Low Dose Naltrexone: possible use in Post COVID-19 syndrome (COVID-19 Long Haulers).

It has been brought to the attention of the global medical community, that some people who had previously tested positive for COVID-19, but are presently testing negative, continue to have some health issues that were not present before they contracted COVID-19.

The health issues include, but are not limited to: Fatigue, Decreased mental alertness, Decreased physical energy, Muscle pain and sleep problems, to name a few.

It is known that the Coronavirus, crosses into the brain, and causes the build up of chemicals which cause inflammation. The symptoms of Post COVID-19 Syndrome, are similar to some of the symptoms that manifest in another condition called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. CFS/ME is an illness that is not well understood and certainly needs more funded large clinical trials. Some patients with CFS/ME report improvements after using Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), in conjugation with other therapies.

There is currently a study being carried out at the Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, whose goal is to see if Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) when used in the early part of COVID-19, alone, or in combination with IV Ketamine in complicated cases, can assist in reducing the inflammation caused by Coronavirus infection. Participants will continue to be treated 1 month after leaving the hospital. Here is a link to the study: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04365985?cond=NCT04365985&draw=2&rank=1.

This practice has experience using LDN to manage patients with conditions ranging from Fibromyalgia and Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disorder, to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Given how LDN works as an anti-inflammatory agent on the level of the central nervous system, in addition to its analgesic properties, it is worth trying it in people who continue to have symptoms long after their COVID-19 test is negative.

LDN is not tolerated by everyone, and so there is a chance that some people may not be able to use LDN as an anti-inflammatory agent. Please note that the use of LDN has not been approved by the FDA, however its off-label use by Physicians all over the world, and the benefits reported by patients, are well documented.

Update: For residents of the U.S.A, the Department of Health and Human services has passed a law allowing Telehealth across state lines for COVID-19 related management. If you have been diagnosed, or suspect you have Post COVID-19 Syndrome, Contact our practice at 703-597-4804 for a consultation. Stay safe.