This page on LDN has been put together by Sue as a result of going on LDN for Sarcoidosis.
I've found that my pain levels have been massively reduced and much of my medication for pain management has been cut. This is a saving to the Government of today so I find it very hard to understand why this simple, effective drug with very little side effects and definitely no serious ones is so hard for people to obtain.
The evidence for Low Dose Naltrexone is amazing and seems to be mounting rapidly. So one has to ask the question - WHY is this so unaccessable for a large proportion of the population?
Naltrexone, in a low dose (LDN) is believed to boost the endorphins that are required to regulate the immune system – as a result it slows down progression of diseases such as Cancer, Sarcoidosis, Lyme Disease, Crohn’s, Fibromyalgia, HIV/Aids, MS and a whole host of other related illnesses.
Until there’s a cure, there’s LDN
Dr Chris Steele MBE, shows his support for Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and the LDNNow campaign to get this drug available as front line treatment for autoimmune diseases and cancers
LDNNow - Dr Chris Steele MBE talks about Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Web Links
To Learn about LDN go to http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/
Glasgow LDN Conference Info o LDN Conference reporto LDN Conference presentationso LDN Conference interviewso Conference archiveo 2nd European LDN conference, Glasgow 2010 o The European LDN Conference videos o LDN Conference Venue information
Essential Health Clinic - LDN information
Information Sources
> You can go to more detailed information on these linked pages:
Clinical trials & papers about LDN Traore AK, Thiero O, Dao S, et al. Single cohort study of the effect of low dose naltrexone on the evolution of immunological, virological and clinical state of HIV+ adults in Mali. J AIDS HIV Res. 2011 Oct;3(10):180-8. link Traore AK, Thiero O, Dao S, et al. Impact of low dose naltrexone (LDN) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) treated HIV+ adults in Mali: A single blind randomized clinical trial. J AIDS HIV Res. 2011 Oct;3(10):189-98. link [No authors listed]. Low-dose naltrexone: tricking the body to heal itself. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2011 Sep 1;236(9):vii-viii. PMID: 21991594 (link) Frech T, Novak K, Revelo MP, et al. Low-dose naltrexone for pruritus in systemic sclerosis. Int J Rheumatol. 2011;2011:804296. PMID: 21918649 [No authors listed]. Low-dose naltrexone: harnessing the body's own chemistry to treat human ovarian cancer. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2011 Jul 1;236(7):viii. PMID: 21887861 Donahue RN, McLaughlin PJ, Zagon IS. Low-dose naltrexone targets the opioid growth factor-opioid growth factor receptor pathway to inhibit cell proliferation: mechanistic evidence from a tissue culture model. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2011 Sep 1;236(9):1036-50. PMID: 21807817 Raknes G, Giverhaug T. [Low dosage naltrexone]. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2011 Aug 9;131(15):1415-6. PMID: 21844938 Holmøy T. [Research on low dosage naltrexone]. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2011 Jul 1;131(13-14):1277-8. PMID: 21725378 Raknes G, Giverhaug T. [Naltrexone--high expectations to low dosages]. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2011 May 6;131(8):844-6. PMID: 21556092 Donahue RN, McLaughlin PJ, Zagon IS. Low-dose naltrexone suppresses ovarian cancer and exhibits enhanced inhibition in combination with cisplatin. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2011 Jul 1;236(7):883-95. Epub 2011 Jun 17. PMID: 21685240 McLaughlin PJ, Stucki JK, Zagon IS. Modulation of the opioid growth factor ([Met(5) ]-enkephalin)-opioid growth factor receptor axis: Novel therapies for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Head Neck. Painossa 2011. PMID: 21584896 Raknes G, Giverhaug T. [Low dosage naltrexone]. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2011 Aug 9;131(15):1415-6. PMID: 21844938 Donahue RN, McLaughlin PJ, Zagon IS. The opioid growth factor (OGF) and low dose naltrexone (LDN) suppress human ovarian cancer progression in mice. Gynecol Oncol. 2011 Aug;122(2):382-8. PMID: 21531450 Smith JP, Bingaman SI, Ruggiero F, et al. Therapy with the opioid antagonist naltrexone promotes mucosal healing in active Crohn's disease: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Dig Dis Sci. 2011 Jul;56(7):2088-97. PMID: 21380937 Hesselink JM, Kopsky DJ. Enhancing acupuncture by low dose naltrexone. Acupunct Med. 2011 Jun;29(2):127-30. PMID: 21415049 Rahn KA, McLaughlin PJ, Zagon IS. Prevention and diminished expression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by low dose naltrexone (LDN) or opioid growth factor (OGF) for an extended period: Therapeutic implications for multiple sclerosis. Brain Res. 2011 Mar 24;1381:243-53. PMID: 21256121 ALSUntangled Group. ALSUntangled No. 8: Low dose naltrexone for ALS. Amyotroph Lateral Scler. 