NAC N-Acetyl-Cysteine for OCD, anxiety, rumination

[Mixo]

Has anyone ever taken NAC i.e. N-Acetyl-Cysteine before? I have seen some anecdotes on Reddit that discuss its usage to control anxiety, obsessive thoughts, ruminations, and OCD. I've also seen it referenced in clinical research literature as a frequent support for OCD. There are also other health benefits commonly associated with it, as it is an antioxidant. It's been given to treat candida, liver issues, lung problems (COPD for example).

I'm interested in hearing stories - specifically mental health related - on this before I give it a shot.

References:

N-acetyl cysteine ameliorates depression-induced cognitive deficits by restoring the volumes of hippocampal subfields and associated neurochemical changes - PubMed

Depression is highly comorbid with anxiety disorders and associated with profound cognitive impairment. Moreover, cognitive deficits associated with hippocampal dysfunction are central in depression and anxiety disorders. Furthermore, depression is accompanied by glutamatergic dysfunction which...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A 16-Week, Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Study - PubMed

ACTRN12613000310763.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

N-acetylcysteine in psychiatry: current therapeutic evidence and potential mechanisms of action

There is an expanding field of research investigating the benefits of alternatives to current pharmacological therapies in psychiatry. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is emerging as a useful agent in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Like many therapies, ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[Oblivion Access]

I can attest to NAC making breathing 'feel easier' after the 2 or 3 bouts with covid I've had. It has also been very useful in healing nerve damage and curbing excessive drug cravings. Maybe somewhat useful for anxiety/rumination but tbh I haven't noticed a big difference when I stopped, could be placebo.

 

[GentleJerk]

NAC protects the liver, it does this so well, that it is given as an antidote for acetminophen/paracetamol overdoses to patients who are admitted into the emergency department suffering from acute liver failure due to tylenol/panadol OD.

Also interesting is that in Chinese medicine, depression, anxiety, rumination, OCD, suicidal thoughts, weakness, and fatigue/exhaustion are often treated by healing the liver and supporting liver function. In fact one of the herbal concoctions for the liver is called "the free and easy wanderer" implying an effect on both mental functions and energy levels.

 

[Mixo]

NAC protects the liver, it does this so well, that it is given as an antidote for acetminophen/paracetamol overdoses to patients who are admitted into the emergency department suffering from acute liver failure due to tylenol/panadol OD.

Also interesting is that in Chinese medicine, depression, anxiety, rumination, OCD, suicidal thoughts, weakness, and fatigue/exhaustion are often treated by healing the liver and supporting liver function. In fact one of the herbal concoctions for the liver is called "the free and easy wanderer" implying an effect on both mental functions and energy levels.

Thanks, GentleSoul. :) I love all the lay knowledge you have around alternative treatments. Appreciate the insight!!

 

[june]

Interesting idea. What inspired you to look into this?