A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial of N-Acetylcysteine in Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders
Back SE
Published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
Methodology
Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot trial (NCT02499029) conducted March 2013 to April 2014; N-acetylcysteine 2,400 mg/day or placebo for 8 weeks plus cognitive behavioural therapy for substance use disorder; primary outcomes the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, PTSD Checklist-Military and a visual analogue craving scale.
Key Findings
35 veterans meeting DSM-IV criteria for both PTSD and a substance use disorder were randomised to 8 weeks of N-acetylcysteine 2,400 mg/day or placebo, both alongside cognitive behavioural therapy for substance use. The N-acetylcysteine group showed significantly greater improvement in PTSD symptoms, craving and depression (beta values below -0.33, p values below 0.05). Substance use was low in both groups and showed no significant between-group difference. Treatment was well tolerated with high retention.
Conclusions
NAC significantly improved PTSD symptoms, craving and depression versus placebo in a small pilot trial.
Limitations
A pilot trial of only 35 veterans over 8 weeks with no long-term follow-up; everyone also received cognitive behavioural therapy and baseline substance use was low, limiting what can be concluded about that outcome.
Supplements Studied
Participants treated with N-acetylcysteine compared to placebo evidenced significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, craving, and depression.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.