Evidence supporting the use of: N-Acetyl Cysteine
For the health condition: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) has some scientific evidence supporting its use as an adjunctive treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), though the evidence is still preliminary and limited. NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a major antioxidant in the brain, and has modulatory effects on glutamate, an important neurotransmitter involved in stress response and neuroplasticity. Several small clinical trials and pilot studies have explored NAC in the context of PTSD, primarily due to its potential to reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which are thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of PTSD. A 2016 randomized controlled trial (RCT) in veterans with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders found that adjunctive NAC (2400 mg/day) led to greater reductions in PTSD symptoms compared to placebo, particularly in hyperarousal symptoms. However, sample sizes have generally been small, and not all studies have shown consistent benefits. Reviews and meta-analyses note that, while NAC shows promise and is generally well-tolerated, more robust, larger-scale clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy and optimal dosing for PTSD. Currently, NAC is not considered a first-line or standard treatment for PTSD, but it may be considered as a supportive adjunct in research or specialized settings.

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