|
|
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist (a drug that blocks opioid receptors) which is used in the treatment of narcotic and alcohol addiction. In doses of about 1/10 of those normally used, it only results in temporary blockage of these receptors. This stimulates the body to produce more of its own endogenous opioids, resulting in powerful immunomodulatory and neuroprotective actions. Low dose naltrexone was pioneered by the neurologist Bernard Bihari in the early 1980s, when he was studying medications used for drug and alcohol withdrawal. He noticed that very small doses of naltrexone (initially 3 mg) taken at bedtime only blocked the opioid receptors transiently, which stimulated the body to produce more of its endogenous opioids and produced no significant side effects. For more information read three useful articles: Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) For Fibromyalgia Plus a useful Suite 101 update which also links to the Low Dose Naltrexone website.
Return to more fibromylagia articles First Published November 2009 Top of page
|