N-Acetyl Cysteine Reduces Cocaine Cravings And Use
By Michael Mooney, Updated December, 2012

Three studies have shown that the amino acid N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), taken in higher doses can reduce cocaine craving, withdrawal symptoms and use.

LaRowe and collegues (1) gave 600 mg of NAC four times a day for a total of 2,400 mg per day to 13 subjects in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. There were trends towards less cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Mardikian and collegues (2) gave 1,200 mg, 2,400 mg or 3,600 mg per day to 23 cocaine-dependent outpatients. The majority of the subjects reduced their cocaine use or quit using cocaine. The two higher doses, 2,400 mg or 3,600 mg per day, produced better effects.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 50 patients (3) who suffered from an obsessive-compulsive disorder called trichotillomania showed 40 percent better effect than placebo with 1,200 mg of NAC/day for six weeks, followed by 2,400 mg for six weeks. A significant effect was seen at nine weeks. Whether 1,200 mg would produce an optimal effect or not, the take-home message is to consider taking 2,400 mg per day for an optimal effect.

NAC has little, if any, potential for toxicity, so higher doses can be used with more potential benefit. One HIV study safely used as much as 8,000 mg a day, showing reduced mortality. NAC converts to glutathione in the body. Glutathione is one of the body's most potent detoxifying agents, with anti-aging effects as an antioxidant.

Michael Mooney
www.michaelmooney.net.

References
1. LaRowe SF, et al. Safety and tolerability of N-acetylcysteine in cocaine-dependent individuals. Americal Journal on Addictions. 2006 Jan-Feb;15(1):105-10.
2. Mardikian PN, et al. An open-label trial of N-acetylcysteine for the treartment of cocaine dependence: a pilot study. Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 31, 389-394.
3. Grant JE, at al. N-acetylcysteine, a glutamate modulator, in the treatment of trichotillomania: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Archives of General Psychiatry. 2009 Jul;66(7):756-63.