Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) in Tick-borne Illness

Naltrexone is an old drug originally used to help patients wean off of alcohol and heroin and other opiate medications. However, low dose Naltrexone (LDN – 3-4.5mg) has been found to be very helpful to some patients with chronic pain and low immune function, in particular chronic Lyme Disease patients.

LDN works by boosting endorphin levels in the body (the feel good molecules associated with runners high), and thereby alleviating pain. Additionally, endorphins are excellent molecules for immune modulation. LDN binds to the opiate receptors primarily in the brain, blocking endogenous endorphin attachment. The body responds by producing more endorphins, which not only helps to alleviate chronic pain, but also boosts natural killer cells and some T and B cells of the immune system.

LDN may be useful for patients suffering from:

• ALS
• Alzheimer Disease
• Autism
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Lupus
• Lyme Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson Disease
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Ulcerative Colitis

Vivid dreams have been reported by some patients taking LDN, but generally speaking, there are very few side effects from this low dose.

For more information on LDN use in chronic tick-borne illness, please contact Dr. Marra and she will be happy to discuss its use in your particular health issues.