While not developed or intended for it, Low Dose Naltrexone Multiple Sclerosis treatment has shown significant easing of the symptoms of fatigue and neuromuscular spasm symptoms.  It also seems to resolve acute relapse attacks when administered while the attack is in progress.

Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist drug that is used to treat opiate drug addiction by blocking the brains receptors to the opiate drugs, like heroin and morphine. But the idea of using Low Dose Naltrexone MS treatment was thought up by Dr. Bernard Bihari, a neuro-physician in the United States. He surmised that by obstructing the effects of brain endorphins, the immune system would be stimulated and the activity of MS would thus be reduced. A low dose of around 3mg will increase the T-cell level by 300% and will last for about 18 hours. Thus, the Low Dose Naltrexone Multiple Sclerosis treatment term was coined. It is also referred to as LDN.  By definition, opiate type drugs are generally potent but short acting drugs.

 

But does it really work?

 

Most reports show that 98% or more of people with MS on a Low Dose Naltrexone MS regimen show no further progression in either the relapsing-remitting or chronic-progressive forms of the disease.  Dr. Bihari claims his 70 personal patients have all been stable for over three years and the first patient he treated reportedly has been on the Low Dose Naltrexone Multiple Sclerosis treatment for over 17 years.  About 2000 additional patients in the US are being treated by their own doctors with similar results reported.  I should be noted that this should be treated as anecdotal and should not be confused with controlled clinical trials.  And as with all drug treatments, Low Dose Naltrexone MS therapy is not without side effects, including the possibility of addiction.

 

Low Dose Naltrexone Groups

 

The popularity of the off-label use of Low Dose Naltrexone Multiple Sclerosis treatment is gaining momentum. There are several informal discussion groups on the internet and a non-profit group to promote the disseminating of information about this use. There are also a number of ongoing research studies on LDN around the world and the website www.lowdosenaltrexone.org offers an updated page that details these trials and studies in capsule form.  It also details results of past trials. Patients interested in this use of the drug should investigate this on their own.