How long does LDN take to work?

[Guest guest]

I got a prescription for LDN from my doctor, who is very open-minded.

I have Crohn's Disease. I'm wondering how long of a trial I need to

give LDN before I know whether it works or not. I've been on it for 9

days and have had sleep difficulties, but other than that I haven't

noticed anything.

I started at 1.25 mg before bed for the first week, then I went up to

2.5 mg the last two days. I am planning to build up to 3.5 mg next

week assuming the insomnia isn't too bad.

Once I get up to the 3.5 mg dosage, how long should I stay on that

before I know one way or the other whether it works?

Thanks,

Chris

[Guest guest]

Hi

For people with MS, the recommended dosage is 1.5 mg for one month, 3 mg for the

next month, and then 4.5 mg. The graded increase is based upon the tendency of

LDN to initially worsen MS-related symptoms (especially spasticity). For most

other conditions, the recommended dosage is 4.5 mg at the outset.

Some people notice improvements within a matter of days. In other cases, it may

take as much a six to nine months to reap the full benefit of LDN.

All the best,

Dudley

[low dose naltrexone] How long does LDN take to work?

I got a prescription for LDN from my doctor, who is very open-minded.

I have Crohn's Disease. I'm wondering how long of a trial I need to

give LDN before I know whether it works or not. I've been on it for 9

days and have had sleep difficulties, but other than that I haven't

noticed anything.

I started at 1.25 mg before bed for the first week, then I went up to

2.5 mg the last two days. I am planning to build up to 3.5 mg next

week assuming the insomnia isn't too bad.

Once I get up to the 3.5 mg dosage, how long should I stay on that

before I know one way or the other whether it works?

Thanks,

Chris

[Guest guest]

Hi

I have MS and have been on 3mg of LDN for the past month. I'm moving

up to 4.5mg today. I'm a little nervous about it, because I also have

significant sleep difficulties and I figure that when I bump up to the

4.5 tonite, it may get worse. I take 2 Benadryl every night and that

helps sometimes, but when it's really tough, I take 2 Tylenol PMs and

that does the trick for sure!

Do you know about the Crohn's study that they're taking volunteers for

in PA right now? You might consider calling to get in on that! Free

drugs, doctor's appts, etc. I know the info. is floating around here

somewhere, if you don't already have it, we'll make sure you get it, if

you'd like to participate in the study!

>

> I got a prescription for LDN from my doctor, who is very open-minded.

> I have Crohn's Disease. I'm wondering how long of a trial I need to

> give LDN before I know whether it works or not. I've been on it for 9

> days and have had sleep difficulties, but other than that I haven't

> noticed anything.

>

> I started at 1.25 mg before bed for the first week, then I went up to

> 2.5 mg the last two days. I am planning to build up to 3.5 mg next

> week assuming the insomnia isn't too bad.

>

> Once I get up to the 3.5 mg dosage, how long should I stay on that

> before I know one way or the other whether it works?

>

> Thanks,

> Chris

>

[Guest guest]

I've got Crohn's as well. I startet at 3 mg, and had that for

14 days, then increased to 4.5 mg. I didn't get any increased

side effects. The side effects I have is that I am tired and still

need a nap around 3-4 pm. Sometimes I wake up an hour earlier

than planned, this could be a sideeffect. Had some warm flushes the first

weeks, too.

That's all. You actually don't have to start at such low doses

as you do, it's only the folks on LDN and MS that have to ïncrease

slowly/gradually. At the Crohn's investigation (Jill s,Penn States)

all the volunteers startet at 4.5 mg immediately.

I was very lucky with my LDN. The day after I startet I felt better.

The pain went slowly away, and the diarrhea disappeared at once.

I have mild Crohn's I think. But I had regularly obstruction, vomiting and cramps.

