Monday, December 12, 2011

Use Low Dose Naltrexone For Multiple Sclerosis

Low Dose Naltrexone, or LDN, is a safe and effective alternative treatment for multiple sclerosis. LDN works to stop disease progression by enhancing and strengthening the immune system. Thousands of people worldwide have successfully used low dose naltrexone to stop the progression of all forms of Multiple Sclerosis, and in many cases, ease or eliminate daily symptoms. LDN is usually used in conjunction with diet changes and other alternative treatments for Multiple Sclerosis. Low dose naltrexone can not be used with the CRAB drugs prescribed by conventional doctors for MS.


Instructions


Getting LDN


1. Talk to your doctor about low dose naltrexone. Most people have better luck getting a prescription from their primary care doctor than their neurologist.


2. Take the prescription to a good compounding pharmacy. LDN is made by diluting full strength naltrexone into correct strength tablets. Full strength naltrexone comes in 50mg tabs. People with multiple sclerosis take between 3mg and 4.5 mg each evening.


3. If you can not get a prescription from your doctor, consult with one of the many physicians known to prescribe low dose naltrexone to people with multiple sclerosis. You can find these doctors by joining an ldn support list and simply asking for the information.


4. In the event you do not have an ldn knowledgeable physician in your area, you can order full strength naltrexone from one of several online pharmacies.


5. If using full strength naltrexone, mix 1 50mg tab with 50 ml of water to form a solution of 1mg naltrexone per 1 ml distilled water. Shake well, and store in the refrigerator. Use your medicine dropper to measure out the exact amount of medication you need.


Taking Low Dose Naltrexone


6. Ideal dosage when treating multiple sclerosis is 4.5mg, however those with spacticity may have better results with the lower 3.0mg dosage. It is recommended that those with M.S begin with 3.0mg and slowly work up to 4.5mg, since starting at the higher dosage may increase stiffness and other M.S symptoms.








7. Begin by taking 3.0mg each night before going to bed. Whether using compounded tablets or liquid ldn, drink a full glass of water with me low dose naltrexone. Continue taking 3.0mg for 1-4 weeks. If you experience side effects of stiffness, or sleep disturbances, do not increase the dosage until side effects disappear.


8. When side effects subside, increase dosage to 3.5mg each night. Continue for 1-4 weeks, then increase to 4.0mg for 1-4 weeks, finally, increase to 4.5mg and maintain this dosage.


9. Keep a symptom log. Track all multiple sclerosis symptoms and ldn side effects, so you can see at a glance how the low dose naltrexone effects you.








10. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about each dosage increase.


Side Effects And Cope With Them


11. Many people experience temporary sleep disturbances with ldn. Restlessness, sleeplessness and vivid dreaming are common. If possible, plan to take a nap during the day, stay hydrated and find ways to reduce your stress and activity level if sleepiness becomes a problem. Sleep disturbances last only a few days to a week, in most people.


12. Detox reactions are also common. As the ldn works to improve your immune system, your body may begin to rid itself of dormant viruses, and bacteria. This is normal. Drink extra fluids, rest, and pay attention to your diet to help your body complete its work.


13. Spaticity or stiffness of the muscles is a problem in a small percentage of people who start ldn. If you are taking more than 3.0mg, reduce your nightly dosage back down to 3.0mg until the stiffness subsides. If you are already taking 3.0mg, try a warm compress or mild pain reliever to ease the stiffness. If stiffness does not subside within a few weeks, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or ldn support group.


14. Muscle soreness can be a problem in those people for whom low dose naltrexone works well. These people increase their daily activity level without realizing it, and experience muscle soreness or tiredness. In this case, slow down a little bit and increase activity slowly, allowing your body time to adjust to the new energy level.


15. Contact your ldn support group, pharmacist, or ldn knowledgeable physician if you experience any side effects you're not sure cope with, or you have an increase in M.S. symptoms.

Tags: multiple sclerosis, dose naltrexone, strength naltrexone, your doctor, full strength, full strength naltrexone, Multiple Sclerosis