Low Dose Naltrexone for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of generalized body pain in the setting of sleep disturbance, fatigue and sleep disturbance along with mood changes.

Certain rheumatological and neurological disease can present this way and once a thorough diagnostic work up has been complete and these conditions ruled out, a diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be made. 

Primary treatment for fibromyalgia is symptomatic based on low impact aerobic exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy to cope with pain as well as analgesic medications. Interventional treatments for more focal issues can be utilized when applicable. 

There are only a limited number of FDA approved medications for fibromyalgia which include Lyrica, Cymbalta and Savella. Several other medications and medication combinations may be tried as well to provide optimum results.  

Low dose naltrexone has been studied over the last several years as an important and low risk treatment for chronic generalized pain related to fibromyalgia as well as some other chronic neuropathic pain conditions.

Studies have shown that this medication at low dose has anti-inflammatory properties and can also effectively trigger the body's own endorphin system which has pain relieving properties. 

Studies have shown effectiveness with pain, sleep as well as quality of life. While this medication may not be for everyone and sometimes is not effective or causes side effects which make it unreasonable to continue, it still remains a very good option to try. It has low interactions with other medications as well as a good side effect profile.

If you, or someone you know struggle with chronic pain related to fibromyalgia, this medication trialed appropriately may be a good one to try. Trialing this medication has its own nuances regarding dose as well as duration and should be done with an experienced physician or team. 

Call us at Texas Pain Intervention Clinic for treatment options or visit us at texaspainclinic.com

https://www.texaspainclinic.com

Reference:

Younger J, Parkitny L, McLain D. The use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic pain. Clin Rheumatol. 2014 Apr;33(4):451-9. doi: 10.1007/s10067-014-2517-2. Epub 2014 Feb 15. PMID: 24526250; PMCID: PMC3962576.

Author

Ankit Maheshwari MD Founder of Texas Pain Intervention Clinic, Dr. Maheshwari is a highly experienced Interventional Pain Management Specialist who offers a wide variety of pain treatments. Read more about Dr. Maheshwari in the 'Meet Dr. Maheshwari' section on the website.