2011 Jan;12(1):76-8. PMID: 21174518 Sharafaddinzadeh N, Moghtaderi A, Kashipazha D, et al. The effect of low-dose naltrexone on quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Mult Scler. 2010 Aug;16(8):964-9. PMID: 20534644 Shannon A, Alkhouri N, Mayacy S, et al. Low-dose naltrexone for treatment of duodenal Crohn's disease in a pediatric patient. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2010 Sep;16(9):1457. PMID: 20014017 Cree BA, Kornyeyeva E, Goodin DS. Pilot trial of low-dose naltrexone and quality of life in multiple sclerosis. Ann Neurol. 2010 Aug;68(2):145-50. PMID: 20695007 Berkson BM, Rubin DM, Berkson AJ. Revisiting the ALA/N (alpha-lipoic acid/low-dose naltrexone) protocol for people with metastatic and nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer: a report of 3 new cases. PMID: 20042414 Younger J, Mackey S. Fibromyalgia symptoms are reduced by low-dose naltrexone: a pilot study. Pain Med. 2009 May-Jun;10(4):663-72. PMID: 19453963 Desjardins S, Doyen C, Contejean Y, et al. Treatment of a serious autistic disorder in a child with Naltrexone in an oral suspension form. Encephale. 2009 Apr;35(2):168-72.PMID: 19393386 Brown N, Panksepp J. Low-dose naltrexone for disease prevention and quality of life. Med Hypotheses. 2009 Mar;72(3):333-7. PMID: 19041189 Gironi M, Martinelli-Boneschi F, et al. A pilot trial of low-dose naltrexone in primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2008 Sep;14(8):1076-83. PMID: 18728058 Patel PN. Low-dose naltrexone for treatment of multiple sclerosis: clinical trials are needed. Ann Pharmacother. 2007 Sep;41(9):1549-50. PMID: 17623758 Berkson BM, Rubin DM, Berkson AJ. Reversal of signs and symptoms of a B-cell lymphoma in a patient using only low-dose naltrexone. Integr Cancer Ther. 2007 Sep;6(3):293-6.PMID: 17761642 Mannelli P, Patkar AA, Peindl K, et al. Effectiveness of Low-Dose Naltrexone in the Post-Detoxification Treatment of Opioid Dependence. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2007 Oct;27(5):468-74. PMID: 17873678 Smith JP, Stock H, Bingaman S, et al. Low-dose naltrexone therapy improves active Crohn's disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2007 Apr;102(4):820-8. PMID: 17222320 Good P. Low-dose naltrexone for multiple sclerosis and autism: does its benefit reveal a common cause? Med Hypotheses. 2006;67(3):671-2. PMID: 16759815 Berkson BM, Rubin DM, Berkson AJ. The long-term survival of a patient with pancreatic cancer with metastases to the liver after treatment with the intravenous alpha-lipoic acid/low-dose naltrexone protocol. Integr Cancer Ther. 2006 Mar;5(1):83-9. PMID: 16484716 Agrawal YP. Low dose naltrexone therapy in multiple sclerosis. Med Hypotheses. 2005;64(4):721-4. PMID: 15694688 Bihari B. Efficacy of low dose naltrexone as an immune stabilizing agent for the treatment of HIV/AIDS [letter]. AIDS Patient Care. 1995 Feb;9(1):3. PMID: 11361353 Bouvard MP, Leboyer M, Launay JM, et al. Low-dose naltrexone effects on plasma chemistries and clinical symptoms in autism: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Psychiatry Res. 1995 Oct 16;58(3):191-201. PMID: 8570775 Bihari B, Drury F, Ragone V, et al. Low dose naltrexone in the treatment of AIDS: long term follow-up results. V International Conference on AIDS. Poster M. C.P. 62. Montreal, June 1989. Bihari B, Drury F, Ragone V, et al. Low dose naltrexone in the treatment of AIDS. IV International Conference on AIDS. Poster 3056. Stockholm, June 1988. link Other research and publications related to the subject (e.g. the mode of action of LDN) CancerSarkar DK, Zhang C, Murugan S, et al. Transplantation of {beta}-Endorphin Neurons into the Hypothalamus Promotes Immune Function and Restricts the Growth and Metastasis of Mammary Carcinoma. Cancer Res. 2011 Oct 1;71(19):6282-91. PMID: 21835894 Boehncke S, Hardt K, Schadendorf D, et al. Endogenous μ-opioid peptides modulate immune response towards malignant melanoma. Exp Dermatol. 2011 Jan;20(1):24-8. PMID: 20955200 Smith JP, Bingaman SI, Mauger DT, et al. Opioid growth factor improves clinical benefit and survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Open Access J Clin Trials. 2010 Mar 1;2010(2):37-48. PMID: 20890374 Avella DM, Kimchi ET, Donahue RN, et al. The opioid growth factor-opioid growth factor receptor axis regulates cell proliferation of human hepatocellular cancer. