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Using N-acetylcysteine for OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) may be effective.
This treatment option is being recommended more and more by naturopathic doctors, along with a supplement stack of other compounds that can improve mood control.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a form of L-cysteine; a semi-essential amino acid. NAC has been approved by the FDA as a prescription medication, but it can also be purchased as a dietary supplement.
It has been investigated for its therapeutic potential in treating a number of psychiatric disorders, including addition, compulsive disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. NAC has been shown to modulate glutamatergic pathways in the brain.
Research involving brain imaging, neurogenetics and other models support the role of the glutamatergic system as a pharmacotherapeutic target in OCD. There is currently insufficient research into the effects of N-acetylcysteine for OCD to determine any specific advantages.
However, evidence is mounting in support of using glutamatergic substances like NAC, memantine, D-cycloserine and topiramate as agents for the treatment of pediatric and adult OCD symptoms.
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N-acetylcysteine is primarily involved in the synthesis of glutathione (gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine; GSH) in the body.
It is the rate-limiting precursor for this important anti-oxidant which can help to slow the aging process, protect the organs for toxins and improve the function of the immune system.
NAC is also used to for a wide array of health maladies including infertility, unstable angina, chronic bronchitis, acetaminophen poisoning, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), liver disease, HIV and many others.
N-acetylcysteine for OCD
N-acetylcysteine is being used as part of a natural OCD treatment protocol by some naturopathic doctors. Obsessive compulsive disorder is a mental disorder that is marked by uncontrollable, repetitive thoughts, feelings and/or behaviors. Those afflicted feel strong needs to repeat certain thoughts or actions.
Common manifestations of OCD include repetitive washing of hands, checking door locks, keeping inventories, and repeating mantras. Many diagnosed with OCD also demonstrate tendencies toward hoarding; having difficulties with throwing anything away.
The repetitive and uncontrollable nature of these feelings, thoughts and actions may become quite problematic; taking up significant amounts of time each day. Those with OCD are most often quite aware that their symptoms make no rational sense, however they are compelled to repeat them indefinitely.
The cause of OCD is not currently known. Obsessive compulsive disorder is correlated with increased risks for developing nervous tics, experiencing chronic anxiety and becoming suicidal.
How N-acetylcysteine Works:
It has become well established that obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms are strongly related to glutamate dysfunction. Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It may be the case that OCD is linked to abnormally high levels of this neurotransmitter.
The use of N-acetylcysteine for OCD therapy is based on the fact that NAC is a modulator of glutamate. In animal studies conducted by the Medical University of South Carolina, NAC was found to decrease levels of glutamate in the brain.
This could potentially improve the symptoms of OCD for affected individuals. However, this mechanism of action is not yet well understood. In four separate clinical trials, as well as various case reports, encouraging results were reported when administering NAC for OCD symptoms.
The duration of the studies ranged between 10 and 14 weeks. Oral N-acetylcysteine dosages between 2400 mg and 3000 mg daily were administered. Promising results included generalized reductions in symptom severity, a positive tolerability profile and no serious or lasting side effects.
As randomized, placebo-based trials continue, the therapeutic potentials of N-acetylcysteine for OCD are becoming more evident.
NAC may be combined with other supplements for OCD patients, especially for those who are resistant to traditional therapies. Fish oil supplements, inositol and choline have all been recommended for OCD symptoms. However, further research is needed to determine the clinical efficacy of such a treatment protocol.
Additional Benefits of N-acetylcysteine Pills
NAC is being used by physicians worldwide to prevent and/or treat numerous conditions and diseases besides obsessive compulsive disorder. Below is some of the data that has been generated to date via clinical experimentation and research:
1000 mg daily of NAC, taken orally, may help to reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder. One 24-week study showed strong decreases in depressive stages over a placebo group.
Administering NAC to patients admitted with acetaminophen poisoning decreases mortality rates. Also, NAC acts to prevent permanent sequelae (subsequent health consequences) that may result from acetaminophen toxicity.
Administration of N-acetylcysteine increases tolerance to and enhances the effects of nitroglycerine when used conjunctively, particularly in patients with unstable angina.
NAC has been used as a mucolytic agent since the 1960s. It breaks up mucus deposits and helps to clear up symptoms associated with chronic bronchitis, COPD and other pulmonary/respiratory conditions.
In patients with ESRD (end stage renal disease), oral administration of NAC decreases the chances of cardiovascular problems, including myocardial infarctions and ischemic stroke by roughly 40%.
NAC administration has been shown to improve the symptoms of both male and female infertility. In men, the quantity of sperm in semen samples increased, but sperm quality did not. Women with infertility issues experienced increased conception capacities, as well as improvements in abilities to not miscarry their babies after 20 weeks of gestation.
NAC reduces lipoprotein concentrations in the plasma samples of hyperlipidemia patients. This implicates NAC as a possible agent for improving various risks factors for cardiovascular disease, diabetes type ii mellitus, obesity and more.
Conclusions
As more clinical evidence is generated showing the relationship between glutamate and OCD, the importance of NAC as a glutamate modulator is heightened. By possibly helping to decrease excess glutamate levels in the brain, this supplement may be able to control or reduce obsessive compulsive thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Negative interactions with drugs and various botanical substances are possible. Certain groups, including pregnant women, are generally not recommended for NAC supplementation.
N-acetylcysteine works without causing serious or lasting side effects in most cases. When side effects are experienced, they are almost always mild and temporary. Headaches, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea are the most prevalent issues.
NAC has been approved by the FDA. It is sold as a prescription drug and can also be purchased over the counter as a dietary supplement. Before taking N-acetylcysteine for OCD, or for any other purpose, speak to your doctor to learn more about this supplement.
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Article last updated on: April 15th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
Diagnosed in 1986 with OCD and I still continue to search for peace. I know I will always be an OC – I just want to wake up feeling good about myself, the world in which I live and the people whom I love. Through countless and expensive drug-related programmes which had me addicted and in a state of ‘out-of-control’, to an AA programme as I became addicted to alcohol as my crutch and calmer to meditation, tai-chi and vast sums of money on one-one-one counselling … not to also mention weight management – I still search.
I am on nothing now but with a partner who understands and doesn’t enable. Helps me focus on ‘the donut not on the hole’
… where is it? PLEASE show me a way …
Hi my friend…. I see you are so disappointed. Don’t be please!I know what this fuc*** OCD is. I have lived with this condition for long time and just like you never stopped.i always search for any treatment or medications and fortunately I made excellent positive on myself. I will be so happy if anything I can do for you. If you like you can be on touch with me:[email protected]