The Use of Low-Dose Naltrexone for Chronic Pain.

The use of low-dose naltrexone for the treatment of chronic pain is novel because it is a nonopioid alternative. Oral naltrexone in a dosage range from 1 mg to 4.5 mg is referred to as low-dose naltrexone. Low-dose naltrexone use is "off label" and has been used successfully to manage chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and dermatologic conditions. Low-dose naltrexone could be a viable treatment option for chronic pain because other agents for chronic pain, such as nonsteroidal agents, have adverse effects of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal injury, and increase a patient's risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. Additionally, low-dose naltrexone has minimal adverse effects, no drug-drug interactions, and is relatively inexpensive compared with other options for chronic pain.