When to Take Low Dose Naltrexone

Naltrexone is an FDA-approved drug that is currently prescribed for several purposes. Although originally used to block the effect of opioids in recovering addicts, naltrexone in much smaller doses has also been shown to help manage inflammation, a common contributor to chronic pain and autoimmune disease. Take a look at what low dose naltrexone does and when to take low dose naltrexone to receive the greatest benefit:

What is Low Dose Naltrexone and How Does It Work?

Low dose naltrexone is a smaller dose of naltrexone (approximately 3mg) that is usually taken orally in pill form. It works by blocking naturally-occurring opioid receptors (located throughout the body) from binding with endorphins. This signals the brain to release even more endorphins, causing a flood of endorphins to circulate at one time. Research indicates that endorphins help regulate the immune response by decreasing heart rate and body temperature and reducing inflammation. Thus, increasing the level of endorphins within the body essentially equips it to better control pain and other symptoms of various cancers and autoimmune, viral (like the common cold and HIV), and depressive diseases.

When to Take Low Dose Naltrexone

The body normally produces the most endorphins around 4:00 a.m. Therefore, many physicians believe it is best for patients to take low dose naltrexone at bedtime (around 9:00 p.m.) since this allows the drug enough time to be absorbed into the body and reach its peak at 4:00 a.m. Blocking endorphin receptors (via a low dose of naltrexone) at the very same time that the body is naturally programmed to release the most endorphins creates a proliferation of endorphins that yields a recognizable therapeutic effect.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Knowing when to take low dose naltrexone helps to maximize its effectiveness and, in general, low dose naltrexone has few side effects. The most common one is difficulty sleeping, which typically lasts just a few weeks (at most).

Will Low Dose Naltrexone Work for Me?

Low dose naltrexone therapy is beneficial for many types of patients. However, it is important to consult a physician to learn if your own unique history would warrant its use. 

Want to Learn More?

Studies show that low dose naltrexone is a safe and effective natural health treatment for many types of conditions. To learn more about when to take low dose naltrexone, including the reasons it could be the best option for alleviating your own set of symptoms, please contact The Institute of Natural Health today.