- Low dose naltrexone (LDN) may help reset your body's weight set point by modulating the brain's reward system, making it easier to keep weight off after you lose it.
- By blocking opioid receptors, naltrexone reduces cravings for high-fat and high-sugar foods, which helps you maintain a healthy diet long-term without relying on willpower alone.
- LDN can support thyroid function by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system, which is especially useful if you have Hashimoto's or other autoimmune thyroid conditions.
- Naltrexone may improve insulin sensitivity through its anti-inflammatory effects, with one study showing a 1.5 to 2.5% drop in Hgb A1c in diabetics over the course of a year.
- If you struggle to keep weight off despite repeated attempts or have a known thyroid condition, LDN is worth discussing with your doctor as an add-on to diet, exercise, and other treatments.
Naltrexone, especially in low doses, has the potential to help you lose weight.
This doesn’t mean it’s a miracle weight loss medication.
In fact, it’s far from it.
But it does have some interesting uses and may be beneficial, especially for people who have not had success losing weight and keeping it off.
Here’s how it works:
Low Dose Naltrexone and Weight Loss
But first, if you haven’t heard about naltrexone before, here’s what you need to know:
Naltrexone was created as an opioid agonist (1) and was originally designed to treat alcohol dependence.
But doctors later found that when used in smaller doses, it has some very interesting benefits that make it useful for treating conditions like chronic pain, autoimmune disease, and even metabolic damage and weight loss resistance.
And it’s those last two that I want to focus on today.
How and why it helps with weight loss is not completely understood but we do know that it works.
Which is why you’ll find it in FDA-approved medications like Contrave.
But it’s important to note that the FDA has not approved naltrexone by itself for weight loss, only the combination of medications found in Contrave.
But that doesn’t mean that taking naltrexone by itself can’t or won’t help.
Based on available research and my own personal experience with this medication, here’s how it probably works:
#1. It Helps Reset Your Body Set Point
Most people are completely unaware of the simple concept known as the body set point (2).
But when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off, few things are more important or more predictive of your ability to stay lean.
This set point functions as an internal unconscious thermostat for your weight.
Through a combination of hormones, metabolism, and appetite signals, your body regulates your weight in a very tight range.
The only problem with this is that you really don’t have any conscious control over it.
So if your body has set your weight to a higher level than you want it to be, you’re going to have to fight against these systems to normalize and reset it.
This idea of the body set point is thought to be one of the reasons that so few people are able to lose weight and keep it off (3) and why this number rests at about 1%.
And, unfortunately, very few things can impact this measure but naltrexone may be one of those.
The reason for this is multifold but it likely has something to do with its ability to impact the reward system of eating in your brain (4) as well as its impact on metabolic hormones.
And I think this is where the utility of naltrexone for weight loss really comes into play.
Not so much as a direct weight loss medication, because there are way better options available, including GLP-1 agonists.
But because of its impact to make your weight loss “sticky”.
Because losing weight is often less about forcing fat loss and more about keeping it off.
Which brings us to point #2:
#2. It Helps Regulate Appetite
More than regulating appetite, it modulates the pleasure-reward system associated with eating in your brain.
And this is more important than you may realize. Here’s why:
One of the best predictors for long-term weight loss is your ability to consistently eat healthy. Not just for a few weeks, mind you, but for months and months on end.
And this is really only possible when you have control over your appetite.
This is one reason I’m not a huge fan of any low-calorie sweeteners, even natural ones.
Because even though they contain few calories, they still trigger that pleasure-reward system in your brain when you consume them.
These powerful signals make it almost impossible to eat healthy for long periods of time.
But because naltrexone blocks opioid receptors in the brain, it blunts this reward response system which reduces cravings for some of the most pleasure-inducing foods (think high-fat, high-sugar foods).
The net result is that it’s easier for you to maintain a healthy diet and, therefore, your weight.
Again, this doesn’t directly cause weight loss per-se, but it absolutely makes losing weight and keeping it off much easier.
#4. It Improves Thyroid Function
Thyroid hormone is one of the primary regulators of metabolism and if you want to effortlessly lose weight, you want this hormone system in tip-top shape.
For a while, it was a running joke that people would blame their thyroid on their weight.
The reality is that this may be more true than most people realize.
Thyroid dysfunction is on the rise and currently impacts up to 20% of the population, which is no small number by itself.
But if you consider the fact that obesity negatively impacts thyroid function, it’s certainly fair to say that many obese people have problems with their thyroid even if their thyroid wasn’t the source of their weight gain originally.
Whether your thyroid was the original cause of your weight gain or just a casualty, naltrexone may be part of the solution.
Research has shown that low doses of naltrexone may have a positive impact on the immune system which can protect the thyroid gland from damage.
This applies to people with existing thyroid conditions, like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, but also to those without thyroid problems.
This is because generalized inflammation has a negative impact on thyroid hormone conversion (5) and leads to low thyroid hormone levels.
On top of this, naltrexone appears to have some impact on the hypothalamus which ultimately regulates thyroid function.
I wouldn’t say naltrexone is a thyroid booster, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to improve the hormone that is primarily responsible for your metabolism if you are trying to lose weight.
#5. It Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin, of course, is the hormone that is responsible for driving your body to store energy and create fat.
The more insulin you have in circulation, and the more resistant your cells are to it, the harder it will be for you to burn fat and lose weight.
Naltrexone has shown promise as something that may help your body become more sensitive to insulin.
This is for several reasons:
- The first is that it helps reduce inflammation which is often the underlying cause of insulin resistance.
