I was reading slashdot this morning and was linked to a study that shows that Naltrexone “demonstrated statistically significant reductions in stealing urges and behavior in kleptomania”.
That may be all well and fine, but it leads me to wonder if the drug has undesirable psychological effects. Is it like an antidepressant that affects your mood and ultimately your personality?
If you have any insight on this, I’d appreciate your comment below.
Thanks.
Eating SCD 
Naltrexone as used for Crohn’s and other auto-immune diseases is taken in much lower doses than used in this study. That’s why it’s called Low-Dose Naltrexone, or LDN, when it’s used for Crohn’s, MS, etc. (see http://www.ldners.org). The study you link to used doses of 50 to 150 mg, which is typical of the doses used for the drug’s original purpose of treating heroin addition, whereas a typical LDN dose is 1.5 to 4.5 mg. That difference – for your liver, your brain, you name it – is enormous. Do the math: the kleptomamia study used doses 33 times larger than you would use for Crohn’s. Imagine taking 33 times more of any drug you’ve ever taken. All drugs carry risks, but the micro-doses used for auto-immune diseases help make LDN quite a safe bet compared to most of your pharma choices.
Janice,
Sorry about this – I just found your comment from April 28, 2009, 11:33 am in my spam filter.
-Paul
The study you cite used doses of 50 to 150 mg. That’s 33 times greater than the 1.5. to 4.5 mg used for Crohn’s and other auto-immune diseases. That’s why it’s called LDN, or low-dose naltrexone when in that context. All drugs carry risks, but the micro-doses used for auto-immune diseases make LDN a relatively safe bet for your liver, brain, etc., compared to most pharmaceuticals.
I agree with Janice. The dosage is small and the results in the initial study although it used a very small sample were phenomenal. Over 65% remission of Crohn’s. If you have other information which would lead you to be cautious, please share.
Brenda,
[ see my reply to Janice ]
I do not have any other info regarding LDN. I am not taking LDN myself nor have I talked to anyone that is taking it.
Are you taking LDN? Can you offer any personal insight on the psychological effect (on non-effect) of LDN?
I think we need to be cautious with any drug. That was the purpose of this post.
Thanks.
-Paul
Janice,
I understand what the “L” stands for in LDN. What I don’t know is at what dose does the drug directly affect a person’s psychology. Are you taking LDN or know someone who is? I would love to hear of their experience regarding their psychology before and after starting the drug. I assume that the effects at these lower doses would be less than the larger doses – but you know what they say about assumptions. I would instead like to hear of actual experiences.
Just to be clear – I am not against LDN. I am happy to have this alternative should I ever feel the need for that kind of help as the biologicals and immunosuppressants represent too great a risk to me.
-Paul
I’ve been taking LDN for months now, the only side effect I’ve noticed is some interesting dreams! The drug seems to be working, but I certainly haven’t notice any swing in personality or emotions.
Candice,
Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s good to hear firsthand experience and I’m glad it’s helping you.
-Paul
My 13 year old daughter has been on LDN for about 4 months now, along with the SCD diet. The results have been amazing! No side effects what so ever! She has actually gained 12 lbs and grown 1 inch since starting. To put this in perspective, She was on Methotrexate(which made her horribly sick)for 1 1/2 years and did not gain any weight, no matter what we did. The LDN and the diet together has been a miracle for her!
Diana,
Thank you for your input. It is so great to hear that it is helping your daughter. That much weight and height in just four months is awesome! She must feel like a new person.
-Paul
My 12 year old son has Crohn’s and has been on SCD for 1 1/2 years now with good results and started LDN 1 week ago at 1.5mg which I figure is equivalent to 3mg for an adult. I’ve been watching him closely and he has had no side effects from the LDN whatsoever. He sleeps great, no weird dreams, nothing. He is showing some small improvements in the bathroom but it’s still too early for me to definitely say it’s the LDN. I took it myself 1st for a few days to see what happened and I had vivid dreams the first night and then nothing else.
JLW,
I appreciate the input. I’m glad to hear that your son has seen good results from the SCD and hope he continues to improve on the LDN. Please let us know if you notice anything weird.
-Paul