Naltrexone Weight Loss - Webster Pharmacy

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is primarily used off-label for conditions such as chronic pain, Hoshimoto's, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and inflammation. While research is limited, some evidence and early studies suggest it may have indirect benefits for weight loss, particularly in individuals with conditions tied to inflammation or metabolic issues. Here’s how LDN might contribute to weight management:

What is Low Dose Naltrexone?

1. Appetite Control and Reduced Cravings

• LDN appears to modulate opioid receptors, which may help control cravings and emotional eating by influencing reward pathways related to food.

2. Improved Insulin Sensitivity

• Some research indicates that LDN may improve insulin sensitivity, which can be beneficial for people struggling with weight due to insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome.

3. Reduced Inflammation

• Chronic inflammation is linked to obesity and metabolic issues. LDN has shown promise in reducing inflammation, which might indirectly support weight loss efforts, especially in patients with obesity-related inflammatory conditions.

4. Sleep and Mood Enhancement

• LDN can sometimes improve sleep quality and mood, both of which are important for maintaining a healthy weight. Poor sleep and high stress can contribute to weight gain.

Current Evidence and Limitations

• While some individuals report weight loss benefits, scientific evidence on LDN’s efficacy for weight loss is limited, and it’s not commonly prescribed for this purpose alone. But it has been used in combination with Buproprion. This combination is known as Contrave. 
• More clinical trials are needed to confirm how and to what extent LDN might impact weight directly or indirectly.

If considering LDN for weight loss, consulting a healthcare provider, particularly one familiar with LDN and metabolic health, is advisable to assess whether it might be beneficial in your specific case.

If you don't know what (LDN) Low Dose Naltrexone you can read this article, by clicking here. 

So how does it work?

Current science believes that it works in our brain and on hour hormones.

It is believed that naltrexone has an effect on the area of the brain involved with regulating appetite.  Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation. It is thought that by decreasing the release of dopamine, naltrexone may reduce the desire to overeat. Furthermore, it could be effective in helping with anxiety or depression.

Taking naltrexone may reduce a persons' appetite and lead a person to eat less.  Naltrexone may do this by affecting the release of certain hormones that play a role in appetite and metabolism, such as ghrelin and leptin. 

Who can benefit from naltrexone for weight loss? 

Depending on the dose, naltrexone has been shown to reduce weight by 4-8 pounds per month. When combined with other medications like Wellbutrin it can cause even more weight loss. The dose required with Wellbutrin is lower than the dose shown to cause an 8 pound weight loss. Naltrexone shouldn't replace diet and exercising for weight loss, but it could be beneficial for the right person.

There are some side effects to using naltrexone so it is important to talk to your pharmacist about these as they can be minimized or avoided. 

What are the potential side effects of using naltrexone? 

There are some side effects associated with this medication. In a 2017 study, 22% of test subjects chose to leave the study due to the side effects of naltrexone. The most commonly reported issue was gastrointestinal upset and nausea. Some people also had anxiety, headaches, insomnia, or dizziness.

Those who take very high doses may be more susceptible to liver damage. In most patients, side effects were strongest right when they started using the medication and calmed down over time. No research indicates that there is a risk associated with long-term naltrexone use. Though all of these side effects can sound concerning, it’s important to keep in mind that naltrexone is still a very safe medication. Extensive reviews were conducted before the FDA approved it, and there is no evidence that it causes serious side effects. While some patients might have minor issues like nausea, naltrexone doesn’t cause dangerous issues like heart failure or strokes.  

In fact, in a 2019 research report found that patients who took naltrexone actually reported less serious health problems than patients who took a placebo medication instead. For most people who are ill enough to need naltrexone, the benefits will outweigh the risks. Dealing with minor side effects is often safer than continuing to live with obesity or a substance use disorder.  

Is it safe and effective:  

Yes according to this article on the NIH's website.  In meta analysis and in over 10 clinical studies,  the combination of wellbutrin and naltrexone is safe and effective. 

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