#Naltrexone

[3liza]

after taking Low Dose Naltrexone and gradually increasing dose from almost nothing to like 12mg over a period of 2? 3? years? i think i can probably conclude it does almost nothing for me at any dose except make my general sleepiness worse. i cant tell the difference between being on it or off it in terms of pain, mood, allergic response level, POTS symptoms, etc. which according to reading other subjective patient reports, doesnt seem to be the case for people that it actually works for.

considering how unresponsive my opioid metabolism is and that LDN theoretically acts on the endogenous opioid system to produce most of its effects, this sort of makes sense, but isn't a straight line from one concept to the other. the most i can speculate about that is "maybe because my opioid metabolism/reward circuits generally are so messed up, drugs that affect those circuits also arent going to function optimally" but of course biochem is so complicated thats nothing more than an uneducated guess.

its a shame because it was a big entry on the "list of treatments to try" and it was annoying to get

[sociopathic-empath]

What do you do when one of the only people you care about slowly slips away and gets lost in addiction and bad decisions?

So many broken promises followed by

"I have no interest in defending myself or trying to make myself seem like a good person"

Breaks my heart

Damned if I keep trying, damned if I give up.

Why do I always open my heart to people that crush it

I need a hug or help

[smashing-yng-man]

I've done it all - attended Alcoholics Anonymous twice a day, five days a week. Memorized the fourth edition of the "Big Book" from cover to cover. Admitted myself into two different rehabs, staying 60 days each time.

What has ultimately kept me sober from drinking is confiding in my therapist and taking a combination of Acamprosate and Naltrexone twice a day to curb alcohol cravings.

I drank heavily for nearly two decades, and frankly have the experience and genetic predisposition to confirm that addiction is not a choice.

But sobriety and self-care are.

[iaml1mitless]

so nobody told me that by "you might be a little dizzy when you first take naltrexone" it might be more like "you're gonna feel like you took a fistful of opiates" 🥴

[killing-hannibals-body]

Trying naltrexone for the first time as I’ve relapsed a bit, though not as bad as I was last year. I just wanted to stop the spiral before it got too bad.

While the craving for alcohol almost immediately stopped, like, this shit is magical, I feel depressed as shit. It’s only been 3 days, and I’m hoping that the side effects wear off. I also feel dizzy and nauseated and I have no appetite (rip to my hello fresh hanging out in the fridge).

Idk what’s worse right now. Getting drunk off a few beers every night or feeling the crushing weight of existence as I lounge around my apartment feeling sorry for myself

[summerfly-blues]

Hi, I don’t usually post stuff like this but if anyone has any experiences being on low dose naltrexone and/or lamotrigine/lamictal (especially if for mental health problems) please message me :)

[jelizasoiz]

I need to tell u how I ended in rehab (again)

Everything started with this picture of me & this day (2+ weeks ago)

Anyway wifi sucks here so I'll write it later

Otherwise almost 3 weeks without drinking alcohol 🥳 naltrexone is working well

No moree :

[doodlehowlter]

The Emerging Role of Low-Dose Naltrexone: A Promising Therapy for Various Health Conditions

Introduction

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a potential treatment for a wide range of health conditions. Originally approved in the 1980s for treating opioid addiction, LDN is now being explored for its potential benefits in autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, and various other ailments. This article delves into the science behind LDN, its mechanisms of action, and its potential applications in managing several medical conditions.

Understanding Low-Dose Naltrexone

Naltrexone, a drug initially developed to treat opioid and alcohol dependence, works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. At standard doses (50mg), naltrexone effectively antagonizes these receptors, preventing the rewarding effects of opioids and reducing cravings for alcohol. However, researchers have discovered that at much lower doses (ranging from 1.5mg to 4.5mg), the drug exhibits a different pharmacological profile, leading to the emergence of LDN.

Mechanism of Action

Low-dose naltrexone exerts its effects by modulating the immune system. It acts as an opioid receptor antagonist, temporarily blocking these receptors, which triggers a rebound effect. This rebound response leads to a surge in endorphin production, causing a cascade of immunomodulatory effects. The increased levels of endorphins have been shown to regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation, making LDN an intriguing option for various immune-related disorders.

