N-acetylcysteine, also called NAC, is a supplement that has been around for decades. Doctors first used it in hospitals to treat Tylenol overdoses and breathing problems. But more recently, researchers have studied NAC for a very different reason: its possible benefits for mental health.
Many studies suggest NAC could help with cravings, compulsive behaviors, anxiety, depression, and even more serious psychiatric conditions. Let’s break down what the science says in simple terms.
NAC and Food Cravings
Some people struggle with eating that feels addictive. They may crave sugary or fatty foods and find it hard to stop once they start.
In animal studies, NAC reduced this kind of “addiction-like” eating. Rats that normally kept overeating or pushing levers for high-calorie food calmed down after taking NAC, and they behaved more like normal eaters. This suggests NAC may one day help people with binge eating or food addiction.
NAC and Substance Use
NAC has also been tested for drug and alcohol problems. Research shows it can sometimes reduce cravings and lower the chance of relapse.
For example, reviews found NAC especially promising for young people trying to quit cannabis or cocaine. It has also been studied for cigarette addiction, gambling, and other compulsive habits.
NAC for Anxiety and Depression
Several studies suggest NAC may help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression.
One clinical trial gave people with multiple sclerosis either NAC (600 mg twice a day) or a placebo. After 8 weeks, the NAC group reported lower anxiety scores than the placebo group.
Other reviews show NAC may improve depression when used alongside regular medications, especially for people with bipolar disorder.
Animal research even shows NAC may protect brain areas linked to learning and mood, helping reverse some of the brain changes linked to depression.
NAC in Other Psychiatric Conditions
- Schizophrenia: NAC, when added to standard medication, may improve social withdrawal and other “negative” symptoms.
- Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders: Some trials suggest NAC helps with skin-picking and hair-pulling disorders.
- PTSD: The evidence is mixed. At least one large study showed no clear benefit of NAC over placebo.
NAC Dosing, Benefits, and Risks
Most psychiatric studies have tested daily doses between 1,000 mg and 3,000 mg, often split into two or three smaller doses.
Possible Benefits:
- Reduces cravings and compulsive behaviors
- Helps with anxiety and depression
- Protects the brain from stress and inflammation
Possible Risks:
- NAC is usually safe and well tolerated
- Some people may get nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, or headache
- Rarely, it may cause allergic reactions or interact with medications
Bottom Line
NAC is a low-cost and widely available supplement with exciting potential for mental health. Studies suggest it may help with food cravings, binge eating, substance use, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and compulsive disorders.
But NAC is not a cure-all. More research is needed, and results vary depending on the person and the condition.
👉 Important Note: Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting NAC, especially if you take medications or have other health conditions.
References
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- Ooi SL, Green R, Pak SC. N-acetylcysteine for the treatment of psychiatric disorders: a review of current evidence. Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:2469486. doi:10.1155/2018/2469486
- Minarini A, Ferrari S, Galletti M, Giambalvo N, Perrone D, Rioli G, et al. N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: current status and future prospects. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2017;13(3):279-292. doi:10.1080/17425255.2017.1251580
- Khalatbari Mohseni G, Hosseini SA, Majdinasab N, Cheraghian B. Effects of N-acetylcysteine on oxidative stress biomarkers, depression, and anxiety symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep. 2023;43(3):382-390. doi:10.1002/npr2.12360
- Chakraborty S, Tripathi SJ, Srikumar BN, Raju TR, Shankaranarayana Rao BS. N-acetyl cysteine ameliorates depression-induced cognitive deficits by restoring the volumes of hippocampal subfields and associated neurochemical changes. Neurochem Int. 2020;132:104605. doi:10.1016/j.neuint.2019.104605
- Ghani H, Podwojniak A, Tan IJ, Fliorent R, Jafferany M. From tugs to treatments: a systematic review on pharmacological interventions for trichotillomania. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2024;49(8):774-782. doi:10.1093/ced/llae052
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