Low Dose Naltrexone and Autoimmune Diseases

Dr Bernard Bihari (USA), a long advocate and prescriber of LDN has alleviated the symptoms and/or progression of Multiple Sclerosis sufferers by prescribing LDN. His groundbreaking work, began in about 1985, has resulted in a small but growing number of physicians prescribing Naltrexone to minimize both progression and symptoms of Primary or Secondary Progressive MS for their patients.

MS is not the only disease Dr Bihari has treated successfully with low doses of Naltrexone. LDN is cited as beneficial across a broad range of chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, Parkinson’s Disease, low dose naltrexone for Crohn’s Disease, low dose naltrexone for cancer, and even low dose naltrexone for Fibromalgia. If you’re wondering how these diseases are linked look no further than an errant immune system. The LDN does not actually work on any of these diseases directly. It simply improves the person’s immune system to help it fight any of these immune modulated diseases.

Due to the wonder that is the Internet, word is spreading. A maiden conference dedicated to LDN was held in New York in 2005, with a second in 2006 and at least one every year since. The one for 2009 will be held in September in Virginia, near Washington D.C.

Thousands of MS sufferers, in particular, whose symptoms or progression have been alleviated by treatment with low dose naltrexone have formed support groups and are dedicated to spreading the word. They’re striving to help fellow sufferers via information-sharing, emotional support, and fund-raising for clinical trials. I am not a doctor, so be sure to contact your physician to see if LDN is right for you.