From the FDA Drug Label
Among opioid free individuals, naltrexone hydrochloride administration at the recommended dose has not been associated with a predictable profile of serious adverse or untoward events A number of alternative dosing patterns have been recommended to try to reduce the frequency of these complaints The following adverse reactions have been reported both at baseline and during the naltrexone hydrochloride clinical trials in opioid addiction at an incidence rate of more than 10%: ... joint and muscle pain Musculoskeletal: Painful shoulders, legs or knees; tremors, twitching.
The FDA drug label does mention muscle pain as an adverse reaction, but it does not specifically mention muscle cramps and spasm in the upper cervical region. However, it does mention joint and muscle pain and tremors, twitching as possible adverse reactions.
- Key points:
- Naltrexone may cause muscle pain.
- Naltrexone may cause joint pain.
- Naltrexone may cause tremors and twitching. Given the information available, it is possible that low-dose naltrexone may cause muscle cramps and spasm, but this is not directly stated in the label. 1
From the Research
Low dose naltrexone is not typically associated with causing muscle cramps or spasms in the upper cervical region as common side effects. The most frequently reported side effects of LDN (usually taken at doses of 1.5-4.5 mg) include vivid dreams, headache, insomnia, and mild gastrointestinal disturbances, particularly during the first week of treatment, as noted in a study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding 2. These effects are generally transient and resolve with continued use. If you're experiencing muscle cramps or spasms in your upper cervical region while taking LDN, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider as these symptoms may be related to another underlying condition or could potentially be an uncommon reaction to the medication. LDN works by temporarily blocking opioid receptors, which can modulate immune system function and pain perception, but this mechanism isn't typically associated with causing muscle spasms, as suggested by a study in the Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy 3. Your doctor might recommend starting at an even lower dose (such as 0.5-1 mg) and gradually increasing to minimize any potential side effects, or they may investigate other causes for your symptoms. It's also worth noting that the effective dose of LDN for chronic pain management can vary widely among individuals, ranging from 0.1 to 4.5 mg per day, as demonstrated in an observational study published in the Journal of Pain Research 4. Therefore, a personalized approach to dosing and monitoring may be necessary to optimize the benefits of LDN while minimizing its risks. In the context of managing chronic pain, LDN has shown promise in reducing symptoms, as reported in a case study published in Medical Hypotheses 5, highlighting its potential utility in treating conditions characterized by severe muscle stiffness and rigidity. However, the primary concern should always be the patient's overall well-being, morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, guiding the decision-making process in the use of LDN or any other medication.