Professional Documents
Culture Documents
by Diana Gale
Low Dose Naltrexone is an exception to the saying 'if something sounds too good to be
true, it probably is'.
When you talk to your doctor, explain CLEARLY that this is "Low Dose" Naltrexone-
only 2 to 4.5 mg! Give your doctor document # 12 "LDN information for physicians".
I believe that if you decide to give LDN a good try (6 months to 1 year), you'll probably
look at your life like this: "Before LDN" and "After LDN" - Diana Gale
Avoid the mistakes many people make with dosage and timing...
Feel free to forward this to anyone
NEW information comes to light as the LDN community grows and ages.
The video at http://www.ldnscience.org/ explains the action of LDN. Endorphins are opiate-like molecules produced
naturally in the body. The term endorphin' comes from endogenous morphine', meaning that it is created within the
body, differentiating it from opioids that are administered from external sources. Endorphins are produced in most cells
in the body, and are important regulators of cell growth and, therefore, the immune system. Disorders of the immune
system can occur with unusually low levels of endorphins. The particular endorphin that has been found to influence
cell growth and immunity is called Opioid Growth Factor (OGF) or Metenkephalin.
For an endorphin such as OGF to exert its beneficial effects, it must interact with the body's cells. It does this by
binding to a receptor on the surface of the cells. The receptor to which OGF binds is the Opioid Growth Factor
Receptor' (OGFr) previously known as the Zeta () receptor. For the endorphin system to be fully functional, two
elements are required: opioid production and cell interaction.
Naltrexone is an externally administered drug that binds to opioid receptors. In doing so, it displaces the endorphins
which were previously bound to the receptors. Specifically, by binding to the OGF receptor, it displaces the body's
naturally-produced OGF. As a consequence of this displacement, the affected cells become deficient in OGF and three
things happen:
Since LDN blocks OGF receptors only for a few hours before it is naturally excreted, what results is a rebound effect in
which both the production and utilization of OGF is greatly increased. Once the LDN has been metabolized, the
elevated endorphins produced as a result of the rebound effect interact with the more-sensitive and more-plentiful
receptors - all to assist in regulating cell growth and immunity.
The duration of the rebound effect varies from individual to individual, but generally persists for about one day. The
benefits of the rebound effect can only be utilized by taking a low dose of regular Naltrexone. Taking a high dose of
Naltrexone, or using a timed-release formulation, will result in continuous blockade of OGF receptors, and there will be
no rebound effect.
The use of regular-dose Naltrexone results in continuous opioid receptor blockade', whilst the use of low-dose
Naltrexone results in temporary opioid receptor blockade'. In order to benefit from the rebound effect and achieve the
therapeutic benefit of LDN, it is essential to avoid full-dose and timed-release versions of the drug.
Individual metabolism varies, and this results in a variation of the speed at which LDN is eliminated from the body, as
well as the length of the endorphin rebound effect. A single daily dose (between 3.0 mg and 5.0 mg) is suitable for most
people; however, modification of the dosage is sometimes needed. Many people find the right dosage with trial and
error. Recently in the history of LDN use, individuals have reported a response to double-dosing -- LDN is taken
morning and evening -- for example: 2.0 mg to 5.0 mg at night and 2.0 mg to 5.0 mg in the morning. It has also been
reported within the last few years that the need for LDN MAY be reduced after 3 to 5 years at 4.5 mg (3.0 for M.S.).
Experts now understand that each person must experiment to find the right dosage, and that the right dosage MAY
change as the body heals. Also, over time, you may no longer be clearing the dose in the 4-6 hours required to give
sufficient time for the OGF to interact with its receptor to control cell proliferation.
The beneficial effects of Low Dose Naltrexone were first discovered by Dr. Bernard Bihari, M.D., a physician in New
York City treating addicts, some of whom also had Multiple Sclerosis. He discovered that a small dose stimulates the
body to greatly increase production of endorphins, enkephalin and metenkephalin, which orchestrate the immune
system. Although Dr. Bihari did much of the early clinical work, Dr. M. Zagon did groundwork with animal research
studies at Pennsylvania State University. Multiple Studies have been done that prove the efficacy of LDN for multiple
conditions.