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2010 Feb;298(2):R459-66. PMID: 19923357 McLaughlin PJ, Zagon IS, Park SS, et al. Growth inhibition of thyroid follicular cell-derived cancers by the opioid growth factor (OGF) - opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) axis. PMID: 19835629 Zagon IS, Donahue RN, McLaughlin PJ. Opioid growth factor-opioid growth factor receptor axis is a physiological determinant of cell proliferation in diverse human cancers.Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2009 Oct;297(4):R1154-61. PMID: 19675283 Donahue RN, McLaughlin PJ, Zagon IS. Cell proliferation of human ovarian cancer is regulated by the opioid growth factor-opioid growth factor receptor axis. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2009 Jun;296(6):R1716-25. PMID: 19297547 McLaughlin PJ, Kreiner S, Morgan CR, et al. Prevention and delay in progression of human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in nude mice by stable overexpression of the opioid growth factor receptor. Int J Oncol. 2008 Oct;33(4):751-7. PMID: 18813788 Zagon IS, Kreiner S, Heslop JJ, et al. Prevention and delay in progression of human pancreatic cancer by stable overexpression of the opioid growth factor receptor. Int J Oncol. 2008 Aug;33(2):317-23. PMID: 18636152 Sarkar DK, Boyadjieva NI, Chen CP, et al. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate differentiated beta-endorphin neurons promote immune function and prevent prostate cancer growth. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Jul 1;105(26):9105-10. PMID: 18562281 Zagon I, Donahue RN, Rogosnitzky M, et al. Imiquimod upregulates the opioid growth factor receptor to inhibit cell proliferation independent of immune function. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2008 Aug;233(8):968-79. PMID: 18480416 Zagon IS, Rahn KA, McLaughlin PJ. Opioids and migration, chemotaxis, invasion, and adhesion of human cancer cells. Neuropeptides. 2007 Dec;41(6):441-52. PMID: 17910895 Zagon IS, Verderame MF, Hankins J, et al. Overexpression of the opioid growth factor receptor potentiates growth inhibition in human pancreatic cancer cells. Int J Oncol. 2007 Apr;30(4):775-83. PMID: 17332915 McLaughlin PJ, Verderame MF, Hankins JL, et al. Overexpression of the opioid growth factor receptor downregulates cell proliferation of human squamous carcinoma cells of the head and neck. Int J Mol Med. 2007 Mar;19(3):421-8. PMID: 17273790 McLaughlin PJ, Zagon IS. Progression of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is associated with down-regulation of the opioid growth factor receptor. Int J Oncol. 2006 Jun;28(6):1577-83. PMID: 16685459 Zagon IS, Jaglowski JR, Verderame MF, et al. Combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine and biotherapy with opioid growth factor (OGF) enhances the growth inhibition of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2005 Nov;56(5):510-20. PMID: 15947928 Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ. Opioids and differentiation in human cancer cells. Neuropeptides. 2005 Oct;39(5):495-505. PMID: 16169076 Jaglowski JR, Zagon IS, Stack BC, et al. Opioid growth factor enhances tumor growth inhibition and increases the survival of paclitaxel-treated mice with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2005 Jul;56(1):97-104. PMID: 15791460 McLaughlin PJ, Jaglowski JR, Verderame MF, et al. Enhanced growth inhibition of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck by combination therapy of paclitaxel and opioid growth factor. Int J Oncol. 2005 Mar;26(3):809-16. PMID: 15703840 Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ. Opioid growth factor (OGF) inhibits anchorage-independent growth in human cancer cells. Int J Oncol. 2004 Jun;24(6):1443-8. PMID: 15138586 Smith JP, Conter RL, Bingaman SI, et al. Treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer with opioid growth factor: phase I. Anticancer Drugs. 2004 Mar;15(3):203-9. PMID: 15014352 McLaughlin PJ, Levin RJ, Zagon IS. Opioid growth factor (OGF) inhibits the progression of human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck transplanted into nude mice. Cancer Lett. 2003 Sep 25;199(2):209-17. PMID: 12969794 McLaughlin PJ, Stack BC, Levin RJ, et al. Defects in the opioid growth factor receptor in human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Cancer. 2003 Apr 1;97(7):1701-10. PMID: 12655527 Blebea J, Mazo JE, Kihara TK, et al. Opioid growth factor modulates angiogenesis. J Vasc Surg. 2000 Aug;32(2):364-73. PMID: 10917997 McLaughlin PJ, Levin RJ, Zagon IS. The opioid growth factor receptor in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Mol Med. 2000 Feb;5(2):191-6. PMID: 10639600 Bisignani GJ, McLaughlin PJ, Ordille SD, et al. Human renal cell cancer proliferation in tissue culture is tonically inhibited by opioid growth factor. J Urol. 1999 Dec;162(6):2186-91. PMID: 10569617 McLaughlin PJ, Levin RJ, Zagon IS. Regulation of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma growth in tissue culture by opioid growth factor. Int J Oncol. 