Sangalli L, Miller CS. Low Dose Naltrexone for Treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome.
Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2022;
135:e83-e88. [PMID:
35851249 DOI:
10.1016/j.oooo.2022.04.048]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The International Classification of Disease defines burning mouth syndrome (BMS) as a chronic intraoral burning sensation, with no identifiable local or systemic cause. Since current management is often unsatisfactory, the aim of this report is to describe a new treatment modality (i.e., low-dose naltrexone [LDN]).
STUDY DESIGN
A 62-year-old woman presented with the complaint of burning on the tongue of 3 years' duration. Existing comorbidities were fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, headache, and interstitial cystitis. Her reported pain intensity ranged from 2/10 (morning) to 8/10 (evening) on a numeric rating scale. With the diagnosis of BMS and hyposalivation, and in light of her current clonazepam use and fibromyalgia, a dry mouth protocol and LDN (3 mg) were prescribed.
RESULTS
After 1 month, her pain intensity decreased by 50%, with no pain upon awakening. After 2 months, the widespread pain associated with her chronic morbidities also reduced by 50%, and her headache disappeared. After adjusting LDN dose to 4.5 mg, the patient was stable at 6 months, with 50% reduction of widespread pain and 2/10 BMS pain, and no reported side effects.
CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary results suggest that LDN may be a feasible and effective treatment for BMS, especially in patients' refractory to traditional treatment.
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