N-Acetylcysteine

This article requires proofreading. As such, it likely contains incorrect grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

N-Acetylcysteine
Molecular structure of N-Acetylcysteine
Chemical Nomenclature
Common names	N-Acetylcysteine
Substitutive name	(2R)-2-acetamido-3-sulfanylpropanoic acid
Routes of Administration
Oral Dosage WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section. DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation. Bioavailability 99% Threshold 100 - 400 mg Light 400 - 600 mg Common 600 - 1000 mg Strong 1000 - 1500 mg Heavy 1500 mg + Duration Total 3 - 6 hours Onset 20 - 60 minutes

Summary sheet: N-Acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine, also known as N-acetylcysteine or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), is a substituted amino acid with nootropic properties which is used as a medication for treating paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose and to loosen thick mucus such as in cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This compound was initially patented in 1960 and licensed for use in 1968. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines needed in a basic health system. It is available as a generic medication and is available over the counter in many countries.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is emerging as a useful agent in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. It currently being explored in it's effect and relief of a wide variety of cognitive disorders including, but not limited to addiction, autism, compulsive and grooming disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. N-acetylcysteine has shown promising results in populations with these disorders and others whom treatment efficacy has previously been limited.

The recommended safe oral dosage range of N-acetylcysteine ranges between 300mg and 3000mg.

Chemistry

This chemistry section is incomplete. You can help by adding to it.

N-Acetylcysteine is similar to both L-Cysteine (NAC being but an acetylated form of it) and the glutathione enzyme itself (being the direct precursor to glutathione synthesis); both L-cysteine and glutathione have also been explored for their usage as supplements.

Pharmacology

Acetylcysteine serves as a prodrug to L-cysteine. L-cysteine is a precursor to the biologic antioxidant glutathione. Hence administration of acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione stores. This is why N-acetylcysteine is used in the event of a parcetomol overdose, as it works by increasing glutathione levels and binding with the toxic break down products of paracetamol.

In terms of its psychologically beneficial effects, N-acetylcysteine targets glutaminergic and dopaminergic pathways. This could potentially account for its stimulating properties. It is also thought that provision of additional cysteine (an endogenous amino acid), via N-acetylcysteine supplementation, reverses function disturbed with usage of drugs in the pathology of addiction.

Subjective effects

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects.

In comparison to other commonly used nootropics, N-acetylcysteine has considerably stronger stimulation and motivation enhancement but with a greater amount of side effects such as dehydration and nausea. However, unlike other stimulants this compound does not seem to induce a "crash" or "come down" during the offset of its experience.

Cognitive effects

• Addiction suppression - N-acetylcysteine's action on glutaminergic and dopaminergic pathways is thought to reverse brain functions which have become disturbed by heavy drug addiction. This mechanism has been shown to provide relief for those who struggle with compulsive redosing, reward behaviors and psychological cravings, and has been shown to positively reverse nicotine addiction, cocaine addiction, marijuana dependence., and many other compulsive behaviors. Annecdotal reports suggest that one can take this compound over their addictive drug of choice for the purpose of quickly suppressing their cravings.
• Motivation enhancement
• Anxiety suppression
• Focus enhancement
• Thought acceleration
• Rejuvenation
• Mindfulness

Physical effects

• Dehydration
• Stimulation
• Euphoria
• Cough suppression
• Bronchodilation
• Headaches
• Increased blood pressure
• Nausea
• Itchiness
• Nose bleeds - A certain subset of people may experience minor nosebleeds which is likely due to this compounds mechanism as a blood thinner.

Toxicity and harm potential

N-Acetylcysteine is considered to be safe for most adults when used as a prescription medication although the exact toxic dosage is unknown. However, dosage ranges in excess of twenty grams over an extended period of time may inversely affect heart and lung function.

This compound can also rarely cause rashes, fever, headache, drowsiness, nose bleeds, low blood pressure, and liver problems.

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this drug.

Tolerance and addiction potential

The chronic use of N-Acetylcysteine does not seem to present addiction and it is not capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. This is likely a result of its known mechanisms for reversing drug addiction.

Tolerance to many of the effects of N-Acetylcysteine develops quickly with repeated use. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about 3 - 7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 1 - 2 weeks to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). N-Acetylcysteine does not seem to present a cross-tolerance with other stimulants.

Legal issues

This legality section is a stub. As such, it likely contains incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it.

N-Acetylcysteine is uncontrolled in most countries, and is legally bought and sold in pharmacies and supplement stores without a prescription.

• United Kingdom - It is illegal to produce, supply, or import this drug under the Psychoactive Substance Act, which came into effect on May 26th, 2016.

See also

• Responsible use
• Nootropics
• Anxiety suppression

External links

• Acetylcysteine (Wikipedia)
• N-Acetylcysteine (Examine)
• Acetylcysteine (Pubmed)