1999 May;14(5):991-8. PMID: 10200353 Zagon IS, Smith JP, McLaughlin PJ. Human pancreatic cancer cell proliferation in tissue culture is tonically inhibited by opioid growth factor. Int J Oncol. 1999 Mar;14(3):577-84.PMID: 10024694 McLaughlin PJ, Zagon IS, Skitzki J. Human neuroblastoma cell growth in tissue culture is regulated by opioid growth factor. Int J Oncol. 1999 Feb;14(2):373-80. PMID: 917516 Levin RJ, Wu Y, McLaughlin PJ, et al. Expression of the opioid growth factor, [Met5]-enkephalin, and the zeta opioid receptor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Laryngoscope. 1997 Mar;107(3):335-9. PMID: 9121309 Zagon IS, Hytrek SD, Smith JP, et al. Opioid growth factor (OGF) inhibits human pancreatic cancer transplanted into nude mice. Cancer Lett. 1997 Jan 30;112(2):167-75. PMID: 9066724 Zagon IS, Hytrek SD, McLaughlin PJ. Opioid growth factor tonically inhibits human colon cancer cell proliferation in tissue culture. Am J Physiol. 1996 Sep;271(3 Pt 2):R511-8.PMID: 8853370 Zagon IS, Hytrek SD, Lang CM, et al. Opioid growth factor ([Met5]enkephalin) prevents the incidence and retards the growth of human colon cancer. Am J Physiol. 1996 Sep;271(3 Pt 2):R780-6. PMID: 885340 Hytrek SD, McLaughlin PJ, Lang CM, et al. Inhibition of human colon cancer by intermittent opioid receptor blockade with naltrexone. Cancer Lett. 1996 Mar 29;101(2):159-64.PMID: 8620464 Murgo AJ. Modulation of murine melanoma growth by naloxone. Cancer Lett. 1989 Feb;44(2):137-42. PMID: 2920373 Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ. Opioid antagonist modulation of murine neuroblastoma: a profile of cell proliferation and opioid peptides and receptors. Brain Res. 1989 Feb 20;480(1-2):16-28. PMID: 2540873 Zagon IS, McLaughlin P. Endogenous opioids and the growth regulation of a neural tumor. Life Sci. 1988;43(16):1313-8. PMID: 2845218 Faith RE, Murgo AJ. Inhibition of pulmonary metastases and enhancement of natural killer cell activity by methionine-enkephalin. Brain Behav Immun. 1988 Jun;2(2):114-22.PMID: 3233355 Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ, Goodman SR, et al. Opioid receptors and endogenous opioids in diverse human and animal cancers. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1987 Nov;79(5):1059-65. PMID: 2824913 McLaughlin PJ, Zagon IS. Modulation of human neuroblastoma transplanted into nude mice by endogenous opioid systems. Life Sci. 1987 Sep 21;41(12):1465-72. PMID: 3041143 Murgo AJ. Inhibition of B16-BL6 melanoma growth in mice by methionine-enkephalin. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1985 Aug;75(2):341-4. PMID: 3860686 Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ. Duration of opiate receptor blockade determines tumorigenic response in mice with neuroblastoma: a role for endogenous opioid systems in cancer. Life Sci. 1984 Jul 23;35(4):409-16. PMID: 6087062 Froelich CJ, Bankhurst AD. The effect of beta-endorphin on natural cytotoxicity and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Life Sci. 1984 Jul 16;35(3):261-5. PMID: 6087056 Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ. Opioid antagonists inhibit the growth of metastatic murine neuroblastoma. Cancer Lett. 1983 Nov;21(1):89-94. PMID: 6640516 Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ. Naltrexone modulates tumor response in mice with neuroblastoma. Science. 1983 Aug 12;221(4611):671-3. PMID: 6867737 Mathews PM, Froelich CJ, Sibbitt WL Jr., et al. Enhancement of natural cytotoxicity by beta-endorphin. J Immunol. 1983 Apr;130(4):1658-62. PMID: 6300232 HIV and other infectionsSteele AD, Henderson EE, Rogers TJ. Mu-opioid modulation of HIV-1 coreceptor expression and HIV-1 replication. Virology. 2003 Apr 25;309(1):99-107. PMID: 12726730 Gekker G, Lokensgard JR, Peterson PK. Naltrexone potentiates anti-HIV-1 activity of antiretroviral drugs in CD4+ lymphocyte cultures. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2001 Nov 1;64(3):257-63. PMID: 11672940 Sharp BM, Gekker G, Li MD, et al. Delta-opioid suppression of human immunodeficiency virus-1 expression in T cells (Jurkat). Biochem Pharmacol. 1998 Aug 1;56(3):289-92.PMID: 9744564 Risdahl JM, Khanna KV, Peterson PK, et al. Opiates and infection. J Neuroimmunol. 