N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

[kingsfan]

I take NAC pretty regularly as sort of a precaution. It seems to help my asthma as well.

I talked with some of the reps at the Vitamin Shoppe, and they said they will continue carrying NAC regardless of the FDA nonsense.

 

[chinup]

I wonder if the recent ban has anything to do with it being included in a recent COVID-19 supplement regimen that's floating around?

That would be my guess.

 

[chinup]

Hi All,

I am sharing an observation regarding how NAC can negatively impact my sleep if I take it late in the day.

I've experimented with taking NAC at different times of the day and have noticed that taking NAC within a few hours before bedtime gives me restless leg syndrome. For those who are unaware of it, restless leg syndrome is a horrid sleep disturbance.

I now take NAC only in the morning, and it does not appear to affect my sleep.

Cheers,

E

Wow, I never made the connection but this happens to me as well. Thanks for the tip, I'll try taking NAC earlier and see if that corrects it. I've been suffering from RLS for months and it started right around the time I started regularly supplementing with the NAC...

 

[Ehren M]

Wow, I never made the connection but this happens to me as well. Thanks for the tip, I'll try taking NAC earlier and see if that corrects it. I've been suffering from RLS for months and it started right around the time I started regularly supplementing with the NAC...

Same here, I first experienced RLS when I started taking NAC. I haven't had RLS now since avoiding NAC later in the day. I take it only before noon now just to be safe.

 

[Hamsti]

I don't know if it was mentioned before, but in Germany you can buy NAC in pharmacies, and they list tinnitus as a relatively common side effect. Can someone explain why?

 

[Damocles]

I don't know if it was mentioned before, but in Germany you can buy NAC in pharmacies, and they list tinnitus as a relatively common side effect. Can someone explain why?

Because nutters, @Hamsti.

You really have to take side effect listings with a grain of salt.

All it takes is a handful of people to develop tinnitus and not know why. Then as they go over and over what could be the root cause in their mind, they have their lightbulb moment and go: "oh yeah, I was taking that supplement at the time!".

And so the nutraceutical company in question will do the natural thing, and cover their arses from any future lawsuits, by listing tinnitus as a side effect.

I'm not saying all side effect listings are nonsense, or to be ignored, but god you don't half see some crazy sh*t on those drug labels sometimes.

 

[ZFire]

Is NAC off limits if you use a SSRI and a benzo?

If you've taken NAC with an SSRI and benzos, please share your experience.

I too would like insight in this.

Anyone?

 

[Hamsti]

Because nutters, @Hamsti.

You really have to take side effect listings with a grain of salt.

All it takes is a handful of people to develop tinnitus and not know why. Then as they go over and over what could be the root cause in their mind, they have their lightbulb moment and go: "oh yeah, I was taking that supplement at the time!".

And so the nutraceutical company in question will do the natural thing, and cover their arses from any future lawsuits, by listing tinnitus as a side effect.

I'm not saying all side effect listings are nonsense, or to be ignored, but god you don't half see some crazy sh*t on those drug labels sometimes.

I would totally agree with you, but in this case the side effects list says 1 in 100 reports tinnitus.

On the one hand, that's a possibility of 1%, but on the other hand, I know my luck

 

[Damocles]

I too would like insight in this.

Anyone?

Take a daily SSRI, sometimes take NAC, occasionally use Valium: never had any problems.

But I think you might be talking about taking all three regularly, alongside each other (?)

I believe I've taken all three on the same day at least once if not twice, but it's not something I do daily.

My personal take: seeing as NAC is used mostly for neutralising acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, it would only lessen the effect of said painkiller. Doubt it would have any effect on either an SSRI or a benzo.

Get more opinions on this first though.

 

[Damocles]

I would totally agree with you, but in this case the side effects list says 1 in 100 reports tinnitus.

On the one hand, that's a possibility of 1%, but on the other hand, I know my luck

That's really interesting @Hamsti...

