Naltrexone as DMD for MS

Has anyone ever heard of, or taken, low dose Naltrexone as a disease modifier for MS? My Naturopathic MD gave me the option, saying it has been shown to alter the disease similar to the typical MS drugs. I have read some info on it in relation to MS (it is actually used to treat heroin addicts and alcoholics like anabuse does. it'd mean I'd have to give up the occasional beer, but if it works, I'd do it.)

[HVAC]

I have never used LDN but it is not the same as antabuse which I was on. Antabuse causes an allergic reaction  to alcohol and Naltrexone blocks the feeling of the opiate. I am not quite sure of the science of LDN with MS. I know others who are happy with it on the Forum.

My personal concern and this is just me, is it is claimed by some websites to be the miracle drug for everything. When ever I hear of such broad statements I am a little leery.

If it works for you I think it is great.

Alex

[Meaganj]

Well, I haven't started taking it. I'm still deciding. And I hold no illusions about anything being a cure-all. I'm deciding between starting that or starting the MS drugs. Obviously the naltrexone is much cheaper, and my insurance *****.

[Karen99]

What I understand is that LDN blocks the opiate receptors in the brain.  Don't quote me on that.  It is strongly advised not to use opiates while taking LDN.  I don't think it makes a person sick like antibuse and I don't know what would happen if an opiate was used.  I've never heard that a beer now and then would cause a problem.

I don't believe that LDN changes the course of MS, but simply helps the symptoms for many.  I would not consider LDN in the same category of the DMD's.

Does anyone know what the MS Society has to say about LDN?  I'm curious about this medication too.

[Khiba]

I am currently taking LDN for my MS and been for a many months. I think it has helped with my mood and overall feeling of well being and especially my quality of sleep.

I would certainly give it a try because there are basically no drawbacks or side effects other than vivid dreams for a few days. Its almost homeopathic in its strength, but has helped a lot of people with their MS. Its not a cure however, but what is???

You cannot take it with opiate drugs like Vicodin, Hydrocodone, Tramadol. Nor with steroids (over like 5 mg predisone a day) or the interferon based DMD's like Avonex, Betaserone or Rebif but its Ok with Copaxone.

I certainly would try it. Its cheap and you can get it compounded at several pharmacies around the country, the best one being in Florida. Cost me $ 40.00 for a 3 month supply.

Some folks start off with the full dose of 4.5 mg a night, but often us MS'ers start at a lower dose, like 1.5 mg and build up to either 3 mg or the 4.5 mg over a month or so, if you happen to get stiffness or something else from taking it, which is unlikely. I get more side effects from Advil... You take it once a day, preferably at night before bed.

LDN blocks the endorphin production in your brain for a few hours while you sleep. After it wears off, the brain goes OH NO, I have no endorphins and pours out a lot, which are your feel good hormone like things. If you feel better, it can alter your course of MS.

Like I say, its definitely worth a try! No harm done.

Jessica

[cainer]

  ive heard about it  there is a group on net thats on it- has helped lots of people- i havent tried it -but will if neuro  oks it-     tick

[essdipity]

LDN helps many people feel better but it is NOT a DMD for MS. It does nothing to slow the progress of MS, unlike the CRAB drugs. If you take it, make sure about the drug interactions described by others above.

ess

[Meaganj]

Wow, Thanks, this was really helpful. Looks like I have even more to think about now!

[maggs970]

hi i am thinking of starting this drug too, i read that it does stop lesions in ms all the reading i have done on it there has been no change in mris after people have been on it i think its worth a try for 6 months anyway this disease is eating away at me fast and i am willing to give it a go instead of having to have bloods checked and being on a med with lots of side effects this only has proven to have strange dreams for some im sure we can cope with that as opossed to hair loss liver damage infections ect all the best with ldn i will let you all know how i get on with it.

[maggs970]

check out this web site for some info www.ldnresearchtrust.org

[shermay]

If our neruos thought that LDN was the drug of choice of MS, then we would all be on it.  The price by the Pharmas would hike the price up so it’s in line with the other DMD.  

I have spoken with my Son who is Dr of Chemistry and he knows a lot about LDN (well since I asked him to check it out for me), and that is what he said.

So bottom line if it was any good, the price would go through the roof, and like I have already mentioned we would all be on it.

This is the opinion of my Son, and myself only.

Debs