1998 Mar 15;83(1-2):4-18. PMID: 9610668 Arnalich F, Martinez P, Hernanz A, et al. Altered concentrations of appetite regulators may contribute to the development and maintenance of HIV-associated wasting. AIDS. 1997 Jul 15;11(9):1129-34. PMID: 9233460 Chao CC, Gekker G, Hu S, et al. kappa opioid receptors in human microglia downregulate human immunodeficiency virus 1 expression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1996 Jul 23;93(15):8051-6. PMID: 8755601 Spinazzola F, Barletta C, Demartino G, et al. Beta-endorphins ACTH and cortisol in CSF and plasma of HIV infected patients. Riv Eur Sci Med Farmacol. 1995 Sep-Oct;17(5):161-5. PMID: 8766783 Bruno RL, Sapolsky R, Zimmerman JR, et al. Pathophysiology of a central cause of post-polio fatigue. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1995 May 25;753:257-75. PMID: 7611635 Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ. An opioid growth factor regulates the replication of microorganisms. Life Sci. 1992;50(16):1179-87. PMID: 1313136 Plotnikoff N, Wybran J. Methionine-enkephalin shows promise in reducing HIV in blood. Am Fam Physician. 1989 Sep;40(3):234. PMID: 2773759 Autoimmune diseasesZagon IS, McLaughlin PJ. Targeting opioid signaling in Crohn's disease: new therapeutic pathways. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011 Oct;5(5):555-8. PMID: 21910569 Siddique I, Khan I. Mechanism of regulation of Na-H exchanger in inflammatory bowel disease: role of TLR-4 signaling mechanism. Dig Dis Sci. 2011 Jun;56(6):1656-62. PMID: 21221801 Zagon IS, Donahue RN, Bonneau RH, et al. T lymphocyte proliferation is suppressed by the opioid growth factor ([Met(5)]-enkephalin)-opioid growth factor receptor axis: implication for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Immunobiology. 2011 May;216(5):579-90. PMID: 20965606 Zagon IS, Donahue RN, Bonneau RH, et al. B lymphocyte proliferation is suppressed by the opioid growth factor-opioid growth factor receptor axis: Implication for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Immunobiology. 2011 Jan-Feb;216(1-2):173-83. PMID: 20598772 McNearney TA, Sluka KA, Ahn C, et al. Plasma endogenous enkephalin levels in early systemic sclerosis: clinical and laboratory associations. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2010 Mar-Apr;28(2 Suppl 58):S7-11. PMID: 20576209 Zagon IS, Rahn KA, Bonneau RH, et al. Opioid growth factor suppresses expression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Brain Res. 2010 Jan 15;1310:154-61. PMID: 19931226 Marks DJ, Harbord MW, MacAllister R, et al. Defective acute inflammation in Crohn's disease: a clinical investigation. Lancet. 2006 Feb 25;367(9511):668-78. PMID: 165034?5 Philippe D, Dubuquoy L, Groux H. Anti-inflammatory properties of the mu opioid receptor support its use in the treatment of colon inflammation. J Clin Invest. 2003 May;111(9):1329-38. 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PMID: 9844768 Whiteside TL, Friberg D. Natural killer cells and natural killer cell activity in chronic fatigue syndrome. Am J Med. 1998 Sep 28;105(3A):27S-34S. PMID: 9790479 Immune system in generalDavis RL, Buck DJ, Saffarian N, et al. The opioid antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine, inhibits chemokine expression in human astroglial cells. J Neuroimmunol. 2007 May;186(1-2):141-9. PMID: 17475341 Buckley RH. Primary immunodeficiency diseases due to defects in lymphocytes. N Engl J Med. 2000 Nov 2;343(18):1313-24. PMID: 11058677 Roy S, Loh HH. Effects of opioids on the immune system. Neurochem Res. 1996 Nov;21(11):1375-86. PMID: 8947928 Hsueh CM, Chen SF, Ghanta VK, et al. Expression of the conditioned NK cell activity is beta-endorphin dependent. Brain Res. 1995 Apr 24;678(1-2):76-82. PMID: 7620901 Makman MH. Morphine receptors in immunocytes and neurons. Adv Neuroimmunol. 1994;4(2):69-82. PMID: 7952830 Puente J, Maturana P, Miranda D, et al. Enhancement of human natural killer cell activity by opioid peptides: similar response to methionine-enkephalin and beta-endorphin. Brain Behav Immun. 1992 Mar;6(1):32-9. PMID: 1571602 Bhargava HN. Opioid peptides, receptors, and immune function. NIDA Res Monogr. 1990;96:220-33. PMID: 2172824 Maestroni GJ, Conti A. Beta-endorphin and dynorphin mimic the circadian immunoenhancing and anti-stress effects of melatonin. Int J Immunopharmacol. 1989;11(4):333-40.PMID: 2570759 Faith RE, Liang HJ, Plotnikoff NP, et al. Neuroimmunomodulation with enkephalins: in vitro enhancement of natural killer cell activity in peripheral blood lymphocytes from cancer patients. Nat Immun Cell Growth Regul. 1987;6(2):88-98. PMID: 3600678 Wybran J, Schandene L, Van Vooren JP, et al. Immunologic properties of methionine-enkephalin, and therapeutic implications in AIDS, ARC, and cancer. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1987;496:108-14. PMID: 3496822 Faith RE, Murgo AJ, Clinkscales CW, et al. Enhancement of host resistance to viral and tumor challenge by treatment with methionine-enkephalin. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1987;496:137-45. PMID: 3474965 Sharp BM, Tsukayama DT, Gekker G, et al. Beta-endorphin stimulates human polymorphonuclear leukocyte superoxide production via a stereoselective opiate receptor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1987 Aug;242(2):579-82. PMID: 3039121 Brown SL, Van Epps DE. Opioid peptides modulate production of interferon gamma by human mononuclear cells. Cell Immunol. 1986 Nov;103(1):19-26. PMID: 3026654 Plotnikoff NP, Murgo AJ, Miller GC. Enkephalins: immunomodulators. Fed Proc. 1985 Jan;44(1 Pt 1):118-22. PMID: 3967769 Faith RE, Liang HJ, Murgo AJ, et al. Neuroimmunomodulation with enkephalins: enhancement of human natural killer (NK) cell activity in vitro. Clin Immunol Immunopathol. 1984 Jun;31(3):412-8. PMID: 6713744 Wound healingMcLaughlin PJ, Pothering CA, Immonen JA, et al. Topical treatment with the opioid antagonist naltrexone facilitates closure of full-thickness wounds in diabetic rats. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2011 Oct 1;236(10):1122-32. PMID: 21917593 Bigliardi PL, Sumanovski LT, Buchner S, et al. Different expression of mu-opiate receptor in chronic and acute wounds and the effect of beta-endorphin on transforming growth factor beta type II receptor and cytokeratin 16 expression. J Invest Dermatol. 2003 Jan;120(1):145-52. PMID: 12535211 Zagon IS, Verderame MF, Allen SS. Cloning, sequencing, expression and function of a cDNA encoding a receptor for the opioid growth factor, [Met(5)]enkephalin. Brain Res. 1999 Dec 4;849(1-2):147-54. PMID: 10592296 NeuroprotectionBlock ML, Zecca L, Hong JS. Microglia-mediated neurotoxicity: uncovering the molecular mechanisms. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2007 Jan;8(1):57-69. PMID: 17180163 Zhang W, Hong JS, Kim HC, et al. Morphinan neuroprotection: new insight into the therapy of neurodegeneration. Crit Rev Neurobiol. 2004;16(4):271-302. PMID: 15862109 Hill MP, Hille CJ, Brotchie JM. Delta-opioid receptor agonists as a therapeutic approach in Parkinson's disease. Drug News Perspect. 2000 Jun;13(5):261-8. PMID: 12937640 Sandyk R, Gillman MA. Opioid hypofunction in Parkinson's disease. Med Hypotheses. 1985 Feb;16(2):179-82. PMID: 2581117 PsychiatricZangen A, Nakash R, Roth-Deri I, et al. Impaired release of beta-endorphin in response to serotonin in a rat model of depression. Neuroscience. 2002;110(3):389-93. PMID: 11906780 Bernstein HG, Krell D, Emrich HM, et al. Fewer beta-endorphin expressing arcuate nucleus neurons and reduced beta-endorphinergic innervation of paraventricular neurons in schizophrenics and patients with depression. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2002;48 Online Pub:OL259-65. PMID: 12643442 Darko DF, Irwin MR, Risch SC. Plasma beta-endorphin and natural killer cell activity in major depression: a preliminary study. Psychiatry Res. 1992 Aug;43(2):111-9. PMID: 1410068 Galard R, Gallart J, Arguello JM, et al. Plasma levels of beta-endorphin, cortisol, prolactin and growth hormone in depressed patients. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1988 Aug;78(2):230-3. PMID: 2975911 Gerner RH, Catlin DH, Gorelick DA, et al. beta-Endorphin. Intravenous infusion causes behavioral change in psychiatric inpatients. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1980 Jun;37(6):642-7.PMID: 7387336 PainHutchinson MR, Zhang Y, Brown K, et al. Non-stereoselective reversal of neuropathic pain by naloxone and naltrexone: involvement of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Eur J Neurosci. 2008 Jul;28(1):20-9. PMID: 18662331 Cabot PJ, Carter L, Schäfer M, et al. Methionine-enkephalin-and Dynorphin A-release from immune cells and control of inflammatory pain. Pain. 2001 Sep;93(3):207-12. PMID: 11514079 Cabot PJ. Immune-derived opioids and peripheral antinociception. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2001 Mar;28(3):230-2. PMID: 11236131 Battistella PA, Bordin A, Cernetti R, et al. beta-endorphin in plasma and monocytes in juvenile headache. Headache. 1996 Feb;36(2):91-4. PMID: 8742680 Leone M, Sacerdote P, D'Amico D, et al. Beta-endorphin levels are reduced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of cluster headache patients. Cephalalgia. 1993 Dec;13(6):413-6. PMID: 8313456 Leone M, Sacerdote P, D'Amico D, et al. Beta-endorphin concentrations in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of migraine and tension-type headache patients. Cephalalgia. 1992 Jun;12(3):154-7. PMID: 1298216 OtherCrayton R, Soller W, Mattiasson A, et al. Exogenously administered opioids contract the female rat intrinsic urethral sphincter in vivo. Neurourol Urodyn. 