"...To the best of my knowledge... there has never been a drug that could help so many different conditions at such a
low cost and with so few side effects. To me, that is a wonder!" --Dudley Delany, LDN advocate.
Some New Information about the Secondary way that LDN Works!
LDN blocks toll-like receptors (TLR4) on microglia, which are a part of the immune system
that cleans up damaged cells by destroying them. This inflammatory response is triggered by
lipo-polysaccharides (LPS), which attach to TLR4 receptors on microglia, stimulating a destructive
response via cytokines, thereby damaging healthy cells in the vicinity, which then produce more
LPS, stimulating even more of an inflammatory response from microglia ... a vicious cycle.
By blocking the TLR4 receptors for just a few hours after each small dose is taken, LDN
interrupts the feedback loop, calming the immune response and allowing the damaged tissue
to heal.
LDN users who stop taking LDN treatment for a few weeks or months have reported issues with Candida Albicans in
the gut and on the skin. As well, a few LDN users who did not pause treatment have reported Candida issues.
Information about why this happens does not appear to be forthcoming; however, there is a very good treatment
available. People using HOMEOPATIC "Candida Albicans" report that it has done a great job of controlling their
Candida issues. If you have a Naturopath who can prescribe a proper dosage, go with that. If you have to self-treat -
there are reports that the 30C strength 2 to 3 times a day has been very, very good at controlling Candida. Side-effects
or harm from homeopathic Candida pellets has not been reported. This is a recommended link to purchase a quality
homeopathic at a very good cost: http://www.elixirs.com//products.cfm?productcode=S11
Low-Dose Naltrexone can be made by the individual, or compounded at various pharmacies. LDN is not a radical
treatment. Tell your physician that you wish to try a well-known FDA approved drug at 10 times a smaller dose than
usually taken, and that you can do it under his supervision, which you would very much appreciate, or you can do it on
your own. Often doctors will respond to this way of looking at the topic in a positive way. Try rating your pain and
symptoms on a scale of 1 to 10 and sharing your (hopefully vast) improvement with the doctor as you titrate LDN from
.50 or 1.0 mg, to whatever dosage you eventually settle upon.
Q: I heard that LDN works because of the placebo effect. Is this true?
A: NO. Some naysayers claim that the reason LDN works for millions of human beings is because of the placebo effect.
Research with animals shows marked and measurable improvements in their diseases. Animals do not read and cannot
grasp what a placebo is, so their improvement cannot be attributed to the placebo effect. LDN does nothing except shut
down your body's endorphin production and cell receptors for a short period, and this brief switch-off basically tricks
production of endorphin, enkephalin and metenkephalin into high gear.
Q: I heard someone say they take LDN, but they are not sick.
A: Many healthy medical practitioners take LDN and prescribe it to the entire family--children and pregnant/nursing
women included--as a preventative for cold, flu and virus, and to prevent infection with many chronic and autoimmune
diseases. It is the experience of many LDN users that as long as they are on it they rarely experience colds, flu, viruses,
depression or anxiety and if they do get a cold/flu, they are able to fight the infection off more quickly than usual and
get far fewer secondary infections.
"LDN is a major breakthrough, but like other innovative therapies, it's virtually ignored by conventional physicians. It's
the same old song and dance: 'If it were any good, I'd know about it.' Yet this safe, economical drug stands to benefit
millions - not only those with cancer and MS, but also people dealing with autism, Parkinson's, fibromyalgia, chronic
fatigue syndrome, and other autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune Disorders Respond Well A recent pilot study found that LDN improves mood, cognition, and pain
scores in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. And researchers from Pennsylvania State University College of
Medicine demonstrated that 67 percent of patients with Crohn's disease who were treated with 4.5 mg of LDN for 12
weeks went into remission. The buzz from patients is even better than the studies. Vicki Finlayson had suffered with
debilitating multiple sclerosis. After 10 years of unbearable pain, horrible fatigue, growing depression, and dependence
on Vicodin and morphine to control her pain, Vicki learned about LDN. Once she started taking it - after her doctor
initially refused to prescribe it and she had to wean herself off opioid painkillers - she got her life back. She's been back
at work a year and a half now, she's off all other drugs, and she's feeling great.
