Patient Experience with Naltrexone

Of all the treatments I’ve tried for ME/CFS, low-dose naltrexone is the best in my particular case. (Remember, every ME patient is different. Consult a knowledgeable doctor before trying any treatment.) I take a nightly 3-milligram dose of the drug, which alters brain chemistry. Naltrexone is somewhat similar to the drug that’s been in the news often lately, the lifesaving naloxone, and is also taken for pain relief and (with bupropion) appetite suppression/weight loss. Within two weeks of beginning treatment, my brain fog, my most troubling symptom, was gone. My physical energy also got a boost, which allowed me to have an actual career and with less postexertional malaise.

I experience no side effects. That alone is highly unusual for me, given my history of near-disastrous results with antidepressants, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics. A final advantage of naltrexone is its cheap cost compared with some other ME treatments. I get it compounded in mid-Michigan for about a dollar a pill.

Many thanks to “Dr. Special” for allowing me to try this treatment and making sure I continue to have access to it! 
​

Naltrexone, circled, stands out from current treatments.

---

Darla Nagel is an editor and writing tutor who has an invisible chronic illness. She wants to help other patients and enlighten health care professionals about our experiences. If you’d like to receive quarterly updates from her, sign up by emailing darla.nagel{a}gmail.com.