- The second is through its direct impact on weight loss. Anything that helps you lose weight will help with insulin sensitivity.
- The third is through its impact on other hormones like thyroid hormone and cortisol. The more balanced these hormone systems are the more balanced your other hormones like insulin will be.
How powerful is this impact?
It’s fairly robust, as far as medications go.
One study showed that type I diabetics taking naltrexone saw a decrease in their Hgb A1c by 1.5% after 2 months and by as much as 2.5% after 1 year (6).
I don’t think this medication shines as a blood sugar-lowering medication, but if you’re someone with a Hgb A1c in the pre-diabetes range who also needs to lose weight, then it certainly can be considered.
#6. Naltrexone May Help Improve Sleep & Sleeping Patterns
The importance of sleep can’t be overstated when it comes to weight loss.
You probably already know that weight gain can cause issues with your sleep in the form of sleep apnea, but it’s also true that a lack of sleep also makes it easier for you to gain weight (7).
Not only will a lack of sleep sap your willpower (8) making it more likely for you to say no to unhealthy foods, it also negatively impacts cortisol and thyroid hormones.
And you already know that story since we just talked about it.
But this is where naltrexone may come into play:
It’s been shown to help improve sleeping patterns, specifically in those with sleep apnea.
In addition, it’s also been shown to improve sleep in patients with chronic pain syndromes.
And I can add that anecdotally, I have seen this to be the case in patients with autoimmune diseases as well.
Again, you really shouldn’t think of it as a specific sleep aid, but given its benefits on other systems in the body, if it also happens to help you get a good night’s rest then that’s all the better.
Who Should Consider Using It?
The real question is:
Should you try to get your hands on this medication?
And the answer to that is maybe.
There are two groups of people that I think benefit the most from this medication:
First and foremost are those people who feel like they have issues with their body set point.
These are people who are able to lose weight but can’t seem to keep that weight off no matter how hard they try.
This, in my opinion, is the best use case for naltrexone.
When used in this situation, you don’t want to take it as a primary weight loss medication,
But instead, one that is used in concert with other treatments like diet, exercise, hormones, and maybe other medications like GLP-1 agonists.
If you add it on top of these treatments, it should help your weight loss stick after you lose it.
The second group is those people who have known or suspected thyroid problems.
Using naltrexone in this setting is a no-brainer due to its potential to improve your thyroid and treat autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease.
You can certainly use it in other settings, these are just the people who I think will get the most benefit out of it.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking that this is a must-have. It’s not.
It’s absolutely possible to lose weight with just diet, exercise, and some simple lifestyle changes in just about every situation.
But if you are someone who has tried everything without success, then this is a potential option.
How To Get It
If you want to use it, you’ll need to get a prescription from your doctor.
Unfortunately, the standard doses that it comes in are much higher than what you’ll want so you’ll probably need to get it compounded to get it into the ideal range for weight loss.
This range is somewhere between 1.5 and 13.5mg.
You can also find naltrexone built into the medication Contrave.
You’ll probably have an easier time getting Contrave as it’s FDA-approved for weight loss compared to getting your naltrexone compounded but go with whatever works for you.
Before you jump onto medications with potentially harmful side effects, it may be worth looking into some more natural over-the-counter supplements.
Because using the right supplements can definitely make weight loss easier and more efficient.
If you want to see a list of the best available, check out this article next.
Now I want to hear from you:
Have you used Naltrexone or LDN previously?
Did it help you lose weight? Why or why not?
Leave your questions or comments below!
Scientific References
#1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8135389
#2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592402/
#3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221839/
#4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8314402/
#5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4802023/
#6. https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/27/3/847/23065/Naltrexone-Improves-Blood-Glucose-Control-in-Type
#7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3496783/
#8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4608917/
#9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27051079
#10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26054748
#11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2829991/
#12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15277149
#13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3548567/
#14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3496783/
#15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3021364/
#16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3143473
#17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3661907/
#18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11367890
#19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23594453
Hi Dr. Westin,
Why do you prefer naltrexone formulations under 4.5mg? Does efficacy decrease the higher the dose? Or do you recommend lower doses to decrease a side effect profile? My weight loss physician placed me on naltrexone 12.5mg BID along with bupropion sr 100 mg BID.
Thank you,
Nicole
Hi Dr. Childs,
I am an RN researching the possibility of starting LDN. Long story short, at 36 I was slender, healthy, strong. Seemingly out of the blue, several issues occurred at the same time at age 37. Gallbladder and digestive symptoms, severe heartburn, crippling fatigue, 60lb weight gain, hair loss, acne. Testing by PCP and endocrinology revealed elevated cholesterol, elevated CRP, esophageal lesions from reflux, “one cyst on left ovary” and a multinodular goiter. One nodule over 1 cm biopsied (negative). Was told all thyroid numbers normal in spite of having hypothyroid type symptoms. Normal fasting blood sugar. I saw 3 different endocrinologists and multiple other specialists before I went to a functional medicine MD who tested all hormones. Everything looked good except very low pregnenolone and low a.m. cortisol. I’m taking a pregnenolone supplement and adrenal support supplement. Tested for Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune markers and all were negative. 4 years later I still have very few answers, still fat, sick, and exhausted. Recently informed that gallbladder is so full of stones it must come out. I tried to avoid this with various gallbladder cleanse remedies to no avail. As to the thyroid, the one thing I remember changing before all these health issues started is that I quit using iodinated salt because I began using the pink Himalayan salt. Could a chronic iodine deficiency be to blame for thyroid enlargement and nodules? I tend to think that all the other downward spiral of issues are related to the thyroid. I am not asking for specific medical advice, just your general opinion on these issues. Thank you!
