces cravings, but it won’t prevent you from becoming impaired while using alcohol. You’re still vulnerable to common side effects like slowed brain functioning, dehydration, and accidental injuries.

It’s also possible to suffer from long-term effects like memory impairment, depression, and anxiety.

3. Certain Medications

There are some prescription-only cough, cold, and antidiarrheal medications that contain opioids. If you start taking LDN while using these medicines, the opioid component can react with naltrexone, resulting in harmful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Naltrexone can also block the effects of these opioid-containing medications, so you may not benefit from them at all. Examples of these medicines include:

• Promethazine/Codeine
• Hydrocodone/Homatropine
• Diphenoxylate/Atropine
• Loperamide

When taking LDN, always consult your doctor about the best medicine to use in treating cough, colds, and diarrhea. They can help you select a safe and effective non-opioid medication, like guaifenesin or bismuth subsalicylate.

If you have an upcoming medical or dental surgery, inform your surgeon that you’re taking low-dose naltrexone. If you require pain medication, your doctor may suggest non-opioid medicines, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Things to Consider Before Using Low-Dose Naltrexone

Before you take naltrexone, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history, including your current medical condition, and discuss whether LDN is the right medication for you.

Here are a few factors that may affect your naltrexone treatment:

• Kidney and Liver Problems: When starting an LDN treatment, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, such as kidney failure, or liver diseases, like cirrhosis. In these cases, naltrexone can increase your risk of side effects and may worsen your condition.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There aren’t enough studies to determine whether LDN is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking LDN so they can advise you of any risks.
• Allergic Reactions: If you’re allergic or have had a hypersensitivity reaction to naltrexone or any of its ingredients, inform your healthcare provider. Your doctor will likely not prescribe the drug to prevent a dangerous reaction.
• Mental Health: Naltrexone may cause depression in some patients. Tell your doctor if you have any mental health disorders before starting treatment, and contact a medical professional if you experience unusual thoughts or behaviors while using LDN.
• Side Effects: Although low-dose naltrexone is generally well-tolerated, there are a few known side effects, including difficulty sleeping, vivid dreams, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, decreased appetite, joint pain, muscle cramps, and anxiety. Long-term side effects are rare with LDN and tend to occur at high doses.

Tips for Safe and Effective Treatment with Low-Dose Naltrexone

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is a powerful and promising medication that can be used to treat a variety of conditions. However, it’s essential to take safety precautions when using it, such as:

1. Follow Your Doctor’s Prescription: Take the exact dosage of low-dose naltrexone that your doctor prescribes, as consuming too much or too little can cause harmful side effects. Follow medical advice regarding the rest of your treatment, including receiving mental health therapy.

2. Don’t Mix Medications: When taking low-dose naltrexone, always inform your doctor about any other medications you’re using, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, and supplements, to help prevent dangerous interactions.

3. Report Adverse Side Effects: Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any unexpected reactions or adverse side effects, as this can be the result of a drug interaction, incorrect dosage, or an issue with the medication.

4. Avoid Missing Doses: If you miss your prescribed dose of LDN, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the dose that you missed and follow your regular dosing schedule. Don’t take double doses to catch up for the missed dose.

5. Carry Your Identification Card: It’s advisable to carry an identification card to alert medical personnel that you are taking low-dose naltrexone. It ensures that you get the right treatment in case of an emergency. You can obtain this card from your doctor.

Start Your Treatment Today at Live Free

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, Live Free Recovery Services is committed to helping you achieve true recovery and start a new, healthy, and addiction-free life.

At our New Hampshire facilities, we offer a full range of care, from drug and alcohol detox, to inpatient treatment, and outpatient rehab programs. Our goal is to provide all the support and tools you need, including evidence-based therapies and a high-quality treatment program.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward long-lasting recovery, contact Live Free today!