In fact you piqued my interest when you said the NAC actually came with a list of side effects. Is this normal in Germany? Just, here in the UK, it's very rare for supplements (not drugs) to have side effects listed on/with them

My first thought, is that if it says 1 in 100 then it's likely a conclusion based on a trial that was run. So assuming the trial would even been as big as say, 200 people, that's still just 2 people reporting tinnitus during the trial, and we know how unreliable people with tinnitus are, generally, at deciding what the root cause of tinnitus was.

However, in hindsight, I do think I was a little too quick to dismiss there being any link, as there were people in this thread who reported temporary spikes after taking NAC. Then again, caffeine makes my tinnitus temporarily worse and I still drink Green Tea a couple times a week, because I just can't get enough of that earthy flavour and warm flushing feeling I get after drinking it. The spike never lasts longer than 48 hours.

Anyway, my advice to you @Hamsti, is if you want to try NAC, then just buy some and take a single 600mg dose, then see if it causes you any problem. If it does, it will only be temporary (as mentioned above), if not, you've got another weapon in your arsenal against noise induced tinnitus spikes in future.

 

[K.A.]

I don't know if it was mentioned before, but in Germany you can buy NAC in pharmacies, and they list tinnitus as a relatively common side effect. Can someone explain why?

I have read NAC may have some anticoagulant effects on blood, maybe it affects blood flow which then for some results in tinnitus. I have heard "blood thinning" medication might also impact tinnitus for some, dependent on dose, duration,etc. Guess it depends on your blood pressure and some other parameters.

The effect of N-acetylcysteine on blood coagulation and platelet function in patients undergoing open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm

I have never spoken to a doctor about this though, where I live there is no list of side effects due to NAC being a supplement.

 

[Hamsti]

That's really interesting @Hamsti...

In fact you piqued my interest when you said the NAC actually came with a list of side effects. Is this normal in Germany? Just, here in the UK, it's very rare for supplements (not drugs) to have side effects listed on/with them

My first thought, is that if it says 1 in 100 then it's likely a conclusion based on a trial that was run. So assuming the trial would even been as big as say, 200 people, that's still just 2 people reporting tinnitus during the trial, and we know how unreliable people with tinnitus are, generally, at deciding what the root cause of tinnitus was.

However, in hindsight, I do think I was a little too quick to dismiss there being any link, as there were people in this thread who reported temporary spikes after taking NAC. Then again, caffeine makes my tinnitus temporarily worse and I still drink Green Tea a couple times a week, because I just can't get enough of that earthy flavour and warm flushing feeling I get after drinking it. The spike never lasts longer than 48 hours.

Anyway, my advice to you @Hamsti, is if you want to try NAC, then just buy some and take a single 600mg dose, then see if it causes you any problem. If it does, it will only be temporary (as mentioned above), if not, you've got another weapon in your arsenal against noise induced tinnitus spikes in future.

Yes, in Germany supplements actually have side effect lists, even Magnesium has one
Germans love bureaucracy and regulations.

That is the problem, everything that is supposed to help against tinnitus, triggers or worsens it for some people. You never know, thats why I only take magnesium for now. The NAC is on my bedside table and think about taking it everyday.

But everything I tried to improve my situation worsened it so far, hm... I want to start healing. But thanks for your advice

 

[K.A.]

My personal take: seeing as NAC is used mostly for neutralising acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, it would only lessen the effect of said painkiller. Doubt it would have any effect on either an SSRI or a benzo.

Actually I believe it will not lessen the effect of acetaminophen, as what NAC does is to make sure the liver do not run out of antioxidants that breaks down certain toxic metabolites of the drug.

 

[Damocles]

Actually I believe it will not lessen the effect of acetaminophen, as what NAC does is to make sure the liver do not run out of antioxidants that breaks down certain toxic metabolites of the drug.

You're correct.

Acetaminophen in Combination With N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Versus Placebo in Treating Fever - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov

Because NAC's main role is to reduce the accumulation of APAP's toxic metabolites, the concomitant administration of NAC should have no impact on the efficacy of APAP as an antipyretic and analgesic.

In fact, one study in male rats even suggested NAC might enhance the analgesic effects of acetaminophen.