Addendum: all these doctors have told me “there is nothing wrong with your thyroid function, we don’t know why the thyroid enlarges and becomes nodular” I have a hard time believing that the gland is changing if there is nothing wrong. Obviously, it is responding to some stimulus causing the changes?
I’ve taken LDN before with Nature Throid. I’m also on Qsymia. I started it before finding out about my thyroid problem and now I’m afraid to stop the Qsymia. Anyway, it seemed like the LDN made me hungry. Have you heard of this or do you think it was more likely coincidence? I’ve thought about trying again.
Hello.
My name is Christine. I’m 46. I may be peri-menopausal, but that isn’t clear because I had an IUD inserted years ago and haven’t had a period since.
I have been obese my entire life. I was on phen/fen circa 1997 and lost 50 lbs in 3 months. Just as I was developing tolerance to those meds, the heart valve news broke, and I had to go off of it. I gained more weight and hit my high of 320 lbs in 2001 when I finally had gastric bypass surgery at age 29. Fast forward to today, and I am nearly back to my highest weight and hating myself for it.
I do have binge eating disorder, and I just got back on 50mg of Vyvanse after being off of it for 6 months. I can see that this medication will keep me from bingeing on tons of carbs. I’m eating much better now, but I don’t think I will lose weight on it.
I’m a social worker in the addictions field, and I see many similarities between myself and my clients. I’ve always said that if alcohol or heroin were my drugs of choice, I would be the person who would need the naltrexone or suboxone to stay clean because I really do believe my brain chemistry is messed up. So it’s interesting to me that Naltrexone is now being prescribed for obesity; however, I’m not diabetic, and my thyroid labs look fine. Does that mean that I wouldn’t be the person you would typically recommend Naltrexone for?
Is there anything that you think I should ask my doctors to look for that may be leading me to keep the weight on?
Thanks in advance for your insights!
–Christine
Hi Christine,
In terms of an effective weight loss drug by itself, LDN is not very effective. It’s better if used as a third or fourth line medication when combined with diet, exercise and supplements.
I’ve added 4.5 mg to my daily PCOS drug regime and have had no changes in symptoms or weight. I plan to add Ozempic or victoza after my next medical visit and perhaps the combo will help. I have stubbornly high insulin. Is going high dose or higher than 4.5 mg something you’d encourage pressing with my MD? Thanks for the great info.
Hi Lauren,
Adding a GLP-1 agonist to your regimen may be a good idea especially with PCOS. Increasing your dose of LDN further likely won’t yield significant results if it didn’t work at the lower dose.
Hi Dr. Childs,
I just started taking LDN last week for Graves Disease. Since my diagnosis in 2011 my weight has fluctuated for my frame/height. I am only 5″3″ and have gone from 130 lbs (initial onset of Graves) to as high as 183 lbs. Before diagnosed with Graves, I was always a very fit and healthy 145-150 lbs.
I am now sitting at just over 170 lbs and cannot lose anymore weight. I don’t eat fodmaps, nightshades, diary, grain or gluten. I should weigh 100 lbs.
Having said that, will the LDN help me to lose weight finally? I’m hoping it will help with Graves Antibodies and in turn I can possibly come off my antithyroid meds (which I believe hinders my weight loss). I hear tons about LDN helping Hashimotos but too often not about Graves. My FT3 and FT4 are in very normal ranges but TSH is at .01
Thanks
Chris
Hi Chris,
The answer is maybe but probably not unless your thyroid is completely optimized.
Hi there, my doctor just prescribed me naltrexone to help with weight loss, but she gave 50mg a day. Can you explain why it works better at low doses rather than the recommended 50mg?
Thanks!
Hi Lindsay,
In terms of safety, it’s preferable to use a low dose and still achieve the same results whenever possible. Also, it seems that lower doses of naltrexone impact the body differently than larger doses.
I have had genesight testing done and had been prescribed LDN; however after having Genesight done (and not having started LDN yet), the Genesight report came back and classified Naltrexone as a “yellow” category with the notation “genotype may impact drug mechanism of action and result in reduced efficacy”.
My own LDN doctor really didn’t have any insight. Another said the same. no idea, no familiarity with gene testing and drug responsiveness. Another said that it might just mean that you need higher than typical “Low dose” doses.
Your thoughts?
It would be GREAT if you could respond as GeneSight testing is becoming more popular particularly for administration of Opioids and AntiDepressants and if you google GeneSight and LDN like NOTHING comes up whatsoever.
Hi Dawn,
Genesight tests for the relative activity of various enzymes in the liver which are used to metabolize medications. Certain genes impact how quickly (or slowly) your body eliminates the medications which mean they may stay in your system longer or shorter depending on the activity. The yellow/red simply indicates that your genes will impact this metabolism. They use a proprietary system so you don’t really know if that means you will be a fast metabolizer or a slow metabolizer. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the medication it just means you will probably need less (or more) than the average person.
Hi Dr. Childs. So here’s my deal. Alcoholic and quite a chunky monkey. Poor sleeping habits and I think if I didn’t love my cats I’d eat them. With that said. I just started Naltrexone yesterday. I get my medicine from the VA which is great as they send it right to my door. I figured I would let you know where I’m at right now and let you know how it’s going and that if it’s something you’d like to share go for it.
Day 1: took the medicine felt alittle drowsy and when I went to bed I slept all night (I never do that), woke up at my regular hour, but was able to lay back down and get alittle more rest. No desire for alcohol at all. Which in itself is amazing. I keep thinking “shouldn’t I have had 6 beers by now?” I’m so happy about that.
