Low-dose naltrexone shows promise for long COVID

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In print

Mental health

Low-dose naltrexone shows promise for long COVID

11 September 2024

David Codyre

Wednesday 11 September 2024, 12:30 AM

“Mary’s” severe fatigue, low mood and brain fog had not abated since having COVID-19 four months ago [Image: SHVETS production on Pexels]

Psychiatrist David Codyre reviews the growing evidence for low-dose naltrexone in the treatment of functional syndromes such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and long COVID

Key points, In low doses (typically 3–4.5mg daily), naltrexone appears to modulate neuroinflammation and increase endorphin production, resulting in improved immu, Pract Green w Pale Yellow

COVID-19

References

1. Toljan K, Vrooman B. Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) – review of therapeutic utilization. Med Sci (Basel) 2018;6(4):82.

2. Hatfield E, Phillips K, Swidan S, et al Use of low-dose naltrexone in the management of chronic pain conditions: A systematic review. J Am Dent Assoc 2020;151(12):891–902.e1.

3. Lie MRKL, van der Giessen J, Fuhler GM, et al. Low dose naltrexone for induction of remission in inflammatory bowel disease patients. J Transl Med 2018;16(1):55.

4. O’Kelly B, Vidal L, McHugh T, et al. Safety and efficacy of low dose naltrexone in a long covid cohort; an interventional pre-post study. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022;24:100485.

How to Treat

+How to treat

For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews

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