3nac

 NAC, N-acetylcysteine

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is emerging as a useful agent in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. It is likely that NAC is exerting benefits beyond being a precursor to the antioxidant, glutathione, modulating glutamatergic, neurotropic and inflammatory pathways. This review outlines the current literature regarding the use of NAC in disorders including addiction, compulsive and grooming disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. N-acetylcysteine has shown promising results in populations with these disorders.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was introduced in the 1960s as a mucolytic drug for chronic respiratory diseases. It has a well-established safety profile and is still commonly used orally at doses of 600mg/day as a mucolytic.

Purported Uses: Prevention of drug-induced hepatotoxicity; Cirrhosis; Bronchitis; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders; Cystic fibrosis; HIV and AIDS; Lou Gehrig’s disease; Cancer prevention; Prevention of chemo- and radiotherapy side effects.

See also cysteine