Day 2: sleepy, really sleepy…But when I get moving around and doing my day I’m calm and content. Still nothing causing me to feel the need for a drink. Literally nothing, but me being confused as to why don’t I think about beer like I’m supposed to :). Soon I’ll be going to bed at a NORMAL hour instead of 3 in the morning. I’ll let you know how it goes here in a couple weeks if you’d like.
Blessing to you and to all Dr.’s I’m thankful to live in a time where you guys are so smart know so much more and that medicine has come around so amazingly fast and getting better all the time.
Kristine
I was floxed by Cipro Antibiotic 6+ years ago and was left with Peripheral Neuropathy in both feet, shins and calves. Over the years since, I developed chronic pain issues that are a daily challenge. I used to be a very serious recreational athlete, but that was all taken away after this toxic reaction. The list of treatments I have tried from Electric Signal Treatment, to sitting under a Reif Lamp, to Himalayan Salt Baths, to all of the prescription drugs, Gabapentin, Nortriptyline, Amytriptylene, Lyrica were all horrible experiences, none of which offered any relief from the PN and Chronic Pain 24/7. I have been experimenting with CBD Hemp Extract, which I have been using for over 7 months now. Helps with the depression and anxiety, but cannot say absolutely, that it has offered pain relief or lessened my PN symptoms. I started LDN 35 days ago. Being so sensitive to anything I introduce into my body, I started at .5mg for 7 days and have increased every 7 days by another .5mg. I am presently at 2.5mg and when I get to 3.0mg, my restorative, rehabilitative MD wants me to stay at 3.0mg for 30 days, before moving toward the 4.5mg target. I do take prescription meds for depression and anxiety and take a lot of supplements, also prescribed by this MD. At 2.5mg for two days, I have felt kind of weird in my head, spacey. Again, it is hard to separate what I take everyday and actually knowing if the combination of one or more is creating such feelings. I follow a health diet. I have been through a detox diet regimen. Elimination diet regimen. Mitochondrial Diet Regiem. I am Gluten free, Diary free and follow a Paleo based diet. My MD is introducing some new supplements, targeted at my small intestines and trying to improve my absorption of what I eat. I hope and pray that one of these days, I will get to a better place. I am not looking for perfect, that is not going to happen. But living with PN and Chronic Pain is very wearing. I appreciate the opportunity to share and hope that what I have shared is of value to those who take the time to read it. StuTaz in NJ
I have been doing some research based on your post referencing LDN. I find it utterly amazing what LDN can do above helping thyroid patients (MS, CFS and many, many more conditions). I found one site that is incredible and provides so much relevant current information on LDN and its many uses. A U.K. nonprofit site! The “LDN Research Trust” https://www.ldnresearchtrust.org/
I hope this is of benefit to all.
If you have a prescription and are in the U.S. here are 3 pharmacies that will compound and mail out to you:
https://www.cfspharmacy.pharmacy/human-medicine/low-dose-naltrexone
https://www.rxandhealth.com/
https://www.womensinternational.com/
If in another country go here and search under your country:
https://www.ldnresearchtrust.org/ldn-pharmacists
Hope this helps some.
Hi Omi,
Thanks for sharing!
That was a very succinct and well-written blog. It makes total sense why Ldn helped me lose so much weight. You explained things well from many angles. I started taking it for Epstein Barr, other viruses and coinfections, with CFS/fibro. But, this also started with the perfect storm of stress, adrenaline and the likely cascading effect on the thyroid, HPA axis. Wish more doctors understood the amazing anti-inflammatory effects of ldn.
Hi Cori,
Thanks for sharing and I’m glad you found it helpful!
Great article. I’m a 28 year old male who, in the past 2 & 1/2 years gained about 70 lbs due to primarily my overindulgence of alcohol and general lack of motivation to exercise. I currently weigh 270 at 71′ tall. My doctor has prescribed me Naltrexone at the strength of 50mg, once per day. Today is my first day taking it and I must say that it is working quite well with staving off the craving to drink. I understand this article is referring to Low-dose Naltrexone and its benefits. My question to you is “is there any issue with taking this higher dose in regards to its efficacy for weight loss and alcohol addiction? Thanks
Hi Kolden,
Higher doses tend to work better for alcohol addiction but not necessarily for weight loss.
Hi Dr. Childs,
I come here in desperation for advice on weight loss. First a little background. Gaining weight has been a problem as long as I can remember but always to some extent been able to maintain (loss and gain). As far as food my biggest problem is cravings for carbs, particularly bread. 6 years ago (in 2012) I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 and put Lamotrigine which at first did help for depression and some months after on Seroquel because of severe sleeping problems and anxiety. Ever since I’ve been on Seroquel gaining weight has been a big issue. I have worked hard including trying varies diets (latest one Keto). I have been able to lose weight but it always comes back. Currently, I’m at 216 Lbs from the lowest of 187 lbs 2.5 years ago. My all-time high was 236 lbs in late 2015 when I went on a low calorie diet (counting calories). I was keeping it at about 1400 calories a day for 6 months when I was down to 187 lbs. I found myself always being hungry. Since then I have been gaining and losing weight. My last major attempt was this summer when in June I started biking 20 km a day with no weight loss during the month of June when I was at 215 lbs. Then in July I started fasting 3 times a week for 24 hour periods and in total biked for 600 km or so. I was down to 204 lbs by the end of July but since then I’m back to 216 lbs. Doing exercise is not that difficult for me. If I added up all the incremental weight gains (after losing weight) I would be at about 260-280 lbs. I’m 41 years old male and it scares the hell out me thinking of having a big “beer belly” for the rest of my life, not only where it is at now but it keeping on getting bigger. I came across your website while researching Naltrexone. Recently my Psychiatrist increased my Seroquel from 200 mg to 300 mg because I tend to be on the depressive side more often than not. I expect that my weight gain will probably get worse as I understand the higher dose the risk of gaining weight is higher as well. So far after the dose increase, my depression is less so that is good but just thinking about losing weight makes me depressed. Do you think your program could help me? If so how do you think it could help? If I were to ask my psychiatrist for Naltrexone I’m sure he would prescribe for me. Also, what kind of blood test or other test do you think I should ask for to determine where I’m at in terms of metabolism and Insulin Resistance?
