There is a ton of info on LDN under the Treatment section. I've been on it nearly 5 years.
But I'm an adult, and its one thing for me to jump into experimental treatment, a totally different story when one is considering this treatment for their child. I can honestly tell you that one of my prime motivating factors in trying LDN was that I hoped it would offer a safer treatment option in the event my children should develop this disease. I can try to Coles Notes/Cliff Notes (hope that translates OK everywhere) on LDN as an option. I think it is fair/accurate to say that the risk of LDN not working on Crohns is at about par with every other medication. The big bonus is that LDN offers neglible risk of side effects/long term effects. The reason? The low dose. Typically sleep disruptions or vivid dreams are reported, and they usually go away or can be managed by taking it at the appropriate time. (bedtime is usually recommended). Five years (nearly) under my belt and the only effects I ever had were the occasional vividly detailed dream. Oh, how I miss those.... it was like taking a vacation while you slept. There ARE other risks that have to be considered. First, finding a doctor open minded enough to prescribe it. Brave enough too. It isn't illegal, it has been clinically tested, it was written up in American Journal of Gastro-enterolgy. This isn't voodoo or snake oil. Just a new use of an old drug that has been around for decades. Then, once you have a prescription (if it hasn't cost you your doctor/patient relationship) you need to find a pharmacy that knows how to compound it. Then, once you have the pills in hand, then there is the commitment to trialing it.... because of the way it works, the rebound effect, you (the patient) MIGHT get worse before you get better. If one takes the 4.5 mg dosage of Naltrexone nightly for 10 - 12 weeks, then either your disease will be in check, or you'll know for certain you are in the minority of people for whom it doesn't work. Think that covers the basics.
It isn't a miracle cure... but it can stop the disease in its tracks and keep it from getting worse. It can't undo any of the damages the disease has done up to that point. Nothing can. If I've left out anything crucial, others can fill in the gaps. And if anyone thinks I've mis-stated the case for LDN, please feel free to jump in.
