Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Gerry Letendre, RPh, MBA, CHt
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning that it blocks opioid receptors. Taken at high doses of 50mg to 100mg, it’s been used for decades to help patients addicted to opiates and/or heroine fight their addiction by blocking the “high” feeling within the brain. Additionally, Naltrexone increases endorphins, which are known to enhance immunity. How does this mechanism work? By blocking opioid receptors, the brain receives a signal that endorphins are low and begins to increase endorphin production.
Years ago, a New York physician, Dr. Bernard Bihari, discovered that low doses of Naltrexone were so effective at increasing endorphins that he began researching it to fight infections, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
Individuals with cancer, immune deficiencies, and other infections usually have lower endorphin levels. Along with endorphins, cytokines are also thought to be better modulated with low dose naltrexone therapy.
Cytokines are immune system proteins, but when in overdrive, they begin to attack the body’s own tissue. This is why many people with autoimmunity have a difficult time fighting infections. Specific cytokines have autocrine, paracrine, and/or endocrine activity and, through receptor binding, can elicit a variety of responses, depending upon the cytokine and the target cell. Among the many functions of cytokines is the control of cell proliferation and differentiation and the regulation of angiogenesis and immune and inflammatory responses.1
Low Dose Naltrexone is also thought to tamp down inflammation systemically. If left untreated, the inflammatory response can be detrimental throughout the entire body. If you are prescribed LDN, the additional benefit is that it will contribute to less inflammation. However, you will still need to address what underlying causes are contributing to your disorder, such as leaky gut.
Low dose Naltrexone is usually given in doses ranging from 0.001mg – 16mg, and it is a pure antagonist. Typical dosing is 4.5mg, but with compounded LDN, that can be easily adjusted to fit each patient’s specific needs.
Compounded Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN): Proving Beneficial for the Following:
• Depression
• Hashimoto’s
• Crohn’s Disease
• Fibromyalgia
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Lupus
• Lyme Disease
• Epstein Barr Virus
• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer
• Cardiac Issues
• Chronic Pain
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• And many more conditions
LDN is proving to be beneficial for multiple disorders. As mentioned, compounded LDN can be precisely created and dosed specifically for you. Why is this important? Compounding combines an ageless art with the latest medical knowledge and state-of-the-art technology, allowing specially trained professionals to prepare customized medications to meet each patient’s specific needs. Compounding is fundamental to the profession of pharmacy and was a standard means of providing prescription medications before drugs began to be produced in mass quantities by pharmaceutical manufacturers. The demand for professional compounding has increased as healthcare professionals, patients realize that the limited number of strengths and dosage forms that are commercially available are unable to meet the unique needs of many patients. These patients may have a better response to a customized dosage form that is “just what the doctor ordered.”
Compounding Benefits:
• Create Pure Drugs-no fillers or additives
• Unique dosages
• Combining drugs together
• Various forms: tablet, capsule, liquid, etc.
• Personalized Care
Customizing Medications
Sarasota Specialty Pharmacy and Wellness Center specializes in human and animal health. They work directly with your physician or your pet’s veterinarian to create personalized medications that are custom-tailored for each patient’s needs.
Sarasota Specialty Pharmacy:
More Than Just a Pharmacy
Sarasota Specialty Pharmacy and Wellness Center is an independent, family owned pharmacy that has served the Sarasota community for over 40 years. They specialize in meeting patient’s needs through innovative compounding. Their compounding pharmacists work with physicians, veterinarians, dentists and other health care practitioners to prepare patient specific medications. Their compounding services allow them to create formulations in unique strengths and dosage forms.
Your Options with Sarasota Specialty Pharmacy are numerous! Stop by and see them today!
References:
1. Alirezaei M, Kemball, C, Short-term fasting induces profound neuronal autophagy, Autophagy. 2010 Aug 16; 6(6): 702–710. Published online 2010 Aug 14. doi: 10.4161/auto.6.6.12376 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3106288/
Sarasota Specialty Pharmacy
Call 941.366.0880 or visit sarasotarx.com
2075 Seista Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239
