Can LDN result in breaking out in sweat?
- Yoon Hang "John" Kim MD

- May 22
- 2 min read
1. LDN for Fibromyalgia – What to Expect
LDN is used off-label for chronic pain and autoimmune conditions, including fibromyalgia. It works by temporarily blocking opioid receptors, which in turn may upregulate endorphin production and modulate the immune system. Here are a few key points:
Response time varies. Many people don’t feel noticeable changes for 4–6 weeks, sometimes longer.
Titration is important. Starting at 0.1 mg and increasing by 1 pill every 1–2 weeks is standard, with 4.5 mg often being the typical upper dose.
Not everyone responds. But when they do, improvements are most often seen in pain, fatigue, and sleep.
2. Sweating – Is It a Side Effect?
Sweating is not a well-known side effect of LDN, especially at low doses, but here’s what we can consider:
Naltrexone at higher doses (50 mg used in addiction treatment) can cause sweating/night sweats—so it’s not unreasonable to think it could happen at low doses, particularly during titration or if you're sensitive.
LDN and the hypothalamus. Since LDN can influence the hypothalamus via its endorphin and immune-modulating effects, and the hypothalamus regulates body temperature, it might play a role.
Drug interactions. You mentioned using medical cannabis (CBD and tea). Though usually safe with LDN, cannabinoids can affect thermoregulation, and interactions are not fully studied—especially in combination with LDN.
3. Other Causes of Excess Sweating to Rule Out
Especially with fibromyalgia, many other things can trigger or worsen sweating:
Hormonal changes (especially if you're on HRT or in perimenopause/postmenopause)
Autonomic dysfunction (common in fibromyalgia—called dysautonomia)
Infections, thyroid issues, or even low blood sugar
Medication withdrawal or cannabis strain effects (some sativas or hybrids can cause sweating)
4. What You Can Do Now
Track your symptoms daily: Pain, fatigue, sleep, mood, and sweating. This helps both you and your doctor see trends over time.
Hydration and electrolytes: Sweating a lot can deplete you quickly and worsen fatigue.
Consider checking thyroid/adrenal function, especially if sweating is new and excessive.
Stick with the titration for now if tolerable, unless sweating becomes intense, affects sleep, or worsens your quality of life—then talk to your doctor right away.
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