Hi Dr. Childs, I have the exact same problems as most that have left a comment. I have two questions I hope you can answer for me. One, I spoke to a “health coach” about trying Naltrexone and explained that I wanted to give it a try to see if that would actually help me because I feel my metabolism is totally ruined from many low calorie diets and now my weight won’t budge or if it does come right back when though I’m doing everything right. I know it’s my harmones, but keep getting told nothing is wrong. She told me that Naltrexone isn’t recommended for people with a BMI over 30. My BMI is 37. I just want to know if that’s true? If so, why not? She recommended I start taking Contrave. But I read what you said about that medication not being the best one if you’ve already had issues with your matabolism because of low calorie diets. Could you shed some light on this? My second question is what type of doctor would you recommend that could help me the way you help your patients? I have yet to find a doctor that will work with me without making me feel that I’m wrong about the way I feel.
Dr. Childs
I am a 265/270lb male 6′ tall is this type of therapy only effective on women or will this work for men as well. I haven’t see any post from men. I am on Adderall for ADD and it seems to make me hungry when I take it. I seem gain weight or at the very least lose nothing at all, could I possibly benefit from LDN therapy? Thanks Ken
Hi Ken,
Yes, it has the potential to work in men as well as women. You can read more case studies on men here: https://www.restartmed.com/testosterone-weight-loss/
And other info specifically for men here: https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-symptoms-men/
Hi Ken, I was recently put on Vyvanse, which is prescribed for both ADHD and alternatively binge eating. It does tend to reduce appetite so you need to stay on top of eating during the day or you maybe starving when it wears off at night.
Mentioning it cuz in case you want to look into it with your doc. Its the same category of stimulant like the adderal.
It’s One of the newest long action adhd needs, and is expensive, but the company has an extremely good discount program so that helps.
(It has a different name in the UK in case that is a factor, I’m in Canada for reference)
I took the drug Contrave for about a week or two but stopped because it seemed to effect my memory. I noticed that it helped my wrestless leg syndrome and I was able to sleep for the first time in a long while. Not sure which drug helped but I sure would like to take it without the memory lossrscave5@sbcglobal.net
Hi Susan,
It’s hard to say for sure, but you can certainly use trial and error to figure it out.
Hi, my name is Linda. I’ve been told by my endocrinologist that I have a “weird” case and not a typical hyperthyroid case. I was diagnosed with low thyroid, hypothyroidism, in my early 30’s. I was on Synthroid for 13+ years for it. About 2 years ago my primary care doctor discontinued my Synthroid because I was on a very low dose and all of my labs had returned to normal. I was off all thyroid meds for about a year and a half when I started having issues. I am 47 now. Last summer (about 7 months ago) I started to have a lot of symptoms which I thought were possibly related to menopause. I was extremely hot all the time, I couldn’t concentrate at work, I was felt shaky and had trembly hands, I was a nervous wreck to the point where I would have panic attacks talking in front of people at work (which I never ever had problems with before), my heart was racing and I had high blood pressure, I had problems sleeping. In August, I got shingles. Doctor’s are not telling my if the shingles are related to my thyroid, but I still wonder if it was. In September, 4 months ago, I found a lump at the base of my neck that was very noticeable when swallowing. I didn’t think much of it, but at the persistance of my family I went to the doctor in October and my PCP ordered thyroid tests on me, the results of which were very abnormal and showed me to be hyperthyroid. I was then referred to an endocrinologist who has since started me on Methimazole. I had a nuclear medicine study of my thyroid as well as an ultrasound which all lead to the diagnosis of Graves disease. The Methimazole has improved my symptoms of shakiness and trembling hands and I am not nearly as hot all the time, but my biggest concern right now is my appetite and my weight gain. I still don’t feel like my old self. Everything I read says with hyperthyroidism I should have a high metabolism and I should be losing weight, but I am gaining weight like crazy. Over the past 2 years I have gone from 180 pounds to 219 pounds, with a weight gain of 15 pounds within just the last month and a half! I am frustrated and tired of feeling like this. I realize there are some dietary changes I can make in my life, but my appetite seems to be out of control. How do I get my brain back to a “normal” metabolic state with a normal appetite? For years my weight has fluctuated. I go on a diet and lose weight but then I get right back up to 190 pounds and get stuck again. Now I’m well over 200 pounds and I hate feeling like this. I feel like something in my body wants me to be at this heavier weight, I know it sounds crazy, but that’s how it feels. Will I ever be “normal” again with a normal metabolism?
Hi Linda,
Yes, it is certainly possible to get back to a normal metabolism and weight but I honestly don’t think it’s possible with standard conventional medicine (most endocrinologists and primary care providers do not understand weight gain or how to help people lose weight long-term).