Recommendations In addition to the conditions discussed above, LDN is an excellent therapy for general health
enhancement and disease prevention. The only contraindication is narcotic drugs. LDN blocks their effects and could
cause withdrawal symptoms, so it should be started only after those drugs are completely out of your system. LDN is
safe and well tolerated. Some people report vivid dreams at first, but in my clinical experience, sleep disturbances are
rare. To avoid this, you may want to start with a [low] dose... and build up slowly over two months. To learn more
Purchasing Naltrexone
Crystal Nason Ferguson keeps a list of legally prescribing doctors from all over the world. Please email her at:
angelindisguiseldn@yahoo.com. Crystal's website: http://crystalangel6267.webs.com/mystory.htm
Dr. Tom Gilhooly of Scotland prescribes LDN for many of his patients: http://www.ldnresearchtrust.org/ldn-
information/58-dr-tom-gilhooly-mbchb-mrcgp.asp
http://www.webspawner.com/users/howtoobtainldn/index.html http://www.ldnaware.org/ldn-info/101-pharmacies-and-chemists-
usa.asp
Prices & websites change! Please let me know if you find a website that is no longer working, or you
find new ones I can add! <jdothermail@gmail.com>
Pharmacies cannot accept PayPal for Rx purchases for legal reasons. It can be safer to use a Prepaid Visa
(walmart.com sells the cards)
Euro Drugs
50 mg -- 30 pills=$133, 60 pills=$254, 90 pills=$364 + shipping
http://www.eurodrugstore.eu/alcohol-drug-treatment__50__en/naltrexone__2994.html
Anti-Aging, U.K.
30 pills of 4.5 mg=$59.99 + shipping
http://www.antiaging-systems.com/113-naltrexone
River Pharmacy, Canada Complaints have been made about the consistency of their pills. Buy at your own risk!
IF you do end up using these pills, it is recommended to make a 3-pill refrigerated solution with distilled water to
United Pharmacies, India. Complaints have been made about the strength of their pills. There are also recent reports of
fraudulent use of credit cards used there. It is recommended that you use an International cash card in the exact amount
required to make purchases from this site. Trust the quality and use your personal credit/debit card at your own risk! IF
you do end up using these pills, it is recommended to make a 3-pill LDN refrigerated solution with distilled water to
help even out the consistency of each dose.
https://secure.unitedpharmacies.com/customer/search.php?substring=Nodict
(212) 685-0500
Irmat Pharmacy, New York, NY (212) 532-6596
(800) 975-2809
(630) 859-0333
The Compounder Pharmacy, Aurora, IL (630) 859-0114
(800) 679-4667
+44-141-647-8032
Dickson Chemist, Glasgow, Scotland +44-141-647-8032
+44-800-027-0673
PLEASE send me contact info for any trusted pharmacy not in the list!
1) Use a needle-less syringe and a container with a wide opening (get a free syringe and orange prescription bottle with
a pop-top from the pharmacy).
2) To fill, draw water up to the 5 ml line on the syringe TEN times and squirt it into the container for a total of 50 ml.
(If using a 10 ml syringe, draw up 10 ml FIVE times). Use a permanent marker to make a line on the outside of the
container at the top of the water line and cover that with clear tape so it won't rub off. View the liquid level by placing
the container on a flat surface to make sure it is always consistent.
3) Now fill the container to the line, throw in a pill and let it sit for an hour or so to dissolve. It is not necessary to crush
the pill.
4) Shake the mixture very well once the pill is dissolved. Once the liquid has been used up, wash, rinse and dry before
making another batch. Store it in the refrigerator in very warm weather, but this is not necessary if you plan to use it up
within a few days.
5) The blood plasma half-life of LDN is about 4-5 hours. Since I want the LDN out of my system by the time
endorphin levels peak (generally between 2-4 a.m.), I take my dose each night at 10 PM during Daylight Savings.
