Low dose naltrexone is used in multiple medical conditions, including the ones associated with mental health. Depression affects over 16 million American adults. There is no age preference, but it is reported to be more prevalent among women as compared to men. Only a third of people that suffer from depression ever speak with a professional. They perceive depression to be weakness instead of a medical illness.
American Integrative Pharmacy (AIP), led by talented and seasoned Dr. Neema Yazdanpanah, provides safe and proven compounding medications to patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and online nationwide.
What Does Low Dose Naltrexone Mean?
Naltrexone gained FDA approval for the first time in 1984 for treating opioid addiction. It was later discovered that LDN possessed immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory characteristics as well. Low dose is almost a tenth of the regular dose of naltrexone. It promotes the release of endorphins and other chemicals in the brain, which helps in relieving pain and stress.
Endorphins boost pleasure in the body and is considered to be a happy hormone. It is generally produced by the body after meditating, laughing, and getting massages. There is a feeling of well-being associated with this hormone. LDN has few side effects and absolutely zero abuse potential. It’s a cost-effective treatment for depression since only a small dose is required. Research on naltrexone reports benefits in other diseases as well.
Action Mechanism
LDN doses are between 1 mg and 5 mg on a daily basis. Naltrexone binds with all opioid receptors in non-selective, transient, and antagonistic fashion. There is a paradoxical downstream increase in enkephalins and endogenous endorphins because of the receptor-ligand interaction. Regulatory control is in turn exerted on an opioid subset, which inhibits cell proliferation
Studies on LDN and Depression
A randomized controlled trial involving 12 patients suffering from depression reported significant benefits of low dose naltrexone on the mental health condition. This is an augmentative treatment of depression. The study was performed on patients that had suffered relapses after dopaminergic antidepressants.
1 mg add-on of low dose naltrexone was provided to these patients. Researchers found significant improvements in HAMD score ranging between severe and moderate. The medication did not cause a direct reduction in inflammation, but increased dopamine indirectly by upping endorphin levels.
Determining the Right Dose
Low dose naltrexone therapy can work only if it is in the right dose. There is a variety of different doses, which makes it important to carry out a dose finding study. This is an experimental therapy and patients should only work with qualified and well-trained treatment providers to avoid potential risks.
Patients should take their prescription to a reputable compounding pharmacy for obtaining LDN. Compounding pharmacies can prepare the exact dosage form and deliver it in the required method. Low dose naltrexone is beneficial for depression only when it is administered in the proper dose. You may need to use trial and method for finding the right dosage.
AIP provides advanced compounding pharmacy solutions, including online prescription refills to patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and online nationwide.
California Pharmacy’s Online Compound Prescriptions
For more information on compound pharmacy medications available or to make an online prescription purchase, please click here or call Toll Free 1-855-247-7948.
American Integrative Pharmacy is located in Torrance, CA serving residents in and around Orange County, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Lomita and surrounding areas. Online prescription sales are available across the US.