2010 Jun;29(5):777-82. PMID: 19899147 Walters AS, Ondo WG, Zhu W, et al. Does the endogenous opiate system play a role in the Restless Legs Syndrome? A pilot post-mortem study. J Neurol Sci. 2009 Apr 15;279(1-2):62-5. PMID: 19167016 Andjelkov N, Elvenes J, Knutsen G, et al. Beta-endorphin regulation of MAPKs in cultured human articular chondrocytes: MAPK inhibitors prevent the increase of IL-1 beta protein levels during beta-endorphin stimulation. Cell Commun Adhes. 2007 Jan-Feb;14(1):1-8. PMID: 17453826 Plotnikoff NP, Faith RE, Murgo AJ. Methionine enkephalin: a new cytokine--human studies. Clin Immunol Immunopathol. 1997 Feb;82(2):93-101. PMID: 9000477 Vercellini P, Sacerdote P, Panerai AE. Mononuclear cell beta-endorphin concentration in women with and without endometriosis. Obstet Gynecol. 1992 May;79(5 ( Pt 1)):743-6.PMID: 1565359 Nagy JT, Foris G, Paragh G, et al. Possible correction of defective polymorphonuclear cell functions in type-2 diabetes mellitus by met-enkephalin. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1987;496:166-9. PMID: 3037972 Blum K, Gaskill H, DeLallo L, et al. Methionine enkephalin as a possible neuromodulator of regional cerebral blood flow. Experientia. 1985 Jul 15;41(7):932-3. PMID: 4007131 Unfinished and future studies on LDN The results of at second fibromyalgia study and a study of LDN for children with Crohn's disease are pending publication. A study of LDN for juvenile fibromyalgia was unfortunately cancelled. More LDN Web Links source: http://www.ldners.org/resources.htm
LDN for MS
LDN Discussion Forums Patient's supporting each other is how we have learned to utilize LDN.
LDN for Conditions other than MS
LDN Compounding Pharmacies in Australia Stenlake Compounding Chemist Online Address: http://www.stenlake.com.au Patricia Ullmann Overview:
Details:
Finished products are also randomly analysed. This process is time consuming, expensive and requires special expertise, however if volumes of naltrexone sales justified it, we would consider it. This analytical testing exceeds legal requirements for compounding chemists. The Green Dispensary Compounding Pharmacy Details:
Roper & Parry's Dallas Parade Chemist Customised Compounding, Keperra, Brisbane Qld Blaine Wood (co-owner) Compounding:Tel07 3354 3992 (Mon to Fri only) Pharmacy:Tel07 3351 7600 http://www.compoundingpharmacy.com Prescriptions: mailto:rx@compoundingpharmacy.com Amcal Chempro Chemist Dartnell's Pharmacy Cincotta Chemist Macquarie Pharmacy
ADELAIDE COMPOUNDING Please contact David or Megan on the details below.Shop 4, 151 Glynburn Road BioPharm Compounding Chemist Phone: (07) 5555 7505 Ground floor http://www.compoundingchemist.com.au/ IMPORTANT: Make sure to specify that you do NOT want LDN in a slow-release form.Source: http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/Reports have been received from patients that their pharmacies have been supplying a slow-release form of naltrexone. Pharmacies should be instructed NOT to provide LDN in an "SR" or slow-release or timed-release form. Unless the low dose of naltrexone is in an unaltered form, which permits it to reach a prompt "spike" in the blood stream, its therapeutic effects may be inhibited. Fillers. Capsules of LDN necessarily contain a substantial percentage of neutral inactive filler. Experiments by the compounding pharmacist, Dr. Skip Lenz, have demonstrated that the use of calcium carbonate as a filler will interfere with absorption of the LDN capsule. Therefore, it is suggested that calcium carbonate filler not be employed in compounding LDN capsules. He recommends either Avicel, lactose (if lactose intolerance is not a problem), or sucrose fillers as useful fast-release fillers. > IMPORTANT: Make sure to fill your Rx at a compounding pharmacy that has a reputation for consistent reliability in the quality of the LDN it delivers.The FDA has found a significant error rate in compounded prescriptions produced at randomly selected pharmacies. Dr. Bihari has reported seeing adverse effects from this problem. Please see our report, Reliability Problem With Compounding Pharmacies. Please see the above list of recommended pharmacies for some suggested sources. What dosage and frequency should my physician prescribe? LDN has virtually no side effects. Occasionally, during the first week's use of LDN, patients may complain of some difficulty sleeping. This rarely persists after the first week. Should it do so, dosage can be reduced from 4.5mg to 3mg nightly. > Cautionary warnings:
Q and A Q: So what pain reliever
non-narcotic, non-codine related will work with LDN? My doctors do not
understand how it works and what to prescribe even during surgical procedures.
