N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a sulfhydryl amino acid and a valuable neuroprotective antioxidant. NAC scavenges the dangerous hydroxyl radical, increases the synthesis of reduced glutathione (and glutathione peroxidase) and diminishes the production of hydrogen peroxide.

• NAC has been used to treat neurodegenerative disorders in which free radical mechanisms contribute to the underlying pathology.
• NAC treatments of myoclonus, epilepsy, Friedreich's ataxia, neuronal apoptosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative disorders produced symptomatic improvements and lowered indexes of free radical pathology.

During the metabolism of MDMA it is first converted to HHMA (which increases free radical production) and then reacts with GSH or NAC forming thiol conjugates. These conjugates are believed to contribute to MDMA neurotoxicity through increasing oxidative stress and further metabolism to more neurotoxic metabolites. See: Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Approach to Harm Reduction for details.

WARNING : Since NAC is one of the best ways to boost GSH, but may also contribute to neurotixicity, it is important not to use NAC for 2-3 days prior to MDMA, and to resume it 2-3 days after use, when free radical levels have returned to normal.

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