Low Dose Naltrexone 1.5 mg: Benefits, Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

What is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) 1.5 mg?

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) refers to the use of naltrexone in much lower doses (typically 0.5–4.5 mg) than the standard 50 mg dose used to treat opioid or alcohol dependence.

Mechanism of Action

At low doses, naltrexone temporarily blocks opioid receptors for a few hours. This brief blockade is thought to trigger a rebound increase in the body’s production of:

• Endorphins (natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing chemicals)
• Enkephalins (peptides involved in regulating immune response)

Common Uses of LDN 1.5 mg

LDN is used off-label for a variety of chronic, autoimmune, and inflammatory conditions, including:

Autoimmune & Inflammatory Conditions:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Fibromyalgia
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Psoriasis

Chronic Pain Disorders:

• Fibromyalgia
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME)

Neurological and Mental Health Conditions:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Depression (adjunctive therapy)

Other Experimental Uses:

• Cancer (as adjunct therapy)
• HIV/AIDS (for immune support)
• Long COVID and post-viral syndromes

⚠️ Note: Most of these uses are off-label and not FDA-approved for LDN. Research is ongoing.

Dosage and Administration

• Starting dose: Often begins at 0.5–1.5 mg/day, depending on the condition and sensitivity.
• Typical dose range: 1.5–4.5 mg taken at night before bed.
• Titration: Doses may be gradually increased over weeks.
• Compounding: LDN is typically made by compounding pharmacies due to the need for precise low dosing.

Benefits of LDN 1.5 mg

• Improves immune regulation in autoimmune diseases
• Reduces chronic pain and inflammation
• Enhances mood and mental clarity
• Minimal side effects compared to conventional immunosuppressants
• Non-addictive and non-narcotic
• May enhance quality of life in chronic illness

Side Effects

LDN is generally well tolerated, especially compared to higher doses of naltrexone. However, some side effects may include:

Common Side Effects (usually temporary):

• Vivid dreams or insomnia
• Headache
• Digestive upset
• Anxiety or irritability
• Fatigue

Rare or Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling)
• Liver enzyme elevation (rare in low doses)

Side effects often resolve after a few days or dose adjustment.

Contraindications & Precautions

• Do not use with opioid pain medications – LDN may block their effects and cause withdrawal.
• Use caution in patients with liver disease (though risk is minimal at low doses).
• Not typically recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding (limited data).
• Always inform your doctor of other medications or supplements being taken.

Drug Interactions

• Opioids (morphine, oxycodone, tramadol): Contraindicated – LDN blocks opioid receptors.
• Certain immunosuppressants: Monitor closely if combining.
• Thyroid medications: LDN may improve autoimmune thyroid function, potentially requiring dose adjustments.

Patient Counseling Tips

• Take at bedtime to minimize daytime side effects and enhance endorphin production during peak sleep hours.
• Do not use any opioid-containing drugs while taking LDN.
• Titrate slowly to avoid side effects like insomnia or headaches.
• Expect benefits to build gradually over weeks to months.

Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature (68–77°F or 20–25°C).
• Keep away from moisture and sunlight.
• Keep out of reach of children.