During winter months I take it at 9 p.m.
Titration
Dr. Jaquelyn McCandless states that one should never skip a dose of LDN for the first six months of use, as this can
cause confusion in immune response. After 6 months or so, if a dose is accidentally skipped, this is not so severe, but
she recommends never skipping a dose on purpose unless it is unavoidable.
ONE FULL YEAR is the recommended period to trial LDN to know for certain whether it will work for a health
issue. LDN can greatly help with adrenal fatigue, but it happens in a roundabout, indirect manner over time. It can be a
year or more before one might notice changes in adrenal function.
9-2013 UPDATE: Dr. Zagon, LDN expert, is recommending that if symptoms begin to return after some time at 4.5
mg, try taking LDN every other night, or even every 3rd night. He also suggests that less than 4.5 mg may be a better
dose for many users -- many people are reporting that after a few years, they can lower the dosage.
PLEASE study LDN news online to keep up with the latest information!
Side-Effects
Lasting clinical side-effects have not been reported for Low Dose Naltrexone, and very few lasting, adverse reactions
have ever been reported. Many LDN users report that even if they experience mild sleep issues, they do not wake up
exhausted, or struggle with fatigue the following day.
LDN induces a sharp increase in pituitary and adrenal production of beta-endorphin and metenkephalin (OGF) in the
pre-dawn hours between 2 am and 4 am, when 90% of the manufacturing of those hormones occurs. Most studies have
shown that Low Dose Naltrexone induces a two- to three-fold increase in the production of metenkephalin overnight.
LDN only stays in the system 4 to 5 hours, so if it is taken it too early or late in the evening, the peak endorphin
production time is missed. Taken at other times of day, the endorphin boost may not be enough to halt disease
progression if disease is chronic and progressive. LDN not only increases endorphin production; over time it also
increases the number of important immune cell receptors that use endorphins.
OFF-LABEL USE. While it is illegal for a pharmaceutical company to market or promote a drug for a use other than
that approved by the FDA, it is NOT illegal for a physician to prescribe an FDA-approved drug for a non-FDA-
approved use. This is called an "off-label" prescription, and physicians do it every day. Neurontin was approved by the
FDA in 1993 for the treatment of epilepsy; yet it is routinely prescribed off-label for the treatment of MS. All
physicians understand that the responsible off-label use of an FDA-approved medication such as Naltrexone is perfectly
ethical and legal.
"The 2nd European LDN conference in Glasgow this year saw the first presentation of a remarkable study into LDN for
the treatment of fibromyalgia by Dr Jarred Younger of Stanford University. This is the sort of top quality research that
we have been crying out for, and perhaps even more remarkable than the results of the study was Dr Younger's clarity
on how LDN works. The vacuum that has existed in LDN research has been filled by lots of myths and legends, such as
timing of administration and dosage of the drug. Dr Younger explained that LDN is a "racemic mix" of mirror image
right- and left-handed molecules. This is common in chemistry, and most drugs consist of such a natural mix. It is usual
for only one of the sides to be biologically active, but in the case of LDN, both sides are active. The right handed
molecule blocks the opiate receptors, which confer the action the drug is licensed for i.e., blocking the action of heroin
and other illicit opiates. The more interesting part regards the left-handed molecule, which acts on the Toll-like 4
receptors on the surface of immune cells and acts as an immune modulator. Dr Younger studied the effect on microglial
cells, a type of immune cell important to the neurological system, which becomes active when the immune system is
activated. These cells are important in fibromyalgia, but also in MS, Parkinson's, and other neurological conditions. The
left-handed Naltrexone binds to these receptors and reduces the inflammatory chemicals that are pouring out of these
cells. This idea makes great sense and fits very well with our findings in the clinic. If this is the mode of action, it fits
with the hypothesis of Dr Agrawal and others... This is a big discovery... This would suggest that the opiate-blocking
effect of LDN is actually the limiting factor on dose and we should aim to get the highest dose possible that the patient
can tolerate, to produce the greatest effect on the immune system. It also puts paid to the idea that LDN is an 'immune
booster' that should not be used with other immune modulators: In fact, it is likely that LDN will be synergistic with
these drugs. As if this were not enough ... along comes the much-anticipated double-blind study on Crohn's Disease by
Prof Jill Smith and Ian Zagon from Penn State. This shows a remarkable 83% improvement in the LDN group, with
almost half going into remission... In Crohn's disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases including Celiac, there is
an increase in Toll Like 4 Receptor numbers on the bowel mucosa. This could explain the rapid and dramatic response
to LDN of many patients with these conditions."
