scholarly journals Low-dose naltrexone as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. e232502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Jane Bolton ◽  
Bryan Paul Chapman ◽  
Harm Van Marwijk

Naltrexone is used as an off-label treatment in low doses for several chronic immune-modulated disorders in many countries. Although only small-scale clinical trials have been performed, these suggest efficacy in several diseases including Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia and Gulf War Illness. Despite numerous internet reports of response to low-dose naltrexone (LDN), no clinical trials exist in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition is characterised by chronic profound fatigue, postexertional malaise, pain and autonomic and neurocognitive disturbances. This series of three case reports compiled by people with long-term ill-health due to chronic fatigue syndrome shows the range of responses they observed when taking LDN, from life changing to a reduction in some symptoms only. Treatment doses ranged from 4 to 12 mg. Clinical trials may be warranted to explore the potential use of naltrexone in people with these debilitating illnesses which currently have no licensed treatments available.

1996 ◽  
Vol 124 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. H. Natelson ◽  
J. Pareja ◽  
T. Policastro ◽  
J. Cheu ◽  
S. P. Ellis ◽  
...  

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1537
Author(s):  
Rachel K. Straub ◽  
Christopher M. Powers

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex multi-system disease with no cure and no FDA-approved treatment. Approximately 25% of patients are house or bedbound, and some are so severe in function that they require tube-feeding and are unable to tolerate light, sound, and human touch. The overall goal of this case report was to (1) describe how past events (e.g., chronic sinusitis, amenorrhea, tick bites, congenital neutropenia, psychogenic polydipsia, food intolerances, and hypothyroidism) may have contributed to the development of severe ME/CFS in a single patient, and (2) the extensive medical interventions that the patient has pursued in an attempt to recover, which enabled her to return to graduate school after becoming bedridden with ME/CFS 4.5 years prior. This paper aims to increase awareness of the harsh reality of ME/CFS and the potential complications following initiation of any level of intervention, some of which may be necessary for long-term healing. Treatments may induce severe paradoxical reactions (Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction) if high infectious loads are present. It is our hope that sharing this case will improve research and treatment options for ME/CFS.


2017 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 45-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthonie Janse ◽  
Stephanie Nikolaus ◽  
Jan F. Wiborg ◽  
Marianne Heins ◽  
Jos W.M. van der Meer ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 68 (9) ◽  
pp. 1028-1035 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly M. Brown ◽  
David S. Bell ◽  
Leonard A. Jason ◽  
Constance Christos ◽  
David E. Bell

JAMA ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 280 (12) ◽  
pp. 1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin McKenzie ◽  
Ann O'Fallon ◽  
Janet Dale ◽  
Mark Demitrack ◽  
Geetika Sharma ◽  
...  

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