Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN): An Integrative Option for Inflammation-Driven Mental Health Conditions
By Proventus Psychiatry
At Proventus Psychiatry, we take a comprehensive approach to mental health, often addressing complex conditions that stem from underlying sources of inflammation. These may include diet, infections, autoimmune disorders, thyroid dysfunction, chronic pain syndromes, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and more. These physical conditions frequently present with psychiatric symptoms, creating a unique challenge in psychiatric care.
One innovative treatment we offer to address these challenges is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Traditionally, higher doses of Naltrexone (50–100 mg daily) have been used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. At significantly lower doses (typically 1–5 mg), however, Naltrexone offers a different set of benefits—namely, immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects that can support improvements in mental health.
This article explores how LDN fits into integrative psychiatric care, focusing on its mechanisms of action and potential benefits for individuals with inflammatory contributors to mental health challenges.
How Low Dose Naltrexone Works
Although the exact mechanisms are still being studied, several theories explain how LDN may support psychiatric well-being:
Tachykinin Modulation: LDN may increase levels of neuropeptides known as tachykinins, which are associated with mood regulation, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Immune Modulation: LDN may help balance immune function and reduce neuroinflammation—factors often involved in psychiatric symptoms.
Metabolic Influence: It may affect brain metabolism and neurotransmitter levels, indirectly supporting mood and cognitive clarity.
Opiate Receptor Interaction: While LDN doesn’t directly stimulate opioid receptors, it appears to influence them in a way that contributes to its therapeutic effects.
LDN in Psychiatric Care
Mental health diagnoses like depression and anxiety are broad and often overly simplified. In reality, these conditions are heterogeneous—there are likely multiple subtypes, some of which may be driven by underlying inflammation. Individuals with this "inflammatory subtype" of depression or anxiety may be particularly well-suited for LDN therapy.
Depressive Disorders
LDN has been studied for its role in reducing symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). Though findings are mixed, some research suggests that individuals with inflammatory symptoms such as fatigue and anhedonia may experience relief with LDN.
Quality of Life
Beyond symptom reduction, LDN may improve overall quality of life, including better mood, sleep, energy, and social functioning—important aspects often overlooked in conventional psychiatry.
Indirect Mental Health Benefits
Because our body systems are deeply interconnected, treating physical symptoms like thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune issues, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and gastrointestinal disorders can lead to noticeable improvements in mental health. Many of our patients at Proventus Psychiatry report enhanced emotional well-being as these physical symptoms are brought under control with LDN.
Tolerability and Side Effects
LDN is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effect is vivid dreams or disrupted sleep, usually temporary. Some patients may also experience initial fatigue and need a slower dose titration. LDN is typically taken at bedtime but can be adjusted based on individual response.
Important: LDN is contraindicated in people taking opioid medications, as it blocks opioid receptors and can trigger withdrawal.
Many patients find LDN to be more tolerable than traditional antidepressants, making it a compelling option when other treatments have fallen short.
Accessing LDN
LDN requires a prescription and is dispensed by compounding pharmacies—it is not typically covered by insurance. The out-of-pocket cost is approximately $50–$60 per month.
Final Thoughts
At Proventus Psychiatry, we are committed to helping you understand and address the root causes of your mental health symptoms. We recognize the vital role that inflammation and immune dysfunction can play in psychiatric conditions and strive to offer innovative, evidence-informed treatment options like Low Dose Naltrexone.
If you're interested in a whole-person approach to your mental health—one that looks beyond symptoms and explores the physiological drivers of emotional distress—we welcome you to explore care at Proventus Psychiatry.
Ready to Begin?
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
If you're interested in learning more about LDN or other integrative treatment options:
Become a Patient at Proventus Psychiatry👉 https://proventuspsych.intakeq.com/booking
Schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward a more comprehensive, personalized mental health care experience.
