What Is N-Acetylcysteine?
N-acetylcysteine, an amino acid, is a product that can be purchased at health food and nutrition stores. This supplement can affect levels of glutamate in a particular part of the brain which makes it easier for patients to reduce undesirable behaviors.
That's why the doctor, believes glutamate modulators like nacet supplements could be beneficial to other conditions such as addictions, and compulsive behavior.
Does It Work For Me?
The study found that NAC significantly decreased the symptoms of trichotillomania as compared to placebo. 56% of patients said they were "much or very much improved" after taking NAC in comparison to 16% with a placebo (sugar pill, or an inert chemical). The first sign of improvement was after nine months of therapy.
"This study, the first to our knowledge that examines the efficacy of a glutamatergic agent in the treatment of trichotillomania, found that N-acetylcysteine demonstrated statistically significant reductions in trichotillomania symptoms," said the researcher Dr. Grant. It is worth noting the fact that 44% of participants in the study were not able to react to amino acids and it was a tiny study.
According to the research "Cognitive Behavior Therapy has shown benefit for trichotillomania and should be considered in conjunction with pharmacotherapies."
While N-acetylcysteine was tolerated by the participants in this study, it's essential to discuss the use of supplements to your diet with your doctor.
What's Next?
Doctor. Grant and his team believe that their research will lead to further studies on the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine when it is administered at higher doses, as well as studies on its effectiveness in the long-term treatment of trichotillomania and its efficacy in treating patients suffering from various symptoms that are a result of this disorder.
"As effective treatments for hair pulling emerge, it becomes increasingly important that physicians and mental health care providers screen for trichotillomania to provide timely treatment," they have written in their study.
What Is The Significance Of This Study?
Although behavioral therapy has proven to be a positive effect on trichotillomania usage of medication is generally not a success. One reason could be that the majority of medications that have been studied (clomipramine [Anafranil] and fluoxetine [Prozac]) have a major effect on serotonin, a neurochemical.
The results of the study indicate that taking drugs that target the neurochemical glutamate could help in the treatment of the symptoms of trichotillomania.
What Are The Limitations Of The Study?
While it was the biggest controlled, randomized clinical trial that was conducted on trichotillomania, which included 50 participants, it's still a small percentage of people. Additionally, people pull for a variety of reasons and might be different in the biological reasons behind their pulling. NAC was helpful in about 50 percent of those who took it, therefore it's not an enlightening pill.
The study didn't combine NAC with behavior therapy, however, it is strongly recommended that anyone who is taking NAC be a part of a behavioral therapy program. The study was only 12 weeks long therefore it's not certain what length people must use NAC to see if it can be helpful.
Are There Any Adverse Negative Effects Or Other Problems Associated Related To Nac?
The subjects of our study had no issues with NAC. We tested a capsule-based version of this supplement. There is a liquid that can be purchased in pharmacies, but it can cause serious adverse effects and should not be utilized for this reason.
The adverse reactions reported in the research have included headache, nausea, indigestion as well as abdominal discomfort. Other concerns related to NAC are that it should not be taken for asthma sufferers as it can aggravate asthma (this is interesting because it is actually beneficial to people suffering from asthma and bronchitis).
Additionally, due to the nature of the way NAC functions in our bodies, most suggest supplementing zinc, copper, and other trace minerals, as well as taking between two and three times the normal dose of vitamin C.
These suggestions are based on individuals who have taken nacet supplements for the course of an "extended period" and, since the research literature isn't clear as to what this really means, it's likely to be best to use NAC in combination with a multivitamin as well as vitamin C.
It is important to be aware that even though NAC is an amino acid, and therefore appears to be safe, individuals must consult their doctor before taking the supplement. Additionally that just because something might be beneficial for you in small amounts does not suggest that it's better or safer.
The Results Could Be Applicable To Nail Biting And Skin Biting?
I believe they are a possibility. We recently published a short case series that described the advantages of NAC for people who suffer from nail-biting and skin picking. But we haven't conducted a controlled study on this behavior by using NAC.
What Is The Ideal Dosage Of Nac And What Time Of The Day When People Should Consume It?
The questions remain unanswered. In this study, we analyzed doses of 1200mg to 2400mg daily. I believe that some individuals could be benefited from greater doses of up to 3600mg daily However, this has not yet been investigated in a controlled way. In time, I've learned that I should start at 1200mg instead 600mg, as the lower dose will benefit a very small number of people.
When it comes to when to take it, I recommend that people divide their dosage and consume the medication twice daily and perhaps nearer to times of the day when people are able to pull or pick.
How Do I Get Nac?
From my point of view, I believe this is a major issue with conducting studies in this field. What are the most reputable firms and which ones aren't? I'm not familiar enough with the manufacturers of nutraceutical products to suggest specific firms. I suggest you ask your physician or any other health professional regarding the availability of products and suppliers in your area or on the internet.
Are Nac Beneficial And Is It Safe For Children?
The research that we conducted was only on people who suffer from trichotillomania. Many people would like to assist their children suffering from trichotillomania. An answer to the effectiveness of NAC for children is in the process of being determined.
I've used NAC in a number of adolescents suffering from skin picking or trichotillomania (who have not responded to therapy for behavior) I have utilized the same doses that we examined in the controlled study (1200-2400mg). It seems safe for young patients.
Can It Be Used With Small Children?
I always suggest first testing behavioral therapy. If that's not working or is only partially successful, I would recommend speaking with the pediatrician of the child before beginning NAC. A few studies of children have been based on body weight.
Typically, they are striving to achieve a dosage of 60mg/kg/day. Naturally, it must start with a lower dosage that is 300mg or 600mg daily. I believe talking about this with your pediatrician and/or pharmacist may be beneficial.
Final thoughts:
The attention this study has brought me to realize that a lot of people struggle with this issue and have experienced little improvement with the treatments available. While this study does offer the possibility of better treatments, remember that approximately half of the participants did not receive any response.
The positive message of this research is maybe we are getting a better understanding of what happens inside the brains of those who have hair loss and that we could and may be able to find more effective treatments in the future.
Nacet Supplement
