Dr. Kara Wada explains LDN (Low-Dose Naltrexone) for chronic pain, inflammation, and autoimmune conditions, covering how it works, who benefits, & side effects. Benefits of Low Dose Naltrexone for Pain Management Non-addictive: Unlike traditional painkillers (e.g., opioids), LDN does not carry a risk of addiction. Minimal Side Effects: LDN is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, making it a safe alternative for long-term pain management. Low dose naltrexone (LDN) is used off-label to treat a surprisingly wide range of conditions, from chronic pain and autoimmune diseases to inflammatory bowel disorders and neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis. Low dose naltrexone should be started at an extremely low dose, such as 1 to 1.5mg/day, and the dosage should be increased by 1mg every week to a maximum of 4.5 mg/day. What counts as “low” for one drug might be a full therapeutic dose for another. The term also applies to doses used for purposes other than depression, like chronic pain or sleep problems, where much smaller amounts are effective. You and your healthcare professional can talk about what aspirin dose is right for you. Low doses of aspirin — about 75 to 100 milligrams (mg), but most commonly 81 mg — can help prevent heart attack or stroke. Microdosing GLP-1 medications means you take lower than the recommended dose. Learn why people microdose GLP-1 medications and the potential risks here. What is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)? LDN is a safe, non-toxic and inexpensive drug that helps regulate a dysfunctional immune system. It reduces pain, and fights inflammation. It is used to treat cancers, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain and mental health issues, to name a few. The recommended screening test for lung cancer is low-dose computed tomography (also called a low-dose CT scan, or LDCT). During an LDCT, you lie on a table, and an x-ray machine uses a small amount of radiation to make detailed images of your lungs. High doses of radiation can be used to kill cancer cells. But for people with arthritis, lower doses of radiation can help lower inflammation and relieve pain without damaging healthy tissue.