Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is compounded naltrexone at 1.5–4.5mg — a prescribed off-label use of the FDA-approved 50mg naltrexone molecule. Compounded LDN is not FDA-approved. It is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy and requires a prescription from a licensed provider. Prescription required.
A 35-year-old molecule. A new mechanism. Low dose naltrexone works by briefly blocking opioid receptors to trigger a powerful endorphin rebound.
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) uses the FDA-approved naltrexone molecule at 1/10th the standard dose — unlocking a completely different biological mechanism. At these micro-doses (1.5–4.5mg), naltrexone briefly blocks opioid receptors during sleep, triggering compensatory upregulation of endorphins and enkephalins, while simultaneously modulating microglial activity and reducing neuroinflammation.
At Obsidian Genetics, we offer physician-supervised compounded LDN — one flat monthly price, bedtime dosing protocol guidance, and ongoing provider support built in.
Low Dose Naltrexone
What to expect over the first 3+ months.
Most patients experience the most significant benefits between weeks 4 and 12. Cumulative improvements continue through month 3 and beyond.
Low dose initiation (typically 1.5mg). Vivid dreams possible as endorphins calibrate and rebound upregulation begins.
Dose titration upward toward target (3–4.5mg). Sleep normalizes. First signs of energy and mood improvement may emerge.
Inflammation markers improving, pain threshold rising. Energy and mood shifts becoming more noticeable. GI side effects resolve.
Full therapeutic benefit — most patients notice cumulative improvement in fatigue, pain, and immune function over 3–6 months.
The mechanism, quantified.
Published research on LDN's unique immunomodulatory and neuroinflammatory pathways.
Research citations reflect published work on low-dose naltrexone mechanisms. Individual clinical outcomes vary. Compounded LDN is not FDA-approved. Prescription required.
Dual mechanism of action.
Transient Opioid Receptor Blockade & Endorphin Rebound
At bedtime, LDN briefly occupies opioid receptors for 4–6 hours, triggering the brain to compensate by upregulating endogenous endorphins and enkephalins. This rebound effect persists for hours after the drug is metabolized, supporting mood, pain threshold elevation, and improved immune tone during waking hours. The timing is critical — bedtime dosing aligns with your body's natural endorphin circadian rhythm.
Microglial Modulation & Neuroinflammation Reduction
LDN acts as a toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonist on microglial cells, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine release (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β). This dampens the neuroinflammatory cascade implicated in chronic pain, autoimmunity, post-viral fatigue, and mood dysregulation. The anti-inflammatory effect compounds over weeks, making LDN effective for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Prescribed For
Pricing
LDN Protocol Pricing
One flat rate. Physician supervision, compounded medication, and ongoing support included.
Pricing to be announced at launch.
Includes: physician consultation · compounded medication · ongoing provider support · free shipping
A complete program. One flat price.
Physician consultation & dosing
Licensed provider evaluates your health history and prescribes a custom LDN dose (typically 1.5–4.5mg) based on your condition and response.
Compounded LDN capsules
Custom-dosed compounded naltrexone capsules, taken at bedtime. Prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy and shipped directly to you.
Bedtime protocol guidance
Detailed guidance on optimal timing, what to expect in the first weeks (vivid dreams, GI adjustments), and how the mechanism works to maximize benefit.
Dose titration support
Ongoing provider support for dose adjustments as you progress through weeks 1–4. Check-ins and guidance throughout your first 3 months.
Free, discreet shipping
Fast, confidential delivery — right to your door. No surprises. No hidden subscription terms.
Safety & Considerations
Compounded naltrexone is a prescription medication. Your Obsidian Genetics provider will review your full health history before prescribing.
⚠ Important Safety Information
Do NOT use LDN if you are currently taking opioid medications or are opioid-dependent. LDN will precipitate acute opioid withdrawal. Do NOT use in chronic opioid therapy or opioid use disorder. LDN is contraindicated in opioid dependence. Your Obsidian provider must confirm opioid-free status before prescribing.
Frequently asked question
Is this the same as naltrexone used for addiction?
No. High-dose naltrexone (50mg) is FDA-approved for opioid and alcohol dependence — it blocks opioid receptors to prevent intoxication. Low-dose naltrexone (1.5–4.5mg) works via a completely different mechanism: it briefly blocks receptors during sleep, triggering a rebound upregulation of endogenous endorphins. The dose, timing, and biological mechanism are entirely different. LDN is not used for addiction.
Will it interfere with my other medications?
LDN has few drug-drug interactions. The critical exception: do NOT combine with opioid medications (will precipitate withdrawal). If you take immune-modulating drugs (biologics, DMARDs, immunosuppressants), inform your Obsidian provider — they will monitor your response and adjust as needed. Most medications are compatible with LDN. Your provider will review your full med list during your consultation.
Why do I take it at bedtime?
Bedtime dosing is critical to LDN’s mechanism. You take it at night because: (1) the 4–6 hour window of opioid receptor blockade aligns with your natural sleep cycle, (2) peak receptor blockade (2–4am) coincides with your body’s peak endorphin release window, (3) the endorphin rebound persists throughout the day after the drug is metabolized, (4) bedtime avoids side effects (vivid dreams, nausea) during waking hours. Timing is everything for LDN.
What does "low dose" mean exactly?
Low-dose naltrexone is 1.5–4.5mg per day — roughly 1/10th the FDA-approved dose of 50mg used for addiction treatment. This micro-dose is compounded by a licensed pharmacy. The low dose is essential: it’s only at these micro-doses that the opioid receptor rebounds and endorphin upregulation occur. Higher doses (50mg) block receptors completely and work via opioid antagonism, not rebound. Your provider will titrate your dose starting at 1.5mg, increasing gradually to find your optimal therapeutic dose.
How long before I notice a difference?
Week 1–2: You may notice vivid dreams or initial sleep changes — these are transient signs the mechanism is activating. Week 2–4: During dose titration, you’ll likely notice the first shifts in energy, mood, or pain perception. Month 1–2: Inflammation markers improve, pain threshold rises, sleep normalizes. Month 3+: Most patients report cumulative improvements in fatigue, pain, and immune function. Full therapeutic benefit typically emerges over 3–6 months. Patience is rewarded.
Can I take it with rapamycin or other longevity compounds?
LDN is well-compatible with most longevity and biohacking compounds — rapamycin, NAD+ precursors, resveratrol, metformin, and others. In fact, the immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects of LDN complement many longevity protocols. Always disclose your full supplement and medication list to your Obsidian provider. They will review potential synergies and any adjustments needed.
Important: Naltrexone is FDA-approved at 50mg for opioid and alcohol dependence. Low-dose naltrexone (LDN, 1.5–4.5mg) is an off-label use prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. Compounded LDN is not FDA-approved; its safety and effectiveness have not been verified by the FDA. Compounded LDN is prepared by a licensed 503B or 503A compounding pharmacy and requires a prescription. A licensed Obsidian Genetics physician will evaluate your health history and determine if LDN is appropriate for you. Research statistics and mechanism references reflect published literature on LDN and opioid receptor biology — individual outcomes vary. Do NOT use LDN if currently taking opioid medications or if opioid-dependent; it will precipitate acute withdrawal. LDN is contraindicated in opioid dependence and chronic opioid therapy. Always disclose all medications and health conditions to your provider. Results vary widely; this product is not a guarantee of therapeutic benefit.