To assess the efficacy of low dose naltrexone (LDN) in managing fibromyalgia symptoms and to evaluate associated health benefits and side effects.
Approach:
Study Design: Retrospective chart review of patients prescribed LDN for fibromyalgia at two integrative health clinics over a 2-year period.
Patient Selection: Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to American College of Rheumatology criteria were included; those prescribed LDN for other diagnoses were excluded.
Outcome Measures: Primary outcome was pain relief measured on a 0–10 numerical rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included other health benefits and side effects.
Key Findings:
Of 10 patients, LDN provided substantial pain relief for 8 patients (average pain reduction of −4.7/10, p < 0.001).
Reported health benefits included improved quality of life (6 patients), reduced pain flares (5 patients), improved sleep (4 patients), and improved cognitive functioning (2 patients).
Four patients were able to cease other pain medications while on LDN.
Side effects included increased pain, vivid dreams, insomnia, and irritability; two patients discontinued LDN due to increased pain.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
Small sample size of 10 patients limits generalizability.
Retrospective design may introduce bias in reporting outcomes.