Some say I have to go off of it 1-2 weeks prior to medical procedures.
Examples of medications will help. Any help will be appreciated. A: LDN can be taken along with any other medication or substance, so long as it is not narcotic-containing. Naltrexone is a pure opioid antagonist and it will block the action of narcotics. Some examples of narcotic-containing drugs are Ultram, morphine, Percocet, Duragesic patch and any codeine-containing medication A: Analgesics approved for use with LDN include Moxxor, aspirin, Tylenol®, Advil®, Motrin®, Aleve®, Naprosyn®, Ansaid®, Dolobid®, Orudis®, Voltaren®, Feldene®, Mobic®, and the food supplement, DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA). DLPA, which is also said to enhancethe effectiveness of LDN, is suggested to be taken twice a day on an empty stomach in
doses of 500 mg. It should not, however, be used by people with high blood
pressure. DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) isan essential amino acid, meaning the body produces this from the diet. DLPA is a mirror image of the amino acid phenylalanine, it shares a lot of the same benefits as phenylalanine, but in the DL form, its properties for controlling pain naturally are truly amazing. What are the benefits of D-Phenylalanine? LDN Dosage The usual adult dosage is 4.5mg taken once daily at night. Because of the rhythms of the body's production of master hormones, LDN is best taken between 9pm and 3am. Most patients take it at bedtime. Notable exceptions:
Rarely, the naltrexone may need to be purchased as a solution — in distilled water - with 1mg per ml dispensed with a 5ml medicine dropper. If LDN is used in a liquid form, it is important to keep it refrigerated. The therapeutic dosage range for LDN is from 1.5mg to 4.5mg every night. Dosages below this range are likely to have no effect at all, and dosages above this range are likely to block endorphins for too long a period of time and interfere with its effectiveness. > IMPORTANT: Make sure to specify that you do NOT want LDN in a slow-release form (see above).Are there any side effects or cautionary warnings? > Side effects: Q and A Q: So what pain reliever non-narcotic, non-codine related will
work with LDN? My doctors do not understand how it works and what to
prescribe even during surgical procedures. Some say I have to go off of
it 1-2 weeks prior to medical procedures. Examples of medications will
help. Any help will be appreciated.
Articles Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN): Tricking the Body to Heal Itself Low Dose Naltrexone: Harnessing the Body's Own Chemistry to Treat Human Ovarian Cancerhttp://www.honestmedicine.com/low-dose-naltrexone/ What You Can Do
> Talk to your doctor.If you are suffering from HIV/AIDS, cancer, or an autoimmune disease, LDN could help. In AIDS and cancer therapy, LDN is often used in conjunction with other medications. Cancer. Anyone with cancer or a pre-cancerous condition should consider LDN. Many use LDN as a preventive treatment. Post-treatment, others have been using LDN to prevent a recurrence of their cancer. LDN has been shown in many cases to work with virtually incurable cancers such as neuroblastoma, multiple myeloma, and pancreatic cancer. HIV/AIDS. As an AIDS drug, LDN leads to far fewer side effects than the standard "AIDS cocktail." When used in conjunction with HAART therapies, LDN can boost T-cell populations, prevent disfiguring lipodystrophy, and lower rates of treatment failure. Do not be afraid to approach your doctors — physicians today are increasingly open to learning about new therapies in development. Tell your doctors about this website, or print out and hand them the information, and let them weigh the evidence. > Tell others.If someone you know has HIV/AIDS, cancer, an autoimmune disease, or one of the aforementioned central nervous system disorders, LDN could save them from a great deal of suffering. If they use e-mail, send them the address of this website (www.lowdosenaltrexone.org). Or, print out the site and mail them the information. > Help spread the word to the media, the medical community, and to developing countries.Low-dose naltrexone has the potential to reduce the terrible human loss now taking place throughout the globe. It is a drug that could prevent millions of children from becoming AIDS orphans. It is a drug that could be a powerful ally in the war against cancer. If you or someone you know has connections in the media, the medical community, or to those in developing countries involved in AIDS policy or treatment, please let them know about LDN. |