Low-dose naltrexone in the treatment of fibromyalgia: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

Aust J Gen Pract. 2023 Apr;52(4):189-195. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-09-22-6564.

Abstract

Method: A systematic literature search was conducted using the key words 'naltrexone', 'fibromyalgia', 'fibrositis', 'chronic pain' and 'neurogenic inflammation'.

Results: Manual exclusion led to the identification of 21 papers, with only five prospective controlled trials of low sample size.

Discussion: Low-dose naltrexone may be an effective and safe pharmacotherapy for patients with fibromyalgia. Current evidence lacks power and multisite reproduction.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Pain* / drug therapy
  • Fibromyalgia* / chemically induced
  • Fibromyalgia* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Naltrexone / adverse effects
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Naltrexone