Naltrexone
 

Does anyone know anything about this drug? I've been offered a very low dose prescription by my hormone doctor. He says it is very effective for autoimmune disorders. The prescription is very cheap too, only $23 per month. He also gave me vit B complex/B12 shots - I asked him if I should wait to be tested by the neuro or through him, and he said "No, you should be taking these anyway." That script is even cheaper than the Naltrexone. But I have never given myself a shot?

I researched the Naltrexone and first found that it is for opiate and alcohol addiction. But that is in larger doses. In small doses it can be used for autoimmune diseases, cancer, HIV, and lots more. Didn't sound too bad. Has anyone ever tried it? I have a feeling my rheum would say no, because it "boosts the immune system" and she does not want me using anything that may boost the immune system in an unknown way. But she also does not know everything, as I've learned.

I need to call the pharmacy tomorrow and tell them what I want filled. I am going to wait on the detox until after Christmas, since I missed Thanksgiving with my allergy elimination diet. I am now an addict to natural peanut butter with agave nectar dropped on top on a rice cake. Mmmmmmmm. I don't think I am allergic to peanuts. :)

Our MS board here has several people who use "low dose Naltrexone--LDN). There is a sticky thread there:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread71392.html

There are several other threads there too, over the past 4 yrs.

You do not need B12 injectable. You can accomplish your goal to raise B12 levels orally. Bcomplex works well orally as well.
If you think you have the DNA mutation (10% of people) who do not methylate B12 or folic acid, there is RX Metanx oral.

People with malabsorption issues, primarily from gluten intolerance/damage, have problems with all nutrients until they go gluten free and heal up.

Your need for Bcomplex and B12 can be tested. Thiamine and B6 have serum tests, and if very low that would point to needing the complex. Same with B12-- anything below 400 needs supplementation.

What exactly is the prescription for...can you read it and put it up here? LDN has to be compounded at special locations.

Oh, No - Not THAT!
 

WARNING: I've heard that that's a gateway drug to harder stuff like cashew & macadamia butters!

Doc

Ldn
 

I just tried Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for a month for my all over body neuropathic pain. Unfortunately for me it did not work at all. Just disturbed my sleep and turned me into a zombie. But it has been very successful for some people and worth a try. Everyone responds differently. People with MS love it! Hope it works for you too.

Some people with MS love it -- I just quit taking it after about 2 years. I haven't noticed any difference at all. But I don't suffer nearly as much as some MSers.

Good luck Geraldine -- whatever you decide to do! :)


@Dr. Smith: LOLOL!!!

Did you play around with the dosing? I've read where many had to start with very small doses and work up to find what worked for them. For some the very small dose was troublesome and others the standard dose was too much.

I ended up deciding to wait on the naltrexone at least until next month. I take so many things, and with the holiday coming up would rather not start it just yet. I did fill my vit B12/complex injection kit - I know I'll probably get on the methyl tabs but figured this costs less than $20 for 10 injections, so maybe I'll just try to jump-start with these.

I need to continue to work on my diet too.

I will probably look at the naltrexone in January. Unless thing have greatly turned around. I do like that this doctor is willing to do some different things than others I have seen. For starters my thyroid and progesterone - and he's not necessarily completely for or against medicine or supplements. He seems to believe in both. :)

Talking to my Primary on Thursday about Low Dose Naltrexone
 

I am planning to talk to my primary doc on Thursday about prescribing Low Dose Naltrexone. I did quite a bit of reading up on it and from what I gather it works by blocking endorphins and tricking the body into producing more endorphins so that most of the time there is more floating around. The dose should be small enough that the endorphins only dip for a couple hours during the night. I try to only change one thing at a time. You are wise to wait for a time that feels right to you.

Hi Lehona, Are you going to try it for neuropathy? If so when you researched it and looked at SE did it seem like something you could take if you work?
Thanks!:)

Doctor Visit Cancelled. . .
 

I won't have any news for awhile. My doctor visit was canceled and rescheduled in two weeks. I don't know how to respond to your question because I don't know what you mean by "SE".
I couldn't find any articles directly related to neuropathy, but I found articles related to how low dose naltrexone affects pain and autoimmune disorders.