Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has a lesser-chance of experiencing some of the side effects that are typically found with higher doses of Naltrexone. Based on a fairly recent Reddit thread, a number of patients reported that they had generally positive experiences with LDR (low-dose Naltrexone) and avoided some of the common side effects experienced with higher dosages.
Key Takeaways
All of the typical Naltrexone side effects are possible with lower-dose prescriptions of Naltrexone. However, while not clinically tested, many patients experience very little of the side effects and experience relatively positive effects from the experience.
Side effects of full-dose naltrexone include stomach pain, blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, discomfort, and shortness of breath.
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and Side Effects
Low dose naltrexone (LDN) is one-tenth, or 10%, of the dose that is usually taken for opioid addiction. A low dose of Naltrexone is approximately 4.5mg of naltrexone a day compared with the usual dosage of naltrexone for opioid addiction which is 50mg up to around 100 mg per day.
Low dose naltrexone (LDN) helps chronic pain patients with migraines, fibromyalgia, neuropathy and other conditions. This prescription is getting used to help patients without having to experience the harsh side effects of those who are prescribed the typical dosage of 50 mg to 100 mg.
Some of the more common side effects of high-dose naltrexone include:
Abdominal or stomach pain (severe)
Blurred vision, aching, burning, or swollen eyes
Chest pain
Confusion
Discomfort while urinating or frequent urination
Fever
Hallucinations or seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
Itching
Mental depression or other mood or mental changes
Ringing or buzzing in the ears
Shortness of breath
Swelling of the face, feet, or lower legs
Weight gain
Low-dose side effect percentages
Less than 8% of patients experience some of the side effects of low-dose naltrexone. Generally speaking, low-dose naltrexone is unlikely to cause the same side effects as high dose naltrexone.
Side effects of low dose naltrexone may include:
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
Nausea
Nightmares or wild dreams
Rarely, prolonged erections (priapism)
Rarely, weight loss.
Read more: What to avoid when taking low-dose naltrexone
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Sources
Patient Counseling Tool - Vivitrol (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension). FDA. Accessed April 21, 2024 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/rems/Vivitrol
Naltrexone Monograph. Drugs.com Accessed April 21, 2024 at https://www.drugs.com/monograph/naltrexone.html
Sullivan MA, Bisaga A, Pavlicova M, et al. A Randomized Trial Comparing Extended-Release Injectable Suspension and Oral Naltrexone, Both Combined With Behavioral Therapy, for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2019;176(2):129-137. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.17070732
Vivitrol (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) intramuscular. Accessed April 21, 2024 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/021897s049lbl.pdf
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