OPIATES. Because LDN blocks opioid receptors throughout the body for three to four hours, users cannot take a long-
term narcotic like Hydrocodone, Morphine, Percocet, or codeine-containing medication. Patients who have become
dependent on daily use of narcotic-containing pain medication may require 10 days to 2 weeks to wean off of it
completely before starting LDN, but it is well worth the effort! Substitute one of these non-narcotic painkillers
approved for use with LDN when weaning off narcotics: Moxxor, Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn,
Ansaid, Dolobid, Orudis, Voltaren, Feldene, or Mobic. The food supplement DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) is said to
enhance the effectiveness of LDN and can be taken twice a day on an empty stomach in doses of 500 mg.
MS DRUGS. Some MS drugs are not indicated for use with LDN. If there is any doubt, please submit to your doctor a
full list of the drugs you are presently taking so that their compatibility may be assessed. Dr. M.R. Lawrence talks about
LDN for MS: http://www.webspawner.com/users/sideeffectsofldn/index.html, http://tinyurl.com/treating-ms-relapses
STEROIDS. In the past it was believed one should not take them with LDN, but currently many use oral steroids like
Prednisone (up to 10) and Hydrocortisone (up to 40) while taking LDN.
PLAQUENIL (Hydroxychloroquine). LDN and Plaquenil can be taken together. The LDN Research Trust group on
Facebook has members who take both successfully.
CHEMOTHERAPY There is no known problem combining LDN with chemotherapy, and in theory (based on work
done with animals), LDN could enable the chemo to work more effectively. This is because LDN raises OGF levels that
act to slow down cell division, enabling the chemo to achieve a greater effect than if taken alone. However, if any
opiate pain killers are being taken with the chemotherapy, LDN would neutralize the effect of the painkillers for several
FILLERS http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/gazorpa/LDNFillers.html
Calcium Carbonate. Some pharmacies and manufacturers use a substance called Calcium Carbonate as filler when
compounding or making pills, which makes the medication time-release or slow-release in the body. LDN stimulates
the body to create high endorphins at a specific time. It is this endorphin boost that triggers the immune system to
modulate. Basically one wants as many endorphins as possible to jump-start the immune system. If the Naltrexone pill
has CC as the filler, the drug will be slow-release and the body will never achieve that high level of endorphins. This
basically shoots down any chance of getting the maximum potential for the immune system. This is an even bigger
concern for cancer patients who need immediate results from LDN.
Some users who switched brands of LDN had a return of their symptoms. The brands they switched to had Calcium
Carbonate as filler. Dr. Bihari confirmed this in an interview, saying that anyone on LDN, particularly a cancer patient,
should avoid Calcium Carbonate at all times. Check the ingredients of every supplement and medication for Calcium
Carbonate, especially Alpha Lopioc Acid and B-Complex vitamin pills. Common fillers that seem to have no adverse
effect on LDN uptake are Lactose, Acidophilus and Avicel (which is a fast-releaser). Dr. Bihari has been quoted as
saying Lactose is his preference. Ask the pharmacist and avoid Calcium Carbonate to get the most out of each LDN
dose.
LDN has the top-rated ability to raise endorphin counts. Dr. Bihari said that about 65% of his patients experienced a
complete stop of disease progression. Of those, 30% went into full remission. If success is reliant on endorphin
production; then perhaps we should be focusing on doing other things to stimulate that. Some natural ways to do this
are aerobic exercise and acupuncture. Chocolate has a substance called Phenylalanine, which slows the breakdown of
endorphins in the body.