This is also gone now. I can feel some seconds of pain if I have been eating

some vegetables which I have forgotten to cook to death. But that's all. I also had

severe fatique before I startet on LDN. Now I just need a short nap, and

I am natural tired by bed time. Good luck, let me hear how you are doing! Ingrid

[low dose naltrexone] How long does LDN take to work?I got a prescription for LDN from my doctor, who is very open-minded.I have Crohn's Disease. I'm wondering how long of a trial I need togive LDN before I know whether it works or not. I've been on it for 9days and have had sleep difficulties, but other than that I haven'tnoticed anything. I started at 1.25 mg before bed for the first week, then I went up to2.5 mg the last two days. I am planning to build up to 3.5 mg nextweek assuming the insomnia isn't too bad. Once I get up to the 3.5 mg dosage, how long should I stay on thatbefore I know one way or the other whether it

works?Thanks,Chris

[Guest guest]

Wonderful news, Ingrid; it is SO good to read people's healings

on LDN!

I hope soon you can eat raw veggies too, they have so many

vitamins and gentle digestive enzymes that are so healthy for us.

Just chew extra well, or if you cannot then blend them.

Best health,

Jo

Gunn Dybfest wrote:

I've got Crohn's as well. ... The day after I startet [LDN] I

felt better.

The pain went slowly away, and the diarrhea disappeared at once.

.... I had regularly obstruction, vomiting and cramps.

This is also gone now. I can feel some seconds of pain if I have

been eating

some vegetables which I have forgotten to cook to death. But

that's all. I also had

severe fatique before I startet on LDN. Now I just need a short

nap, and

I am natural tired by bed time. ...

Ingrid

[Guest guest]

Hi Ingrid,

multiple responses to follow -

>>> The side effects I have is that I am tired and still

> need a nap around 3-4 pm.

Have you tried glutamine powder?

>>> I was very lucky with my LDN. The day after I startet I felt

better.

> The pain went slowly away, and the diarrhea disappeared at once.

It's wonderful to hear the LDN is working so well for you!

Please keep us updated, if you can.

Thanks,

Alana

[Guest guest]

There is no set number of days that it takes for ldn to work. The gold standard we use is "sleep disturbances." If you are getting the sleep disturbances than you are getting the ldn into your system and it should be working. After that its all up to your body and the specific dysfunction.

Dr. Skip

In a message dated 6/18/2008 2:19:59 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, emailit2004@... writes:

I would like to know how long it takes before results are seen?Do you need to take it a certain number of days before you know if its going to work? Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars.

[Guest guest]

>

> I would like to know how long it takes before results are seen?

> Do you need to take it a certain number of days before you know if

> its going to work?

>

*********************************

I belive it depends on what you are taking LDN for. What are you

taking LDN to treat?

I am treating Crohn's / Colitis and I got relief from symptoms the

first day. Each day got better and better and now at 3 1/2 months, I

can really feel the difference. I know that LDN is working for me!

I believe it is different if you are treating MS or something else

and I can not speak about that because I don't have MS.

Best of luck to you!

Patti (a/k/a livinwithcrohns)

*dx Crohn's - June 1978

*surgery - Dec. 2002 - Ileocolectomy/resection

*dx Crohn's/Colitis/Acid Reflux - Feb. 2005 (2006)

*4.5 mg LDN user since March 2008

" History is made by those who do not go blindly into the night... "

[ L. Ware, Private Investigator - 5/14/08 The Daily Advisor]

[Guest guest]

Skip just posted an interesting comment -- if I understand him correctly, if you are getting sleep disturbances, it is highly suggestive that you are absorbing LDN and will more likely see therapeutic benefit. So, conversely, if you do not experience sleep disturbances, this view infers that you are not properly absorbing LDN and it is not working for you.

My story is a mixed bag, so not sure what to make of it. I have been on LDN for 4 1/2 months for MS (diagnosed 1978). I did not experience sleep disturbances, but have had some positive benefits with my vision and bladder, and my resting heart rate has decreased (which is a sign that my body is under less stress). However, my walking has not seen much improvement, since I continue to have significant leg stiffness/ spasticity, and it is hard to determine if it is a side effect of LDN or if it is my baseline spasticity worsening somewhat. I will add that, after 30 years with MS the walking is the most difficult part of my disease, and I am still able to walk without a cane most of the time (albeit with less stability and speed than I'd like thanks to the tremendous stiffness).

