Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
LDN is short for Low Dose Naltrexone.
Naltrexone is a drug that was approved by the FDA in 1985 to treat opiate dependencies. It is marketed under the trade names ‘Revia®’ and ‘Depade®’ and in some countries (including the United States), an extended-release formulation is available as ‘Vivitrol®’. Naltrexone is commonly used at a dose of 50mg–100mg daily for treating opiate dependency.
The term ‘LDN’ refers to the use of Naltrexone at doses below 10mg per day. Naltrexone exhibits novel and paradoxical effects when administered as these low doses, as discovered by Dr. Ian S. Zagon and his team at Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University, in 1980.
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is being used as a regulator of the immune system, providing relief to patients with autoimmune diseases, and central nervous system disorders. Whilst it is not licensed by the FDA specifically for these conditions, physicians are permitted to prescribe LDN ‘off-label’ for treatments they think are appropriate.
The apparently diverse conditions in which LDN appears to have a therapeutic effect are united by their ability to benefit from increased levels of endorphins (naturally occurring opioids – specifically OGF).
For more information, go to https://www.ldnscience.org/
If interested in starting LDN, contact the office at 281-419-1340 or email at info@drbirken.com
Patient’s must start with a low dose and then increase weekly.