THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN MEDICINE?
- Carl's Drug Store
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
Lisa had almost given up hope. For years, she battled multiple sclerosis (MS), a relentless autoimmune disease that left her exhausted, in pain, and struggling to live the life she once knew. Her doctors prescribed the usual treatments—steroids, immunosuppressants—but none of them seemed to slow the progression. Then, through an online support group, she stumbled upon something unexpected: Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Skeptical but desperate, Lisa convinced her doctor to let her try it. Within weeks, she noticed improvements. Her fatigue lessened, her pain subsided, and for the first time in years, she felt like herself again.
What Is LDN? Naltrexone was originally approved by the FDA in the 1980s to treat opioid and alcohol addition. In standard doses (50mg+), it blocks opioid receptors in the brain, preventing the effects of drugs like heroin and reducing alcohol cravings. However, in the 1980s a physician named Dr. Bernard Bihari made a surprising discovery: At much lower doses (typically 0.5mg to 4.5mg), naltrexone had a completely different effect on the body. Instead of simply blocking opioids, it appeared to modulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and enhance the body's natural production of endorphins.
Since then, LDN has been used off-label to help people with a wide range of chronic conditions. Although LDN isn't yet FDA-approved for these new uses, growing research and patient experiences suggest that it may be one of the most promising under-the-radar treatments available.
How Does LDN Work? LDN works by temporarily blocking opioid receptors. This brief blockage triggers the body to increase its production of endorphins and enkephalins, natural chemicals that regulate pain and the immune system. As a result, inflammation decreases, immune function improved, and many people experience relief from chronic conditions that have resisted conventional treatments.
What Conditions Can LDN Help With? Although research is still ongoing, people across the world are using LDN to manage conditions such as...
Autoimmune Diseases: LDN has shown promise in helping people with autoimmune disorders by balancing the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Chronic Pain Conditions: LDN's ability to increase endorphins and reduce inflammation makes it a promising option for chronic pain sufferers, including fibromyalgia and migraines.
Mental Health & Neurological Conditions: Because LDN increases endorphins, it may have potential benefits for depression/anxiety, autism, and Parkinson's.
With more research and awareness, LDN could revolutionize treatment for autoimmune disease, chronic pain, and other difficult-to-treat conditions. For Lisa, the results ere life-changing. Today, she is back to doing what she loves—hiking, spending time with family, and living without the crushing fatigue and pain that once defined her days. While LDN isn't a miracle cure, for many people, it's the best-kept secret in medicine—and it might just be the answer they've been searching for.
If you or al oved one are struggling with chronic illness, it may be worth exploring LDN. While it may not be the right fit for everyone, the growing body of evidence suggests that this small but mighty medication could offer hope where other treatments have failed.
LDN requires a prescription and a compounding pharmacy. We can provide you with information to take to your doctor and/or a list of doctor's who are already prescribing LDN.
*These statements are culmination of the knowledge and experience of the team at Carl’s Drug Store. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider with questions concerning any medical condition or treatment. Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.