What would Skip and other experienced readers say about my situation? Are there others who have seen therapeutic benefit without the sleep disturbances in the beginning? Is there still a possibility that I may see some lessening of the spasticity? I have been hearing "wait 6-9 months before you conclude that LDN is not helping", and that the leg stiffness will decrease over time.

Clearly, I am hoping for the best, and will hang in there. But Skip's comment has made me wonder if I am absorbing LDN as I should be. And if I am not, how can I improve absorption?

(I am already on a gluten free, sugar free, "Best Bet" diet, and have been for a long time, swim and bike regularly, stretch, etc.)

Thanks in advance!

[Guest guest]

Hello .

I have MS (4 years), 2 years ago it strarted walking problems ( very difficult to walk now).

I do my injection Avonex for 3 years.

I tried baklofen but it didn't work and I stoped it.

I take LDN for 1 week ( 4.5 mg and I found more switching at night). My symptoms are the same , noghting changed (maybe I take LDN just 1 week and I need more time) . I don't know. I ordered 3 mg and I think it will come tomorrow. What kind ot LDN do you take?

( how many MG?)

Do you take Avonex or copaxcone? or you stoped to do your injection?

Thank you,

Svetlana

From: JEFFREY ADAMS <jadamsco@...>Subject: [low dose naltrexone] Re: how long does ldn take to work?low dose naltrexone Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 8:22 PM

Skip just posted an interesting comment -- if I understand him correctly, if you are getting sleep disturbances, it is highly suggestive that you are absorbing LDN and will more likely see therapeutic benefit. So, conversely, if you do not experience sleep disturbances, this view infers that you are not properly absorbing LDN and it is not working for you.

My story is a mixed bag, so not sure what to make of it. I have been on LDN for 4 1/2 months for MS (diagnosed 1978). I did not experience sleep disturbances, but have had some positive benefits with my vision and bladder, and my resting heart rate has decreased (which is a sign that my body is under less stress). However, my walking has not seen much improvement, since I continue to have significant leg stiffness/ spasticity, and it is hard to determine if it is a side effect of LDN or if it is my baseline spasticity worsening somewhat. I will add that, after 30 years with MS the walking is the most difficult part of my disease, and I am still able to walk without a cane most of the time (albeit with less stability and speed than I'd like thanks to the tremendous stiffness).

What would Skip and other experienced readers say about my situation? Are there others who have seen therapeutic benefit without the sleep disturbances in the beginning? Is there still a possibility that I may see some lessening of the spasticity? I have been hearing "wait 6-9 months before you conclude that LDN is not helping", and that the leg stiffness will decrease over time.

Clearly, I am hoping for the best, and will hang in there. But Skip's comment has made me wonder if I am absorbing LDN as I should be. And if I am not, how can I improve absorption?

(I am already on a gluten free, sugar free, "Best Bet" diet, and have been for a long time, swim and bike regularly, stretch, etc.)

Thanks in advance!

[Guest guest]

Some taking LDN experience sleep disturbance in varying degrees, some

not. I didn't. Some have vivid dreams, some not. I still have vivid

dreams, which aren't unpleasant. Not doubting Skip, but I think it's

an individual thing. If disease progression is slowed/halted, that's

all that matters. Symptom improvement is a bonus not everyone

experience's.

Most of the online MS'ers I know who use LDN still have spasticity.

LDN does nothing to reduce this, IMO, and in fact may contribute to

the problem. Dr. Gluck's website advises those with MS who have a

PROBLEM with spasticity lower their LDN dose to 3.0mgs. You can

always try epsom salt baths and magnesium tea for the stiffness.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is 'supposed' to help, too, which is why I take it.

Although I feel my MS has stopped progressing, I believe I started

LDN too late before incurring permanent neurological damage. Many

years were wasted on the CRAB/Novantrone meds.