I am 55 years old. I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. For the first year I took the diet lifestyle approach without much success. I have been taking nature-throid since July 2018. I have increased my dosage to 32. 5mg 2 times a week and 48.75 mg the other 5 days a week. I recently started LDN 2 weeks ago. I will be at 4.5 mg in 2 weeks. I am hopeful to see weight loss. I am about 10 pounds from my goal. Even with a healthy diet & exercise I have struggled. I was wondering how long before one will feel & see changes when taking LDN.?
Hi Paula,
If it’s going to work for you then you will most likely notice a subtle change within 1-2 months.
Does it matter what time of day you take LDN? I’ve just started taking 1.5mg at night but it is interfering with sleep. If I take it in the morning will it lessen its effectiveness?
Thank you!
Hi Kate,
Most likely not, it should be effective if taken in the morning or at night.
Kate- I had the circus dreams too when I started with LDN and they went away by the time I had titrated to 4.5mg. Definitely better after 2 weeks. DOn’t worry! The crazy dreams didn’t last long and it was entirely worth it.
Dr. Childs…..my deepest thanks for this blog and the work you have done. I have been fortunate enough to see a functional medicine doctor for over a decade and she’s extraordinary (Debbie Judd in Spokane, Washington for those of you searching).
It wasn’t until I started reading your blog that I’ve been able to tweak my supplements and really understand the massive pile of labs and advocate for myself to tweak things more.
1. I got on Saxenda and I’ve lost almost 50lbs. Leptin droppepd from 23 to 11. I’ve been doing keto for years and the weight just barely comes off. .5 a week if I’m really strict. Saxenda has been a standard 2lbs a week. It’s amazing. I’ve still got about 30-40lbs to go but I alreay feel like a new person.
2. I’ve been on a compounded liothyronine for over a decade, but I started advocating for more based on your articles and I’ve had a nearly 40mcg increase and I am finally feeling this sense of well being I had forgotten was possible.
3. I was on low dose opioids for years after I broke my back. I never felt addicted but I took them nearly every day. I had a horrendous acetaminophen withdrawal with months of headaches. Debbie put me on LDN. I didn’t think it was working very much until I ran out and I could barely walk. LDN is an amazing miracle for me. My inflammatory markers have never been high, but my pain levels have gone from a daily 7 to a 2. I was getting steroid shots every two weeks and I’ve only had two in the last six months. I’m the unoffical spokeswoman for LDN. I once jumped out of a car and ran across a park to tell a friend who is in chronic pain about LDN.
4. I’ve increased my calcium d-glucarate and every time I’ve increased my dose by one tab I’ve shorted my cycle 7-10 days. This month I am going to have a 35-day cycle, down from 55 days!!!
5. My testosterone is still high (but has come down) but I’m going to double my dose of saw palmetto with nettle and pygeum. Free is normal, total is high. Dihydrotestosterone is really low though. Thank you for helping me understand these labs.
6. Violet iodine has massively helped with my luteal phase breast tenderness, but I also think balancing my hormones played a major role so thank you for your help there.
Thank you so much for helping me understand all of this. I just got a huge batch back from Quest and this was the first place I came to understand what everything meant.
I would love it if you would do a series on optimizing fertility. I’m taking PPQ and Cq10 and inositol and everything else I can think of for top mitochondrial function. I’m not quite ready to have kids but I’m close. Would love to hear your take on it. You have such a great way of making things clear and digestible.
I’d also love to to hear your take on peptide therapies. I’ve been thiking about going on Ipamorelin and CJC 1295 and BPC-1577 with TB-500. Apparently, my doctor can get them from Tailor Made Compounding. I’m thinking I’m willing to be a guinea pig.
You work has really helped me say that I feel good in my body for the first time in years. Even though I’m in my late 30’s kids still feel possible.
Thank you very much. There aren’t words to express my gratitude.
Hi Catniss,
Thanks for sharing and I’m so glad the therapies are working for you. It would be a waste if I spent all this time writing articles to have no one actually benefit from them! And I will add your requests to my current queue of articles.
Dr. Childs,
Thank you for all the information you have published over the years. Being able to access this information has improved my quality of life tremendously. I had a strange side effect with LDN and I wonder if you have encountered it during your research. I have hashimotos and take 195 of naturethroid per day. I started LDN 5mg (capsule) in February 2019. I can’t tell you how much better I have felt. Energy, no more insomnia, fog lifted, reduced pain. LDN is amazing! I began having diarrhea so I switched to an LDN 5mg sublingual. Since that time I began to gain weight. I was 205 and am now 217. I also take biest/progesterone 10/100mg/ml cream. Is weight gain normal? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Mspano,
I’ve seen a lot of strange things and reactions to medications over the years but I’ve never had anyone gain weight on LDN. I would look into other causes including thyroid function via lab testing.
Hi Dr. Childs, thanks as always for such a comprehensive post. My doctor wants me to try LDN primarily to help balance hormones/leptin/insulin resistance since my weight is stuck despite all of the things we have tried.
My question for you is what is your experience with using LDN as a shorter-term tool to help with metabolic set point and then stopping it once results have been reached? Or, do you generally have to stay on it for the long-term to achieve and maintain balance and results? Thank you!
Hi Zara,
I’m sure LDN can be useful in the short-term for some people but I find it’s most helpful over the long-term.
Thank you for a very informative article. My doctor just prescribed LDN in combination with an increase in my Metformin which I have been on for about a year.
Although prescribed for cravings I have several of the other conditions that may improve as a result of this prescription.
I’ll keep you posted.
Hi Michelle,
Sounds good! Please do keep us posted on your progress.
