Is low-dose naltrexone effective in chronic pain management?

J Fam Pract. 2023 Sep;72(7):320-321. doi: 10.12788/jfp.0654.

Abstract

YES. Low-dose naltrexone is as effective as amitriptyline in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy and has a superior safety profile (strength of recommendation [SOR], B; single randomized controlled trial [RCT]). Low-dose naltrexone significantly reduced pain by 32% in inflammatory conditions and 44% in neuropathic conditions (SOR, B; single retrospective cohort study). Doses as low as 5.4 mg were found to reduce pain in 95% of patients with fibromyalgia (SOR, B; single prospective dose-response study).

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Amitriptyline
  • Fibromyalgia* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Naltrexone* / therapeutic use
  • Pain
  • Pain Management

Substances

  • Naltrexone
  • Amitriptyline