Among current low-dose oral medication, weight loss is perhaps one that people can take advantage of. Even though naltrexone is mainly utilized for alcohol and opiate addiction treatment, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has shown promise in aiding patients to shed unwanted pounds. Like other medications in this class, such as Methadone and Suboxone, LDM-2 works by suppressing appetite and regulating appetite. However, the mechanism is significantly different from other drugs in this class. As a result, the benefits associated with this type of drug for weight loss are more limited than with other forms of treatment.
The primary benefit of low doses of naltrexone for weight loss therapy is an increase in energy. This effect is most notable when taking the drug combined with physical activity. As weight-loss therapy is aimed at reducing one’s consumption of calories, increased energy is seen as a positive result. However, for some individuals, increased energy may also translate into an increase in fat mass rather than decreased weight. As a result, it is important to carefully consider whether weight loss therapy combined with physical activity will have a greater or lesser effect on one’s weight compared to when the drug is taken alone. Also, in some cases, the combination of the two may create a toxic condition known as hypoglycemia, which could be life threatening.
Another positive benefit associated with naltrexone for weight loss therapy is an increase in metabolism. At higher doses, naltrexone increases the rate at which calories are burned off as they are converted to fat. In effect, the drug acts as a metabolism booster. While this effect is most apparent in obese patients who have difficulty burning calories, it is important to note that naltrexone also has been shown to improve the burning of calories when people are under intense physical stress such as exercise, medical treatments and certain medications.
Naltrexone may cause some unwanted side effects at higher doses, such as restlessness, anxiety, tremors, nausea and depression. Individuals who are undergoing this type of weight loss therapy should be sure to disclose all relevant information to their doctor prior to beginning a course of naltrexone. Taking the drug with other medications such as anti-depressants may cause adverse interactions. Also, naltrexone should not be taken with any other drugs that affect nor increase the amount of insulin in the body such as diabetes medications, diet aids, anti-seizure medications, corticosteroids, blood thinners, oral contraceptives and other prescription drugs.
It should be noted that naltrexone can prevent the onset of withdrawal when quitting heroin or alcohol addiction. When the opiate receptors in the brain are reduced, the person does not crave for the substance the way it used to, but instead craves a ”kick” like the person used to when using the substance. This difference does not mean that people using naltrexone for weight loss will not have cravings for these substances. When the receptors are reduced, the brain has no response and does not feel the urge to indulge in the substance. Some people do have cravings and they report feeling ”high” or euphoric while taking naltrexone. In other words, these people may feel as though they are ”high” even though they are not.
Although naltrexone for weight loss therapy appears to help people who are struggling to lose unwanted body mass, it should always be taken with other forms of therapy and with the proper health safeguards in place. If you are someone who is struggling to lose weight, do not self-medicate with naltrexone. Please consult your doctor before starting any new weight loss or appetite suppressant program. This preventive measure will help ensure optimal success and a safe and healthy long term outcome. By remaining educate and conscious, you will be able to keep your health and your body fat within healthy limits.