LDN capsules compounded on Main Street in the precise strengths prescribers use, from 0.5 mg to 4.5 mg. Multiple strengths are stocked, so new starts and dose changes are fast, and a pharmacist follows your titration from the first capsule.
Naltrexone is a prescription medication manufactured in Canada as a 50 mg tablet. Low dose naltrexone, LDN, uses a fraction of that strength, typically between 0.5 mg and 4.5 mg. Because no manufacturer makes these low strengths, LDN is prepared by compounding pharmacies from a prescriber's prescription.
Some prescribers consider LDN off-label for chronic pain and inflammatory or immune-related conditions. Research is promising but still developing: some studies show reduced pain or symptom severity in selected patients, while larger and longer studies are still needed. LDN is not a cure and it does not work for everyone; whether it is worth trying is a conversation for you and your prescriber.
These are examples of conditions where prescribers sometimes consider LDN off-label, listed for education. A prescriber must assess whether LDN is appropriate for you.
LDN is usually started very low and increased in small steps, guided by response and side effects. The ladder below shows the strengths prescribers commonly work across; your prescriber sets your starting point, your step size, and how long you stay at each step.
A common starting point for sensitive patients
An early step as tolerance is confirmed
Another frequent starting dose
Mid-ladder, often held for several weeks
Stepped up when response is still building
The most commonly cited target dose in LDN research
This ladder is educational and shows commonly used strengths; it is not a treatment protocol. Your prescriber determines your dose and schedule, and Carebridge compounds whatever strength is prescribed, including intermediate steps not shown here.
At many pharmacies, every LDN fill waits on a compounding run. Carebridge keeps the commonly prescribed LDN capsule strengths stocked, so a new start or a dose change is usually ready the same day, and your titration never stalls between steps.
Three things patients most often ask about, answered plainly. Your pharmacist reviews all of this with you at your first fill.
Response varies. Many prescribers evaluate LDN over several weeks to a few months while stepping the dose up gradually. Some patients notice changes early; others do not respond at all.
The most commonly discussed are vivid dreams, sleep disturbance, headache, nausea, and stomach upset, usually early in treatment. Dose or timing adjustments often help; tell us and we will work with your prescriber.
Coverage varies by plan. Many private plans cover compounded prescriptions in whole or in part. We bill your plan directly where possible and confirm the cost with you before preparing anything.
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors. Taken alongside opioid medications, it can reduce their pain-relieving effect and may precipitate withdrawal in some situations. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medication you take, including opioid pain medications, opioid-containing cough products, and opioid agonist treatment, before starting LDN. Our pharmacists screen every LDN prescription through PharmaNet as part of the standard check.
Your prescriber writes or faxes the prescription, or we provide formulation information to your prescriber if LDN is being considered.
We confirm the strength and titration plan, screen for opioid interactions through PharmaNet, and call your prescriber if anything needs adjusting.
Stocked strengths are usually ready the same day; intermediate strengths are compounded on site under NAPRA non-sterile standards.
Pick up on Main Street or get free delivery across Metro Vancouver, with pharmacist follow-up as your dose changes.
Have your prescriber fax it to (604) 875-6808, drop it off, or ask your current pharmacy to transfer it. Stocked strengths are usually ready the same day.
Call (604) 876-6410Ask us how LDN works and what the titration involves. If it is worth discussing with your prescriber, we can provide them with formulation information.
Ask a pharmacistTitration-friendly strengths stocked, intermediate steps compounded on request, and direct pharmacist access. Fax (604) 875-6808.
Prescriber informationA structured pathway for people who want to explore LDN with prescriber assessment, pharmacist-supported titration, and follow-up in one place. Join the waitlist and we will contact you when it opens.
A prescription should not be the reason you go without a trial of LDN. If you do not have a prescriber, Carebridge can connect you with a licensed BC physician or nurse practitioner for a virtual visit. They assess you online and, if it is appropriate, write the prescription, which we prepare and deliver.
Request a visit for an LDN assessment, in a few minutes online or by phone.
A licensed BC prescriber reviews your history, including any opioid medications.
If LDN is appropriate for you, the prescriber writes it. If not, they will tell you why.
Carebridge prepares your formula and delivers it free across Metro Vancouver.
Assessment and prescribing are performed by an independent licensed prescriber. Requesting a visit does not guarantee a prescription. A dedicated online intake form is [status to confirm]; in the meantime our team arranges your visit directly.
Yes. LDN is a prescription medication. Every LDN preparation at Carebridge is compounded from a valid prescription written by a physician, nurse practitioner, or other authorized prescriber, and our pharmacists work directly with your prescriber on strength and titration.
Commercial naltrexone is manufactured as a 50 mg tablet. Low dose naltrexone protocols typically use strengths between 0.5 mg and 4.5 mg, which are not commercially available in Canada. A compounding pharmacy prepares these patient-specific low strengths from a prescription.
Carebridge prepares LDN capsules across the range prescribers commonly use, from 0.5 mg to 4.5 mg, and keeps multiple strengths stocked so new starts and dose changes do not have to wait for a compounding run. The strength and schedule are always set by your prescriber.
Response varies from person to person. Many prescribers evaluate response over several weeks to a few months while titrating the dose gradually. LDN does not work for everyone, and treatment decisions should be reviewed with your prescriber.
Commonly discussed side effects include vivid dreams, sleep disturbance, headache, nausea, and stomach upset, most often early in treatment. Your prescriber and pharmacist can often help by adjusting the dose or the time of day it is taken.
LDN may not be appropriate with opioid medications. Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, which can reduce the effect of opioid pain medication and may precipitate withdrawal in some situations. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every opioid-containing medication before starting LDN.
Coverage varies by plan. Many private drug plans cover compounded prescriptions in whole or in part. Carebridge bills your plan directly where possible, confirms cost with you before preparing the medication, and provides receipts for submission.
Peer-reviewed studies and regulatory sources behind low dose naltrexone. External links open in a new tab.
Five minutes with our pharmacist will tell you how it works, what it costs, and what to bring to your prescriber.