Online Test
Find out the severity of your symptoms with this free online test
Anyone try N-acetylcysteine to reduce urges?
Hi all! I'm new to this site but not new to skin picking. I've been doing it for over 23 years. I just started working with a new therapist who specializes in compulsive skin picking and hair pulling. She recommended taking an amino acid supplement called N-acetylcysteine or NAC. I did some research and it seems that this supplement can reduce the addictive urges. Has anyone tried it?
May 12, 2010
I have never heard of it until you, but I did some research on it after I read your post, and it sounds like something I would try. I am a vegetarian so it might help with nutrients I need anyways from not eating meat. But I will try the NAC and let you know if I notice anything. You should let us know too if you notice any changes.
May 15, 2010
I've been picking for about 15 years, and my pdoc recently told me to start taking NAC. I take 600mg twice a day. It's only been about a week and a half, so I haven't seen changes yet, but I'll let you know if I do.
May 18, 2010
Update: I've been taking 500 mg of N-acetylcysteine (from Whole Foods) every morning for the past 4 days. I know that's not very long but I wanted to report that I haven't had any skin picking urges since I started. I'm in a high-skin picking state right now due to stress so that says a lot. Apparently, skin pickers and hair pullers are lacking this enzyme. It's an interesting theory! Taking NAC is certainly better than relying on anti-depressants and other pharmaceuticals, which often have negative side effects. I prefer a natural approach to treatment. If you're depressed, which often is the case when you suffer from an addiction, I recommend exercising, vitamin B12, and cod liver oil.