Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Patients Benefit From N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Listen to podcast here)
Kirk’s YouTube Overview of his interview with Dr. Jerome Sarris (2:34)
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a sulfur containing compound that when taken orally has shown benefit in treating mood disorders, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, Trichotillomania, gambling and marijuana addiction. In this study 1500 mg twice daily over 16 weeks showed benefit in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) with minimal side effects (some with mild GI distress).
NAC may work by an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effect by enhancing glutathione and also possibly by restoring extracellular glutamate which reduces glutamine from the cell and thereby reduces impulsive glutaminergic activity which reduces OCD impulsivity. The dose should be titrated up over a 2 week period and benefit make take 3-4 months to see.
“N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A 16-Week, Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Study.” CNS Drugs. 2015 Sep;29(9):801-9. 51237 Jerome Sarris, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, The Melbourne Clinic at The University of Melbourne, 2 Salisbury St Richmond, Melbourne, VIC, 3121, Australiajsarris@unimelb.edu.au
Related Podcasts:
Blood Pressure and Homocysteine Lowered by N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
Cocaine Dependence (Addiction) and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
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Kirk
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