Which Conditions Does Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) Work For?

1 Big Thing

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) offers promising relief for chronic pain and autoimmune conditions with minimal side effects compared to traditional high-dose treatments.

Why It Matters

LDN's potential to alleviate symptoms in challenging conditions like fibromyalgia, MS, and Crohn's disease brings hope to many seeking alternatives to conventional therapies.

Between the Lines

LDN, though not FDA-approved for these uses, is supported by anecdotal evidence and small studies suggesting its efficacy in modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation (Patten et al., 2018).

Go Deeper

What is Low-Dose Naltrexone?

Low-dose naltrexone involves administering a significantly smaller dosage of naltrexone, typically between 1.5 to 4.5 mg per day. Unlike the 50-100 mg daily dosage used for opioid or alcohol dependence, LDN transiently blocks opioid receptors, leading to increased production of the body’s natural opioids and immunity modulation (Patten et al., 2018).

LDN aims to leverage naltrexone's capability to briefly inhibit opioid receptors, encouraging the body to increase its natural opioids (Li et al., 2018).

Its action on toll-like receptors contributes to its anti-inflammatory capacity, making it suitable for managing chronic pain and autoimmune conditions (Zhou et al., 2025).

Why Is LDN Popular?

Besides promising preliminary benefits, LDN is favored for its mild side effect profile compared to traditional treatments. Many patients have turned to LDN after other medications failed to manage their symptoms efficiently or caused undesirable side effects (Kim et al., 2020).

Anecdotal reports and patient testimonials underline improved quality of life and symptom control in conditions like fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis (Patten et al., 2018).

Patient advocacy and small-scale studies have elevated LDN's status, despite the limited availability of compounding pharmacies for low-dose formulations (Ibrahim et al., 2017).

Conditions Potentially Helped by LDN

LDN is mainly used off-label for chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory diseases. These conditions include fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and certain chronic dermatologic conditions like Hailey-Hailey disease (Ekelem et al., 2019).

Fibromyalgia sufferers report significant reductions in pain and improvements in mood and sleep quality (Due Bruun et al., 2024).

In multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease, LDN may lead to symptom improvement through immune modulation (Li et al., 2018).

The Challenge of Evidence and Approval

While LDN is popular in patient communities, its scientific evidence base remains limited. Most studies lack the rigorous design required for FDA approval, due to being small-scale or anecdotal. As a result, many healthcare providers require more robust clinical evidence before endorsing LDN widely (Zhou et al., 2025).

Patient-driven demand continues to rise as more individuals share their positive experiences online and through support groups (Liu et al., 2022).

Considerations and Precautions

Before trying LDN, patients should consult with healthcare professionals to discuss potential benefits and risks. This is especially relevant since LDN is not FDA-approved for conditions beyond its original scope of use, and access often requires specialized compounding (Younger et al., 2014).

Its use should be individualized, taking into account personal health history and goals (Wharton et al., 2025).

Gradual dose titration is recommended to account for interindividual variability and minimize side effects such as sleep changes or gastrointestinal discomfort (Kim et al., 2020).

Closing

Health concerns, no matter how minor they may seem, can severely impact your overall well-being and quality of life. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns about a specific health condition, remember that timely and expert advice is key. Navigating healthcare can be challenging, but finding the right primary care physician shouldn't be. Whether you're seeking medical advice, a prescription or care, immediate access to expert primary care is just a button away. Don't leave your health to chance - consult a Well Revolution primary care provider today for peace of mind and professional care.

References

1. Patten DK, Schultz BG, Berlau DJ. The Safety and Efficacy of Low-Dose Naltrexone in the Management of Chronic Pain and Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Crohn's Disease, and Other Chronic Pain Disorders. Pharmacotherapy. 2018;38(3):382-389. doi:10.1002/phar.2086.

2. Li Z, You Y, Griffin N, et al. Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN): A Promising Treatment in Immune-Related Diseases and Cancer Therapy. International Immunopharmacology. 2018;61:178-184. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2018.05.020.

3. Zhou MH, Elston DM, Morrison BW, Lipner SR. Low-Dose Naltrexone for Treatment of Dermatologic Conditions: A Clinical Review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2025;:S0190-9622(25)02812-9. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2025.09.028.

4. Kim PS, Fishman MA. Low-Dose Naltrexone for Chronic Pain: Update and Systemic Review. Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2020;24(10):64. doi:10.1007/s11916-020-00898-0.

5. Ibrahim O, Hogan SR, Vij A, Fernandez AP. Low-Dose Naltrexone Treatment of Familial Benign Pemphigus (Hailey-Hailey Disease). JAMA Dermatology. 2017;153(10):1015-1017. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.2445.

6. Ekelem C, Juhasz M, Khera P, Mesinkovska NA. Utility of Naltrexone Treatment for Chronic Inflammatory Dermatologic Conditions: A Systematic Review. JAMA Dermatology. 2019;155(2):229-236. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.4093.

7. Younger J, Parkitny L, McLain D. The Use of Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as a Novel Anti-Inflammatory Treatment for Chronic Pain. Clinical Rheumatology. 2014;33(4):451-9. doi:10.1007/s10067-014-2517-2.

8. Due Bruun K, Christensen R, Amris K, et al. Naltrexone 6 Mg Once Daily Versus Placebo in Women With Fibromyalgia: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. The Lancet. Rheumatology. 2024;6(1):e31-e39. doi:10.1016/S2665-9913(23)00278-3.

9. Liu WM, Dalgleish AG. Naltrexone at Low Doses (LDN) and Its Relevance to Cancer Therapy. Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy. 2022;22(3):269-274. doi:10.1080/14737140.2022.2037426.

10. Wharton S, Lingvay I, Bogdanski P, et al. Oral Semaglutide at a Dose of 25 mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2025;393(11):1077-1087. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2500969.