Low Dose Naltrexone side effects?

Started LDN at 4.5 mg. I had shooting pains and muscle twitches all over my body within hours of the first dose. It triggered a reoccurrence of muscle constriction that has steadily worsened. I tried dropping the dose to the minimum 1.1 mg. which did stop the shooting pains but muscle constriction continues to worsen. I didn't think LDN was supposed to have side effects. Could a herx reaction come on that quickly? Has anyone else experienced this? I hate to give up on the med. since it is supposed to aid healing. Thanks

ggmolly -

I'm new here and have been reading - this is my first post. I wanted to chime in because I think a conversation about Low-dose Naltrexone (LDN) would be beneficial.

I have been ill for years and after much research I finally went to an LLMD. I had a dozen tests run last week so I don't have results back yet but Dr was fairly well convinced by my history and symptoms to start me on intensive treatment for Bartonella and Babesia.

One of many meds I've been taking for a couple weeks now is LDN. I'm currently on 2mg and will progress to 3mg in a month and 4mg after two months. But I, too, have experienced some typical side effects according to everything I've read: sleep disturbance; muscle spasms and aches; and other heightened symptoms.

Most of what I've read suggests starting at a lower dose for weeks - perhaps a month and ramping up by .5mg over time in order to test your personal level of maximum benefit (which might be 1.1 or a lower level than most). I think it might take time to figure that out, unfortunately. From multiple sources I have read that it could take a couple months to see benefits and to get full relief from side effects and I've also read unbelievably inspiring anecdotes of vast symptom improvement and cures, in fact. Unless something significant prevents me from continuing, I hope to stick with LDN for the duration.

Info that might interest you:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110902133047.htm

Hang in there!