I'm trying to decide between this and amitriptyline. This seems to have way less side effects.
Is low dose naltrexone effective for pain, anxiety, and sleep?
Question posted by reneegavin on 8 Aug 2022
Last updated on 26 October 2022
This question has also been asked and answered here: What is low dose naltrexone (LDN)?
3 Answers
WildcatVet
26 Oct 2022
Missy1315
26 Oct 2022
If it was me, I would start with a Low Dose Naltrexone trial first. It’s a very safe medication and works wonders for many people. I took it for two years for chronic pain and insomnia. It made me sleep like a baby, that part was fantastic! But I had to start at a very low dose (0.5mg) and work my way up slowly because I was also sleeping on the job, not good. The highest dose I took was 1.5mg. Eventually I stopped taking it because of the persistent sleepiness; but from what I understand, most people don’t experience this sleepiness like I did. And you don’t gain weight on Low Dose Naltrexone, which is an advantage for many people.
Elavil (amitriptyline) has a long list of potential side effects and is notorious for rapid weight gain, in addition to persistent drowsiness. I’m currently trialing a low dose of this medication, it’s ok so far but I haven’t taken it long enough to experience weight gain. It does give me dry mouth, a weird metallic taste in the mouth, and annoying headaches. Also I feel pretty apathetic, like I’m detached from everything. And I’m not sleeping much better so far.
reneegavin
26 Oct 2022
Thank you! I actually will be picking up my script today. I will also be starting at 5 mg. What time of day did you take yours to help you with sleep?
Gereatric70
8 Aug 2022
Hi reneegavin, Do not know your age, but I was on amitriptyline at the age of 55 and did not care for it. But we are all different. Any way i am now on 25mg of hydroxyzine for sleep and anxiety at age 70 this works good for me and is safe, can be taken during the day and increased as needed. talk to your doctor. Good luck and hope this helps.
Related topics
anxiety, pain, sleep disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, amitriptyline, naltrexone, side effect, sleep, dosage, sleep disorder
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