Low Dose Naltrexone for Immune Modulation

(Available from Skip’s Pharmacy… compounded…561-218-0111)
Dr. Albert Robbins LDN Update 11/10/09
www.Allergycenter.com
954-421-1929

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that is traditionally used and approved to treat drug (opioid) addiction and for the treatment of alcohol addiction….at very high doses.

At very low doses… naltrexone (LDN)… is currently being used to treat some autoimmune diseases….including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosos and Crohn’s disease….Anyone diagnosed with an autoimmune disease including Lupus or ulcerative colitis may be a candidate for LDN.

Some cancers are now also being treated with LDN.

Individuals with HIV, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivities, autism and Hepatitis C are being treated with LDN…with promising results. It is also being considered for tic disorders since some researchers have suggested that some tic disorders are autoimmune triggered. Recently, individual reports suggest it is beneficial in severe excema (atopic dermatitis).

LDN…Upregulates endorphins which regulate the immune system
Naltrexone is an opiod receptor antagonist that has an effect on immune modulation through its effect on opioid receptors.

All side effects are very minor…difficulty sleeping initially is the most common symptom for a week or more…aches and pains may increase in the first few weeks

Naltrexone downregulates proinflammatory cytokines…It is very safe and effective for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, especially Crohn’s Disease…peer reviewed article available on request..”Low Dose Naltrexone Therapy Improves Active Crohn’s Disease” , American Journal of Gastroenterology 2007;102:820-828, Jill Smith, MD Penn State Univ-Gastroenterologist

LDN promotes healing and stimulates DNA synthesis
LDN works on inflammatory cells and decreases the release of inflammatory cytokines and stimulates mucosal healing.

The hypersensitivity reactions to the large peptides found in casein and gluten products by autistic children inspired research into the opioid antagonist naltrexone. An Italian study of LDN in 1996 showed a positive response in 7 out of 12 autistic children.

LDN is now being used for autism in conjunction with a gluten free, soy free and casein free diet. The immediate positive mood/cognitive relating effects can be seen in many children. LDN plays a role in immune modulation and also makes glutathione more available to neurons according to recent research. It is compounded in EMU oil for transdermal delivery in children.

Article available through my office… “Low Dose Naltrexone for Immunomodulation and Mood in Autism”, Jaquelyn McCandless, M.D.

LDN partially blocks the opioid receptors which results in an increase in endogenous enkephalin and causes healing of the lining of the bowel. Within 8 weeks 60% of Crohn’s patients had remission

LDN is a drug that has a powerful effect on the brain…it triples endorphin levels….like a runners high

LDN is harmless….all young people with Multiple Sclerosis should take it to prevent progression of the disease

Most people report having more energy on LDN…It is very useful for chronic fatigue sufferers.

Many people report getting less infections on LDN

Bernard Bihari M.D. published 22 articles on LDN…noting an increase in Natural Killer cells and other natural healthy immune defenses.

According to Dr. Behari “LDN may be the most important medication to upregulate the immune system in 50 years”

LDN stops the autoimmune attack in autoimmune disorders

Older people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to cancers…LDN makes one less susceptible to cancer….One case of pancreatic cancer went into remission for 4 years with LDN

HIV patients with T cells above 250 should all be on LDN to prevent further deterioration

There is no toxicity from LDN at a dose of 4.5 mg. It is considered very safe and not addictive.

Chemically sensitive individuals have responded favorably to LDN noting a decrease in reactivity and improvement in energy and mood.

You cannot be on LDN if you take opiates or alcohol.

For further information go to the lowdosenaltrexone.org website.