I’m healthy 36 years old, my BMI is 28, I have been cutting down calories for 3 years, and I think my body it’s burning enough anyway I gain weight so easily. I got prescription for 12.5 mg 1/4 tab of 50 mg naltrexone, is that enough dose? And how long before I notice any difference?
Hi Shima,
Usually, it takes a good 4-6 weeks to notice if it is working or not.
Can this be taken with Ozempic or Saxenda.
Hi Edward,
And yes, you can find out more information about how I recommend using it in my weight loss guide: https://www.restartmed.com/hormone-mastery/
Hey I’m taking levo for hypo thyroid I was told I had on 5/9/19 and started it 100mcg consecutive daily went back in June checked labs and tsh fine and t4 and I told them I was WORSE lethargic and said it would be something else. Well every day I get up and cannot get going at all I’m 46 and this is horrible. PLEASE tell me what to do. I tried to set up appointment w/you via phone but said you was not taking appointments.
Thank you for the info Dr.Childs, on LDN and weight loss. I started with 1.5 mg then 3mg now I’m up to the highest dose at 4.5mg for Rheumatoid arthritis. I started about 10 weeks ago and it cured my chronic fatigue and brain fog. The pain and inflammation is still with me, but not as severe (except in my hands) I did notice though that I am losing weight and have a hard time deciding what I want to eat. I guess that’s my body telling me it doesn’t want the junk I’ve been accustomed to eating. LDN also almost works like a sleeping pill. I take it every night at 9:00 and have no problem with insomnia as I did in the past. I’m working with a holistic MD who also administers prolozone injections inn my joints. I’m scheduled to get an IV infusion of prolozone soon. My first appointment to see a Rheumatologist is scheduled in March, whom I will go see, but I plan to stick with my LDN and prolozone treatments as well.
Hi Lisa,
No problem and thanks for sharing your experience!
How about possible weight gain? It could of course not be the LDN but I did start 2 weeks ago, and I am weighing 4 lbs more than when I started. I exercise daily, ~400-500 calories burned a day and eat between 1400-1600 calories on a most days – I track in myfitness pal. I started at .5 for 2 wks and just moved to 1. I am taking for hashimotos, inflammation and joint pain. I haven’t had any other side effects I can tell, and I feel fine but not sure I feel different – maybe the low dose is not totally kicking in. thoughts?
Hi Andrea,
You are most likely gaining weight because of metabolic damage from restricting your calories and overexercising. You can read more here:
https://www.restartmed.com/symptoms-of-not-eating-enough-calories/
https://www.restartmed.com/gaining-weight-to-lose-weight/
Read your article… then went to my primary care in Calif. at Kaiser Permanente. I am 5″2″ and went from 110 most of my adult life to 175 after menopause… Nothing helped. I am now 70 years old. All I heard was lose weight…over and over. … as my weight kept going up.
She was familiar with the concept… started in Dec 2019. Started with 5 then 10,15 20… Have backed it off to 10 as I had an odd taste in my mouth all day. Good news. Lost 10 lbs. in 10 weeks. I can really see that my appetite has definitely decreased as well as better sleep .
My cholesterol is now 102 (was much higher) and blood sugar to 92…(was 120). My liver test were also becoming a concern..I do not drink.. Now they are completely normal after being off for the last 2 years. Your are a Prince…
Thank you,
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for sharing and glad it’s working for you!
Hi Dr Childs,
I have PCOS and am doing much of what you suggest. I am wanting my MD who has been working with me through all of this for 30 years to prescribe LDN. I of course with Victoza want for weight loss as Victoza with loss is stalled probably because of dosing. Only lost 10 pounds but am close to goal weight probably 10 pounds more to go. I most liked it for sleep Insomnia help. She said she cannot find any evidence based info on weight and help with sleep?
I love LDN. I tell everyone about it! 🙂 With my Hashimotos, it has helped to reduce my antibodies and has even helped with sleep. However, I’m noticing a plateau at the 4.5mg. Never experienced weight loss, but I have noticed the Modulating Appetite effect and as I mentioned, its anti-inflammatory properties.
You’re the first doctor I’ve seen to suggest we can take more than the 4.5 mg level. If patients aren’t seeing results at the typical top level of 4.5mg, what is the highest level you recommend going? Obviously, titration is done slowly and over time. Where do you cap? Up to 12.5mg?
Also, I appreciate your site, your supplements and your podcasts. You have a tremendous amount of innovative, helpful information for those of us with Hashimotos! Thanks so much!
I recently started taking LDN for chronic pain but have been reluctant to take it because I feel like when I do take it, it makes me very irritable all day. Due to this, I have not been taking it regularly… I know I should but it always makes me feel irritated, even if I’m taking it at night. Is this really a possible side effect? Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Thank You so much for your research and your article/s.i am 66yrs old
1. Gallbladder removed in my late teens.
2. Medicated for Hypertension in my teens
3. Medicated for Major Depression in my 20’s
4.Obese 5′ 2″ and 92kg
5.Insulin Resistant
6. Arthritis in my spine.
7. Post Menopausal.
Recently lost 10kg but gained back 5kg after uterine issues and su sequent Mirena insertion.
and finally…a family history of diabeties and Heart disease ….
Please…..why has this ticking timebomb not been considered for LDN at least in the past few years?
Thank You once again
Linda.
I have tried ldn twice. Both times I had horrific terrifying dreams that were so real, I would wake up s reaming or agitated or extremely upset. I had to go off after getting up to 4.5 because the dreams just got worse. Then I tried again, but this time I started at an even lower dose, a year later. Same thing: horrible dreams. Any comments as to why these dreams and is there a something I can’t take or eat that would offset the dreams. Would love to go on this. Just can’t handle the dreams.
