1. Low Dose Naltrexone is a Wonder Drug
The original use for naltrexone was to reduce cravings in people who were addicted to alcohol or opioids. When used for this purpose, the dose is 50 mg per day. However, beginning in the 1980s it was found that low-dose naltrexone--at a dose of 4.5 mg per day--was helpful for people with central nervous system diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer and HIV/AIDS. When HIV/AIDS patients take low dose naltrexone at bedtime, it strengthens their response to infection. Some people with cancer benefit from low-dose naltrexone, and it lessens symptoms in patients with autoimmune diseases like lupus. Doctors even use low-dose naltrexone in patients who suffer from infertility. Although it might seem odd that so many diseases respond to low-dose naltrexone, it really is not, because all of these diseases affect the immune system, and low-dose naltrexone strengthens it.
2. The Good and the Bad for Generics
Low-dose naltrexone is a prescription drug sold in generic form or under the brand name Depade. It works best when taken between the hours of 9 pm and 3 am. For people with multiple sclerosis, the recommended dose is usually 3 mg per day. Because there is no patent, stores sell it as a generic product, making it very inexpensive. This is a good thing and a bad thing--it saves patients lots of money, but it also discourages the drug companies from conducting clinical trials for the drug, because it is not a money-maker. However, some studies are underway to see how low-dose naltrexone performs in fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis.
3. Let People Know You Take Naltrexone
Buy an ID card or a medical alert bracelet or necklace that states that you are taking naltrexone. This is important information if you receive treatment in an emergency, especially if you needed pain medication.
4. Opioids and Naltrexone Don't Mix
You can't take low-dose naltrexone if you are taking steroids, interferon or methotrexate. Never take an opioid-based pain medication while you are taking this medication, because it will cause you to become violently ill, with vomiting that can last up to two days. If you are having surgery and need to take an opioid-based pain medication, your doctor will probably suggest that you discontinue the low-dose naltrexone at least 24 hours before the surgery.