LDN and Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, or organs. LDN's immunomodulatory properties have shown promise in the management of several autoimmune conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Studies have suggested that LDN may help reduce autoimmune activity and mitigate symptoms in these patients.

LDN and Chronic Pain

Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, often diminishing their quality of life. LDN has been studied as a potential option for chronic pain management due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Conditions like fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and neuropathic pain have been the subject of investigation regarding LDN's efficacy in alleviating pain and improving patients' overall well-being.

LDN and Cancer

In addition to its immune-regulating effects, LDN has attracted attention for its possible role in cancer treatment. Preliminary studies have shown that LDN may have a direct effect on cancer cells by inhibiting their growth and promoting apoptosis. Additionally, LDN's immune-modulating capabilities may enhance the body's own defenses against cancer cells, potentially complementing conventional cancer therapies.

Neurological Conditions and LDN

LDN's potential impact extends to various neurological conditions. Research has indicated its possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Though much of the evidence is based on preclinical studies and anecdotal reports, the results are promising, prompting further investigation into LDN's role in supporting neurological health.

Safety and Side Effects

LDN, when used at low doses, has generally been well-tolerated. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal disturbances and vivid dreams. However, it is crucial to note that LDN is not suitable for everyone, and individuals with liver disease or those taking opioids should avoid its use. As with any medical intervention, it is essential for patients to consult their healthcare providers before initiating LDN therapy.

Challenges and Limitations

While LDN shows considerable promise, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges and limitations associated with its use. Due to the lack of large-scale clinical trials, LDN's full potential and long-term safety remain to be fully understood. Additionally, LDN is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and its efficacy may vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being addressed.

Conclusion

Low dose naltrexone represents a fascinating and promising area of medical research. Its unique mechanism of action and potential benefits in managing autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, cancer, and neurological conditions have sparked interest among healthcare professionals and patients alike. Although further research is needed to establish its effectiveness conclusively, LDN offers hope for individuals seeking alternative treatments for a variety of health conditions. As the scientific community continues to explore its potential, LDN may eventually become a valuable addition to the arsenal of therapeutic options for numerous medical challenges.

[elekid]

[n0isy-gh0st]

Me 90% of the time: Naltrexone is working! 😃😃

The other 10%: Naltrexone is working 😑🥱

[lessoneislessthannow]

PSA: FENTANYL IS COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU & WHEN IT DOES, FORGET EVERYTHING YOU EVER KNEW

It'll end up in the schools you send your children to, the sidewalks of the playgrounds they once played in so youthful, it will tear apart the monuments and buildings that once made your town beautiful, it will kill more people than you know, and it'll be your spouse or your child, your next door neighbor, your childhood hero. And it'll go from everything to zero before you know. Soon, it'll be all everywhere you go. Even if you stay clean, you'll get swept away in the spiral.

[mcatmemoranda]

Contrave is a weight loss med composed of bupropion and naltrexone. One of my clinic pts was started on Wellbutrin and naltrexone for weight loss. It’s how you can try to help with weight loss without just prescribing the brand name Contrave.

[smashing-yng-man]

Naltrexone, when used and practiced with The SInclair Method, absolutely does curb alcohol cravings and makes intoxication so damn boring.

That's what is on my mind, Tumblr.

I've mastered self-destruction, it's self-improvement that I should've been after.

[m0ldyc0ffee]

I love my meds cuz they make me want live

[teachingrounds]

Question: What percentage of youths receive medications for opioid use disorder shortly after diagnosis, and are those who receive medications early after diagnosis more likely to remain in care compared with those who receive behavioral treatment only? .

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. Findings: In this multistate cohort of 4837 youths with opioid use disorder, 1 of 21 adolescents younger than 18 years and 1 of 4 young adults aged 18 to 22 years received medication for opioid use disorder within 3 months of diagnosis. Youths who received buprenorphine were 42% less likely to discontinue treatment, those who received naltrexone were 46% less likely to discontinue treatment, and those who received methadone were 68% less likely to discontinue treatment compared with youths who received behavioral treatment only. Meaning: Pharmacotherapy, a critical evidence-based intervention to address opioid use disorder, may be underused in youths with this disorder; those who receive medications shortly after diagnosis may be more likely to remain in care than youths who receive behavioral health services only.