LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) may help with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Here are some of the ways LDN may help people living with EDS:

1. Pain Relief

Many people with EDS have chronic, widespread pain that’s hard to treat. LDN works by calming overactive nerves and reducing inflammation in the nervous system, which may help decrease pain levels over time.

2. Better Sleep and Energy

Poor sleep and fatigue are common in EDS. Some people using LDN report deeper, more restful sleep and more energy during the day.

3. Improved Mental Clarity

“Brain fog” is real—and frustrating. LDN may help clear some of that fog by reducing inflammation in the brain and helping your body release more natural endorphins (feel-good chemicals). It helps with MCAS which helps reduce the brain fog.

4. Calming the Immune System

Some people with EDS also have immune-related issues, like mast cell activation or symptoms similar to autoimmune conditions. LDN can gently balance immune system activity, which may reduce flares and overall inflammation.

1.     Helps Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

LDN has shown promise of helping patients with MCAS

Is It Safe?

Yes—LDN is generally very well tolerated. Side effects, if they happen at all, are usually mild and temporary. Some people notice vivid dreams or headaches at first, but these often go away. Since it doesn’t work like opioids or steroids, it’s a safer long-term option for many patients.

However, if you're taking opioid medications, LDN can't be used at the same time, as it blocks the effects of opioids.

What Should I Know Before Starting?

• It has to be specially made: LDN isn’t available in regular pharmacies in the right dose. You’ll need a prescription from your doctor and a compounding pharmacy to make it for you.
• It starts low and slow: Most people begin at a tiny dose and increase gradually to see how their body responds.
• It may take time: Some people feel improvement within weeks, while others may need 2–3 months to notice a difference.

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1. Younger J, Mackey S.
   Fibromyalgia symptoms are reduced by low-dose naltrexone: a pilot study.
   Pain Medicine. 2009;10(4):663–672.
   https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4637.2009.00613.x
   → A small pilot study showing significant symptom reduction in fibromyalgia patients using LDN.
2. 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 & Rheumatology. 2013;65(2):529–538.
   https://doi.org/10.1002/art.37734
   → Demonstrated a 30% reduction in pain in fibromyalgia patients, suggesting LDN modulates neuroinflammation.
3. Smith JP, Stock H, Bingaman S, Mauger D, Rogosnitzky M, Zagon IS.
   Low-dose naltrexone therapy improves active Crohn's disease.
   The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2007;102(4):820–828.
   https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01110.x
   → Highlights LDN’s anti-inflammatory effects in autoimmune gastrointestinal conditions.
4. Patten DK, Schultz BG, Berlau DJ.
   The safety and efficacy of low-dose naltrexone in the management of chronic pain and inflammation.
   Journal of Pain Research. 2018;11:2589–2597.
   https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S181706
   → A review paper summarizing current evidence on LDN in chronic pain and inflammation.
5. Cree BAC, Kornyeyeva E, Goodin DS.
   Pilot trial of low-dose naltrexone and quality of life in multiple sclerosis.
   Annals of Neurology. 2010;68(2):145–150.
   https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.22006
   → Found improvements in mental health and quality of life in MS patients.
6. Younger J, Parkitny L, McLain D.
   The use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic pain.
   Clinical Rheumatology. 2014;33(4):451–459.
   https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-014-2517-2
   → A strong review of the mechanisms and potential uses of LDN in pain and inflammatory syndromes.

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