Books
Google LDN by Joseph Wouk (e-book no longer free) http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4440379733824898139
201 Reasons for LDN by the LDN Research Trust for International LDN Awareness Week 18-24 October 2010. (free e-
book attached with this email). Download http://www.ldnresearchtrustfiles.co.uk/docs/eBook.pdf
The Faces of Low Dose Naltrexone created for the First International Low Dose Naltrexone Awareness Week. (free e-
book attached with this email) Download http://ebookbrowse.com/ebook-sept-14-09-the-faces-of-low-dose-naltrexone-pdf-d85722067
Those Who Suffer Much Know Much - Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) Why Weren't You Told? 51 case studies compiled
by Cris Kerr of Case Health, fifth revised. (free e-book attached with this email) Download
http://www.keephopealive.org/naltrexonecasereports.pdf
The Promise of Low Dose Naltrexone Therapy: Potential Benefits in Cancer, Autoimmune, Neurological and Infectious
Disorders by Elaine Moore, McFarland Publishing. Up the Creek with a Paddle: Beat MS and All Autoimmune
Disorders with LDN, by Mary Bradley.
MS Trials:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18728058?ordinalpos=&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.
SmartSearch&linkpos=1&log$=citationsensor
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ana.22006/abstract
Glioma Trial: Katherine B Peters, MD, PhD, a neuro-oncologist at Duke University, is the principal investigator. The
placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial involves patients with high-grade malignant Glioma. They receive, in
addition to standard chemo-radiation, either placebo or LDN. http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01303835
Cancer Studies:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16484716?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RV
DocSum&ordinalpos=6
Many healthy people take LDN for anti-aging and to increase stamina, such as Dr. Berkson, the ALA guru:
www.honestmedicine.com/2009/03/burt-berkson-md-phd-talks-with-honest-medicine-about-his-work-and-our-medical-
system-the-interview-t.html
Other Links
www.curetogether.com A consumer driven Health 2.0 - A company that brings patients with hundreds of conditions
together in overlapping data communities, to share and learn from each other privately.
www.lowdosenaltrexone.org Dr. Bihari's 20 years of clinical experience with LDN for MS, cancer, HIV
www.ldndatabase.com/ LDN World Database. Not just anecdotes -- this is Patient Based Evidence! Post your results!
www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/ldn_latest_news.htm Project LDN: Funding Clinical Trials - and organizer of the USA
LDN Conferences.
www.patientslikeme.com/ Resource for tracking diseases and many patients using LDN.
groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism_LDN Autism LDN Yahoo Group - information from Dr. Jaquelyn McCandless.
Check the Files section.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/09/19/one-of-the-rare-drugs-that-actually-helps-your-body-to-
heal-itself.aspx Doctor Mercola supports LDN use.
Hint: you can also google "LDN+your condition" for the most up-to-date
information and Youtube videos
Acne/Cystic Acne
Acute Brachial Neuropathy (Parsonage-Aldren-Turner Syndrome, aka neuralgic amyotrophy, brachial neuritis, brachial plexus
neuropathy, brachial plexitis)
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis
Acute Febrile Neutrophilic Dermatosis (Sweets Syndrome)
Acute Febrile Vasculitic Syndrome (Kawasaki's Disease)
Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis
Addiction
ADHD/ADD
Adiposis Dolorosa (Dercum's Disease)
Adrenal Fatigue
Agammaglobulinemia
Allergies
Alopecia Areata
Alzheimer's
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease)
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Anorexia Nervosa
Anti-Aging
Anti-GBM/TBM Nephritis
Antiglomerular Basement Antibody Disease (Goodpasture's Syndrome)
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Antisynthetase syndrome
Aphasia/Dysphasia/Dysnomia
Asperger's Syndrome
Asthma (autoimmune mast cell and other types)
Atopic allergy
Atopic Dermatitis
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autoimmune Aplastic Anemia
Autoimmune Cardiomyopathy
Autoimmune Enteropathy
2/19/2017 UPDATE