N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of substance use disorders

Abstract

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an agent best known for its clinical efficacy in bronchopulmonary disorders due to its mucolytic properties, and in the treatment of acetaminophen overdose. Given the strong clinical evidence from animal studies of its critical role in regulating glutamatergic receptors, NAC has also been the subject of research related to several psychiatric disorders as a promising treatment approach. This editorial is a brief discussion of the characteristics of NAC and its place in substance use disorders and other psychiatric disorders.