Low Dose Naltrexone for the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Looking For...

Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

About the Study

Low-Dose Naltrexone for the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome will test if a medication called Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) can reduce some or all of the signs and symptoms of CRPS/RSD. Naltrexone has been a FDA-approved drug for over two decades. There is significant evidence to suggest that LDN can effectively treat certain types of pain, fatigue, and sleep disorders. This will be the first official study of its effectiveness for CRPS. Although the study is placebo-controlled, all participants will have the opportunity to receive treatment. 

What will I be asked to do?

The duration of the study lasts 14 weeks and involves seven in-person visits to Stanford, and several weekly questionnaires and daily pain scores which can be done remotely.

Who can participate?

Any person with CRPS or RSD who:

  • Is between the ages of 18 and 65
  • Is not pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • Has had CRPS for at least 1 year
  • Has upper and/or lower extremity CRPS
  • Has been on stable treatment for 3 months
  • Is not using opioid analgesics or narcotics
  • Does not have any known allergy to naltrexone or naloxone

Is there any compensation?

Participants will receive eight weeks of free LDN treatment, in addition to $310 monetary compensation for time and travel.

How do I learn more?

Call or email the Project Leader Maria Adelus at (650) 724-9320 or madelus@stanford.edu.

Who is the research team?

Principle Investigator: Dr. Sean Mackey; Project Leader: Maria Adelus