Art

19 years with MS

Over 3 years on 4.5 mgs LDN

My MS/LDN story:

http://tinyurl.com/5tcp6r

--

>

> Skip just posted an interesting comment -- if I understand him

correctly, if you are getting sleep disturbances, it is highly

suggestive that you are absorbing LDN and will more likely see

therapeutic benefit. So, conversely, if you do not experience sleep

disturbances, this view infers that you are not properly absorbing

LDN and it is not working for you.

>

> My story is a mixed bag, so not sure what to make of it. I have

been on LDN for 4 1/2 months for MS (diagnosed 1978). I did not

experience sleep disturbances, but have had some positive benefits

with my vision and bladder, and my resting heart rate has decreased

(which is a sign that my body is under less stress). However, my

walking has not seen much improvement, since I continue to have

significant leg stiffness/ spasticity, and it is hard to determine if

it is a side effect of LDN or if it is my baseline spasticity

worsening somewhat. I will add that, after 30 years with MS the

walking is the most difficult part of my disease, and I am still able

to walk without a cane most of the time (albeit with less stability

and speed than I'd like thanks to the tremendous stiffness).

>

> What would Skip and other experienced readers say about my

situation? Are there others who have seen therapeutic benefit

without the sleep disturbances in the beginning? Is there still a

possibility that I may see some lessening of the spasticity? I have

been hearing " wait 6-9 months before you conclude that LDN is not

helping " , and that the leg stiffness will decrease over time.

>

> Clearly, I am hoping for the best, and will hang in there. But

Skip's comment has made me wonder if I am absorbing LDN as I should

be. And if I am not, how can I improve absorption?

>

> (I am already on a gluten free, sugar free, " Best Bet " diet, and

have been for a long time, swim and bike regularly, stretch, etc.)

>

> Thanks in advance!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Don't take LDN at the same time as the Avonex, they will not work together.

[low dose naltrexone] Re: how long does ldn take to work?low dose naltrexone Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 8:22 PM

Skip just posted an interesting comment -- if I understand him correctly, if you are getting sleep disturbances, it is highly suggestive that you are absorbing LDN and will more likely see therapeutic benefit. So, conversely, if you do not experience sleep disturbances, this view infers that you are not properly absorbing LDN and it is not working for you.

My story is a mixed bag, so not sure what to make of it. I have been on LDN for 4 1/2 months for MS (diagnosed 1978). I did not experience sleep disturbances, but have had some positive benefits with my vision and bladder, and my resting heart rate has decreased (which is a sign that my body is under less stress). However, my walking has not seen much improvement, since I continue to have significant leg stiffness/ spasticity, and it is hard to determine if it is a side effect of LDN or if it is my baseline spasticity worsening somewhat. I will add that, after 30 years with MS the walking is the most difficult part of my disease, and I am still able to walk without a cane most of the time (albeit with less stability and speed than I'd like thanks to the tremendous stiffness).

What would Skip and other experienced readers say about my situation? Are there others who have seen therapeutic benefit without the sleep disturbances in the beginning? Is there still a possibility that I may see some lessening of the spasticity? I have been hearing "wait 6-9 months before you conclude that LDN is not helping", and that the leg stiffness will decrease over time.

Clearly, I am hoping for the best, and will hang in there. But Skip's comment has made me wonder if I am absorbing LDN as I should be. And if I am not, how can I improve absorption?

(I am already on a gluten free, sugar free, "Best Bet" diet, and have been for a long time, swim and bike regularly, stretch, etc.)

Thanks in advance!

[Guest guest]

When i started LDN i stoped to do my injection ( Avonex)

From: JEFFREY ADAMS <jadamscomsn (DOT) com>Subject: [low dose naltrexone] Re: how long does ldn take to work?low dose naltrexoneDate: Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 8:22 PM

Skip just posted an interesting comment -- if I understand him correctly, if you are getting sleep disturbances, it is highly suggestive that you are absorbing LDN and will more likely see therapeutic benefit. So, conversely, if you do not experience sleep disturbances, this view infers that you are not properly absorbing LDN and it is not working for you.