Wendy, have you tried taking it in the morning? Many do that to negate the side effects of bad dreams. I had crazy dreams on it, but they eventually faded (Mine weren’t nightmares, but we really vivid fantasy-world like dreams…i miss them, ha!)
Hi Dr. Childs:
I have been following you for a while and want to thank you for all the information you give. I just want to ask:
if you have adrenal issues could you have a problem taking the LDN? I tried it but I had horrible headaches and could not sleep well. I started at 1mg daily
Thanks Jennifer
Can you tell me how I can go about having my doctor prescribe a medication for leptin resistance. I am hypothyroid & hashimotos and struggle with weight loss.
Hi Anjy,
I would recommend reading this article for more information on that topic: https://www.restartmed.com/leptin-resistance-medications/
I’ve had a thyroidectomy and my doctor has put me on testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, NDT, and Cytomel. My question is can I take LDN as well? Also of note, I had a brain bleed in 2007 and no more complications from that but I was told not to take anti-inflammatories. LDN is an anti-inflammatory right…? Thoughts?
Has anyone in the U.S. found a coupon for low-dose Naltrexone (like 1 or 2mg)? GoodRx and other pharmacy coupon sites only seem to have them for 50mg!
Hi Stefanie,
You won’t find a coupon for low-dose naltrexone because it must be compounded. The rates of LDN vary by compounding pharmacy and have more to do with the demand of the medication and how much human work goes into the compounding process. The Naltrexone you found at 50mg is the dose for alcohol dependence and the only dose that is available in big box pharmacies.
You can take the 15 mg and diluted with 50 mL of water and then take 5 ml of the diluted solution to get your 5 mg LDN. That is how it was initially prescribed to me by my doctor at Kaiser until I was used to the 5mg RX and then I found a local pharmacy to do the compound prescription for me. When I went through Kaiser it only cost me $10 for 3 month supply of l d n. Outside of Kaiser it cost me $50 for 30 days Supply
Dr Child’s I’m currently taking 50 mg of naltrexone for fibromyalgia and my dr wants to readd 300 mg Wellbutrin. Is that an ok dosage together?
Hi Theresa,
They can definitely be taken together but you may not react well so keep that in mind.
Dr Child’s,
I also take Zoloft and topomax…what side effects should I watch for? Thank you for ur response!!
Hi Theresa,
Symptoms could be anything, you will just have to keep an eye on how you are feeling, your weight, your mood, etc.
My doctor will only go up to 5 mg LDN for what she is diagnosing as chronic pain syndrome even though I have had positive test results for Hashimotos. I started at 1 mg and every 30 day increased by 1mg. In the 5 months I have lost 7 pounds, with most of that in the last month. My doctor said the FDA set the 5mg max level which didn’t seem accurate based on my searches. I’d like to try a higher dose for the overall aches, pains and stiffness and the added benefit of weight loss. I’d like to lose at least 20 more pounds. Do you think a higher dose would help??
Hi Bonnie,
Your doctor is either lying to you or is clueless 🙂 The standard dose for naltrexone for alcohol dependence is 50mg. Higher doses can sometimes help but usually other therapies are more effective if the lower doses aren’t working. You can learn more here: https://www.restartmed.com/natural-remedies-for-hashimotos-thyroiditis/
I have used LDN for a little over a year, and it has literally given me my life back. I was previously very physically weak and would get exhausted after the slightest bit of activity. I hour of light garden activity would completely knock me out. Now I can work the way I used to.
I have lost 43 pounds since starting on LDN.
The weight loss did not start for me until I got to 6 mg/day. I am currently at 9 mg.
I had very high inflammatory markers, and elevated cortisol when starting the LDN, and I suspect lowering the inflammation is what achieved the weight loss, because I have not changed my diet at all. Unfortunately, the LDN does not touch my pain issues, but it is still a miracle drug for me, in giving me my energy back.
Hi BIM,
Glad to hear it’s helping! Thanks for sharing.
Hi– I have been prescribed 50 mg. of Naltrexone for another health issue and wonder if that dosage will help with weight loss -and sleep apnea–or does the dosage have to be lower to be effective?
Hello Dr Childs
You say lower doses of Naltrexone can help with weight loss but the tablets only come in 50mg. I Can cut them on half but not more than that so it’ll be 25mg. It sounds like a huge difference from what you recommend. Any suggestions?
Hi Sandra,
Yes, you’ll need to get the medication from a compounding pharmacy (not a regular pharmacy). Compounding pharmacies can create doses of medications that are otherwise not available at standard big box pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, etc.
I am using Naltrexone (25-50mg daily) to stop my obsessive thoughts of food. Food has been as far back as I can remember, my drug of choice. Especially simple carbs, comfort food, etc..
Naltrexone has been a lifesaver for me! Most of the time now, I eat because I am actually hungry and need food. No more binging.
Hi Tina,
Glad to hear it’s helping! Thanks for sharing.
Dr –
I take 75 & 88 mg Synthroid, Pristique and have had breast cancer. I am 57 and weigh 177. Would like to be at a healthier weight. Can I take this?
Does it make a difference as to the time of day you take your LDN? I’m on 4.5 daily and I take it just before bed. I was given LDN by my doc for an inflammatory process/auto-immune disorder. Would it be more effective for weight loss if I take it in the morning? Thank you so much!
Hi Erin,
LDN is generally taken at night as it can help with sleep. You can try taking it in the morning if you’d like, as sometimes that works better for certain individuals.