N-acetylcysteine dose-dependently improves the analgesic effect of acetaminophen on the rat hot plate test | BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)

The results showed that NAC's concurrent administration with APAP, dose-dependently increased APAP analgesic effects (p< 0.0001).

Also, I looked further into my guess that NAC wouldn't affect SSRIs or Benzos.

Benzos:
I searched all over and couldn't find any mention of the two interacting, therefore I'm inclined to conclude that they're safe together.

SSRIs:
N-Acetyl Cysteine in the Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review (nih.gov)

Of note, NAC has been used adjunctively with various pharmacotherapies, particularly SSRI medication, without negative interactions and appears to show benefit in some treatment refractory patients. Promising new research highlights the potential of NAC to potentiate the antidepressant activity of certain SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants.

So might actually enhance the effects of SSRIs.

Truly a wonderous medication.

 

[Matchbox]

You're correct.

Acetaminophen in Combination With N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Versus Placebo in Treating Fever - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov

In fact, one study in male rats even suggested NAC might enhance the analgesic effects of acetaminophen.

N-acetylcysteine dose-dependently improves the analgesic effect of acetaminophen on the rat hot plate test | BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)

Also, I looked further into my guess that NAC wouldn't affect SSRIs or Benzos.

Benzos:
I searched all over and couldn't find any mention of the two interacting, therefore I'm inclined to conclude that they're safe together.

SSRIs:
N-Acetyl Cysteine in the Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review (nih.gov)

So might actually enhance the effects of SSRIs.

Truly a wonderous medication.

When you have another molecule taking up real estate on an enzyme or that binds as a shuttle to another molecule it doesn't surprise me it makes that molecule more effective.

What a dumb study/waste of money.

It's like running a trial to see if taking an alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor will increase the effect of booze.

 

[Suaimhneach]

Take a daily SSRI, sometimes take NAC, occasionally use Valium: never had any problems.

Get more opinions on this first though.

I take NAC every morning with my Lexapro, I might take a Xanax every so often when needed. Never had any issues. I do get a pain in my stomach sometimes after taking the NAC / Lexapro, but presume that is because I take them on an empty stomach which is how (I think) NAC should be taken.

 

[Damocles]

I take NAC every morning with my Lexapro, I might take a Xanax every so often when needed. Never had any issues. I do get a pain in my stomach sometimes after taking the NAC / Lexapro, but presume that is because I take them on an empty stomach which is how (I think) NAC should be taken.

NAC is just kind of, synonymous, with stomach complaints. I get a burning sensation whenever I take mine, and that's on a full stomach (I like to follow the instructions on the back of the label when it comes to supplements; all the brands I've used so far say to "take with a meal" so that's what I do. That said, I take more than the RDA most of the time, so, y'know... whatevs! XD).

 

[K.A.]

NAC is just kind of, synonymous, with stomach complaints. I get a burning sensation whenever I take mine, and that's on a full stomach (I like to follow the instructions on the back of the label when it comes to supplements; all the brands I've used so far say to "take with a meal" so that's what I do. That said, I take more than the RDA most of the time, so, y'know... whatevs! XD).

My NAC-containers have never had any RDA listed. The pills have been 600 mg, although the text have said "Daily value not established". What has been listed as RDA on your NAC, and how much have you taken when getting stomach issues?

 

[Damocles]

What has been listed as RDA on your NAC

Both brands I've used state the RDA as 600 mg (one capsule).

and how much have you taken when getting stomach issues?

I switch between taking 600 mg and 1200 mg, dependent on the level of noise exposure that's prompted me to take NAC in the first place.

I'd say I've had a burning sensation in my stomach on every 3/5 of the occasions I've used it. Dosage doesn't seem to influence the likelihood of experiencing this side effect; there are times I've taken 1200 mg and had no complaints, and then times I've taken 600 mg and had heartburn for the rest of the day.

But if I do take the higher dose and I have this reaction, then the severity is undoubtedly increased.

 

[TheHonoredOne]

I have taken NAC and Lexapro (SSRI) and Prednisone all together at once with no problems. NAC and Lexapro together as well quite a few times with no problems. Just my experience.

