Effects of Low Dose Naltrexone in Fibromyalgia

Summary

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) has been reported anecdotally to reduce the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, a Chronic Multisystem Illness. The drug may work by regulating natural pain-reducing systems. In this study, we will administer both LDN and placebo to a small group of individuals with Fibromyalgia and Gulf War Syndrome, both Chronic Multisymptom Illnesses, to assess the drug's efficacy in treating the condition.

Timeline

Start

2007-06

Primary completion

2010-01

Completion

2010-01

Outcome

Met primary endpoint

paper significantly greater reduction of baseline pain in those taking low-dose naltrexone than in those taking placebo (28.8% reduction versus 18.0% reduction; P = 0.016). PMID 23359310 ↗

Publications

• Younger J, Noor N, McCue R, Mackey S. Low-dose naltrexone for the treatment of fibromyalgia: findings of a small, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced, crossover trial assessing daily pain levels. Arthritis Rheum. 2013 Feb;65(2):529-38. doi: 10.1002/art.37734.

Drugs

Indications