My story is a mixed bag, so not sure what to make of it. I have been on LDN for 4 1/2 months for MS (diagnosed 1978). I did not experience sleep disturbances, but have had some positive benefits with my vision and bladder, and my resting heart rate has decreased (which is a sign that my body is under less stress). However, my walking has not seen much improvement, since I continue to have significant leg stiffness/ spasticity, and it is hard to determine if it is a side effect of LDN or if it is my baseline spasticity worsening somewhat. I will add that, after 30 years with MS the walking is the most difficult part of my disease, and I am still able to walk without a cane most of the time (albeit with less stability and speed than I'd like thanks to the tremendous stiffness).

What would Skip and other experienced readers say about my situation? Are there others who have seen therapeutic benefit without the sleep disturbances in the beginning? Is there still a possibility that I may see some lessening of the spasticity? I have been hearing "wait 6-9 months before you conclude that LDN is not helping", and that the leg stiffness will decrease over time.

Clearly, I am hoping for the best, and will hang in there. But Skip's comment has made me wonder if I am absorbing LDN as I should be. And if I am not, how can I improve absorption?

(I am already on a gluten free, sugar free, "Best Bet" diet, and have been for a long time, swim and bike regularly, stretch, etc.)

Thanks in advance!

[Guest guest]

Very good. I was not sure from what you had written, so I was worried about you. I am glad you stopped taking the avonex. Aletha

[low dose naltrexone] Re: how long does ldn take to work?low dose naltrexoneDate: Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 8:22 PM

Skip just posted an interesting comment -- if I understand him correctly, if you are getting sleep disturbances, it is highly suggestive that you are absorbing LDN and will more likely see therapeutic benefit. So, conversely, if you do not experience sleep disturbances, this view infers that you are not properly absorbing LDN and it is not working for you.

My story is a mixed bag, so not sure what to make of it. I have been on LDN for 4 1/2 months for MS (diagnosed 1978). I did not experience sleep disturbances, but have had some positive benefits with my vision and bladder, and my resting heart rate has decreased (which is a sign that my body is under less stress). However, my walking has not seen much improvement, since I continue to have significant leg stiffness/ spasticity, and it is hard to determine if it is a side effect of LDN or if it is my baseline spasticity worsening somewhat. I will add that, after 30 years with MS the walking is the most difficult part of my disease, and I am still able to walk without a cane most of the time (albeit with less stability and speed than I'd like thanks to the tremendous stiffness).

What would Skip and other experienced readers say about my situation? Are there others who have seen therapeutic benefit without the sleep disturbances in the beginning? Is there still a possibility that I may see some lessening of the spasticity? I have been hearing "wait 6-9 months before you conclude that LDN is not helping", and that the leg stiffness will decrease over time.

Clearly, I am hoping for the best, and will hang in there. But Skip's comment has made me wonder if I am absorbing LDN as I should be. And if I am not, how can I improve absorption?

(I am already on a gluten free, sugar free, "Best Bet" diet, and have been for a long time, swim and bike regularly, stretch, etc.)

Thanks in advance!

[Guest guest]

- You may not experience " results " except no progression or, slowing

down of symptoms. I have not seen or heard of anyone getting out of

a wheelchair but, I guess it can happen. I'm happy with the

stopping, slowing down of MS. Have you read the LDN website? It

would answer most of your questions.

-- In low dose naltrexone , " Art " <rtee54@...> wrote:

>

> I guess it depends what you're taking it for. Seems those with

Crohn's

> Disease see positive results fairly quickly. I have MS and am

happy

> disease progression has slowed/halted. Not everyone's experiences

> symptom relief, this is considered a bonus.

>

> Art

> --

>

>

> >

> > I would like to know how long it takes before results are seen?

> > Do you need to take it a certain number of days before you know

if

> > its going to work?

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I started on LDN last Friday , although it took me about six months to get someone to prescribe it for me. My intern finally did , since I have got to try to get off the Prednisone being on it for such a long time. I have Crohn's and have went all the way to Washington University to obstain LDN but was turned down there also. So I was in shock when my own doctor who considers me a hard head agreed to give me a 5mg dose of Naltrexone.

I have been reading about this from new releases the last 6 months and only found this group this last weekend.