Since then I take 600 mg twice daily.

 

[SoulStation]

I too would like insight in this.

Anyone?

I take both benzo 1 mg klonopin / 20 mg lexapro daily and 1200 mg NAC no problems no help either

 

[Brandon Wong]

Has anyone tried this from Amazon?

Or how about this one?

 

[jdanield]

Yes on the Carnitine - no on the Cysteine.

Here's my list of failed trials, to date.

 

[Sayeed]

Yes on the Carnitine - no on the Cysteine.

Here's my list of failed trials, to date.

View attachment 47148

I take Gabapentin too. 400 mg twice a day. It's for nerve pain in my foot... not sure if it helps my tinnitus. I want to increase the dosage but have heard horror stories.

What do you take it for? Have you had to increase dosage throughout the years for it to have the same effect? Any side effects?

 

[GeorgeLG]

NAC is used as a precursor for increasing Glutathione which is difficult to absorb directly. NAC needs to be combined with cofactors such as Glycine to make the conversion but the cofactors are usually available. Glutathione is called the master antioxidant and is necessary for proper ear health and has protective effects from the oxidative stress damage caused by a loud sound exposure when available in adequate levels. NAC does not directly protect your hearing before it's converted.

George

 

[David S]

I believe NAC gives me temporary pulsatile (whooshing) tinnitus. Anyone else with the same experience?

 

[Michael17]

Hi,

I started taking NAC (600 mg in the morning) about 2 weeks ago. I have reactive tinnitus and unless there are other factors at play (always a possibility with tinnitus), my tinnitus has gone up significantly. Mostly whooshing/hissing sounds, combined with some various tones due to the reactive nature of my tinnitus. I had started incorporating NAC as part of my daily supplement regiment primarily for immune function support (along with D, C, and Quercetin).

I am thinking of stopping for a week and seeing what happens. I guess I am part of the 1% which might have an adverse reaction to NAC (seems crazy though).

I will report back.

 

[JFred]

I recently got a form of tinnitus after what I suspect to be an ear infection, and upon learning that NAC can prevent tinnitus and help with ear infections I bought some Acetylcysteine (Granon). It says Acetylcysteine and not N-Acetylcysteine but from my understanding it's the same thing.

But to my shock, upon reading the info leaflet, it says under "less common side effects, 1 in 100" that it can CAUSE tinnitus.

I've looked everywhere online and all the information I find says Acetylcysteine can help preventing it. I'm beyond confused. Any idea/explanation as to how or why this is listed? Is it simply based off of reported side effects, and since this one (which only contains Acetylcysteine) is sold as a medication to clear up mucus, there's a causation correlation type of issue? I find it strange how the manufacturer would list a potential side effect that the active ingredient is shown to have pretty much the opposite effect on.

 

[HeavyMantra]

I recently got a form of tinnitus after what I suspect to be an ear infection, and upon learning that NAC can prevent tinnitus and help with ear infections I bought some Acetylcysteine (Granon). It says Acetylcysteine and not N-Acetylcysteine but from my understanding it's the same thing.

But to my shock, upon reading the info leaflet, it says under "less common side effects, 1 in 100" that it can CAUSE tinnitus.

I've looked everywhere online and all the information I find says Acetylcysteine can help preventing it. I'm beyond confused. Any idea/explanation as to how or why this is listed? Is it simply based off of reported side effects, and since this one (which only contains Acetylcysteine) is sold as a medication to clear up mucus, there's a causation correlation type of issue? I find it strange how the manufacturer would list a potential side effect that the active ingredient is shown to have pretty much the opposite effect on.

Take any given supplement, herb or drug: it will affect people's tinnitus differently.

 

[DebInAustralia]

Did your spike ever go away? I took NAC in combo with a multivitamin and I felt like my tinnitus got louder after (and I felt weird)... I don't think the issue was caused by the multivitamin because I've been taking that for a long time without any tinnitus spikes.

Thanks.

NAC is converted into glutathione or glutamate, dependent on whether you have a B6 deficiency or not.