NAC - What does it help?

[T_Anna]

So Dr.T put DS on 1200 mg of NAC-Acteyl. A few weeks later I went to see a dr. Hollander who increased the NAC to 2400 mg. I'm not sure if it's doing anything. We have see some cognitive improvements in DS15 since increasing the Augmentin to 4000, but want to make sure nothing else will affect him adversely. Dr. T said it shouldn't have a negative impact, but what am I trying to achieve with NAC?

 

Sorry to be so naive in my supplements,

T.Anna

[Guest]

I think it helps regulate glutamate which they suspect could be too high in patients with ocd.

I've also heard it helps FM but not sure why.

[LNN]

NAC can serve many functions but the primary two for our community is that some studies suggest it can reduce OCD symptoms in certain patients and it is also a mucus thinner, which makes helpful for weakening biofilms, which are slimy colonies of bacteria/viruses/lyme that hide in the film and can't be detected/attacked by the immune system. NAC can also support liver function, which is helpful for those on long term abx.

 

That said, not everyone can tolerate NAC. It makes my DD flip out with anger and mood swings. Found out that's because of a specific gene mutation. I took it for the winter months to help with a chronic cough - greatly reduced the mucus and cough. But during this time, I became significantly depressed - not something I'm prone to. I had no energy or enthusiasm, no ability to do minimal housework or do any but the most pressing projects for work. Then had a physical and my liver enzymes were very elevated (in the 70s when above 50 is elevated) and I had gained weight. I stopped the NAC and my liver enzymes dropped to 20s w/in 4 weeks and lost some weight. The depression rapidly ended. Makes me suspect I have the same mutation my DD has (which is CBS).

 

My DDs negative response happened w/in 2 weeks. My response was less obvious - I never would've suspected NAC. Yet others here have had good experiences.

 

I would ask your doctors why they've recommended it.

[T_Anna]

They were looking for help with OCD and liver function. I haven't noticed him as angry or more mood swings, so I guess I can leave it...will try to watch more carefully.

 

Thanks,

T.Anna

Ds15

[T_Anna]

I stopped the NAC last night. DS was on 2 pills a day and then I went to a spiffy Manhattan Psych and he doubled the NAC to 4 pills a day. Recently we raised the Augmentin. After the initial herxing on Monday night and Tuesday we began to see some glimmers of our son on Friday. But Friday night he cried himself to sleep and didn't want me to leave his side. Last night he startec freaking out for the littlest things and crying and yelling and then apologizing for all the stress he's caused us.

 

Last night I decided to stop the NAC. It has only been 24/hrs but he seems so much better. He is hungry, talkative, still ticcing and stuck, but small glimmers.

 

If the NAC was causing our increasing rages, could stopping it just last night already make a difference?

 

Thanks,

T.Anna

DS15 dx 11/12 and stuck at home since 1/24/13.

[LNN]

It took about a week for me to tell I had stopped taking it. I think it took a few days to see anything with my DD. But everyone is different.

[nicklemama]

I took it for about 6 months. Didn't do a thing. I have rheumatoid arthritis. I'd read it was helpful.