My results have been fantastic. I have dropped down the Prednisone several mil. and have been sleeping good. Lots of energy, even took a 1/2 mile hike this last weekend. The pain has lessened and I have stopped my anti depressants.

I am seeing immediate results and feel like I will get alot better. I have been on Humira, Immuran, Cipro, Flagyl, Pentasa and others. I have been hospitalized 4 times in the last year and a half. I have had breast cancer and had a bileral massectomy also.Nothing has worked for the Crohns since my stress levels have remained high.. I have been adament with my doctors that I didn't want to suppress my immune system but boost it so I was immediately interested in LDN. Seems like I have found the drug for me. Hope this gives others encouragement to try. I realize that not everyone will have the same results. Hope is so important when you are facing a really difficult illness. Thanks for all your help, BeckyP.S Since I am an herbalist, if I do have problems with sleep, I will try the valerian which I have good results with and the MSM for any hair loss.

From: Gunn Dybfest <gunn.ingrid@...>Subject: Re: [low dose naltrexone] Re: how long does ldn take to work?low dose naltrexone Date: Monday, June 23, 2008, 1:08 PM

I had sleep disturbances the first 4 months on LDN. On the other hand; this could as well come from the disease itself. Since I have Crohns disease I will have a lack of B 12 amongst other vitamines / minerals, - which often leads to tiredness. So I am not sure if LDN is to blame.

A friend of mine did not get sleep disturbances, but LDN helped her getting rid of her disease activity from the first day (as it did for me), she had a terrible and constant headache due to inflammation in veins of the head (arteritis temporalis), and she has been pain free since she started using LDN. She also got increased energy level as well. Ingrid

[low dose naltrexone] Re: how long does ldn take to work?

Skip just posted an interesting comment -- if I understand him correctly, if you are getting sleep disturbances, it is highly suggestive that you are absorbing LDN and will more likely see therapeutic benefit. So, conversely, if you do not experience sleep disturbances, this view infers that you are not properly absorbing LDN and it is not working for you.

My story is a mixed bag, so not sure what to make of it. I have been on LDN for 4 1/2 months for MS (diagnosed 1978). I did not experience sleep disturbances, but have had some positive benefits with my vision and bladder, and my resting heart rate has decreased (which is a sign that my body is under less stress). However, my walking has not seen much improvement, since I continue to have significant leg stiffness/ spasticity, and it is hard to determine if it is a side effect of LDN or if it is my baseline spasticity worsening somewhat. I will add that, after 30 years with MS the walking is the most difficult part of my disease, and I am still able to walk without a cane most of the time (albeit with less stability and speed than I'd like thanks to the tremendous stiffness).

What would Skip and other experienced readers say about my situation? Are there others who have seen therapeutic benefit without the sleep disturbances in the beginning? Is there still a possibility that I may see some lessening of the spasticity? I have been hearing "wait 6-9 months before you conclude that LDN is not helping", and that the leg stiffness will decrease over time.

Clearly, I am hoping for the best, and will hang in there. But Skip's comment has made me wonder if I am absorbing LDN as I should be. And if I am not, how can I improve absorption?

(I am already on a gluten free, sugar free, "Best Bet" diet, and have been for a long time, swim and bike regularly, stretch, etc.)

Thanks in advance!

[Guest guest]

...I'm not so sure LDN cures Crohns......I think it works as it does to MS -

as long as you use it....it improves Crohns.... if you stop...the active disease is back...

Ingrid

Re: [low dose naltrexone] Re: how long does ldn take to work?Depends on what condition you have and your individual body. Remember also that the aim of LDN is only to slow or stop progression, so any actual improvement is a bonus! Therefore depending on your condition and current rate of progression you may not notice anything for ages until you (hopefully) realise your progression has slowed.Some people with Crohn's only need to take it for a few months till they are cured and don't need it again.PS Like anything, it doesn't necessarily work for everyone!In low dose naltrexone , "emailit2004" <emailit2004@...> wrote:> I would like to know how long it takes before results are seen?> Do you need to take it a certain number of days before you know if > its going to work?> ------------------------------------