N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for methamphetamine dependence: A randomised controlled trial

Study answer

What this study found

NAC did not improve methamphetamine use outcomes versus placebo over 12 weeks. Methamphetamine use days fell in both groups, but the between-group difference was not significant (0.5 days, 97.5% CI -3.4 to 4.3), and mean reduction in use days was similar: placebo 7.3 [1.2] versus NAC 6.8 [1.2]. NAC also showed no significant benefit for methamphetamine-positive oral fluid samples, craving, severity of dependence, withdrawal, hostility, depression, or suicidality. Adverse events were similar overall, with 11 serious adverse events affecting 10 participants (6 on NAC, 4 on placebo).

Study & population

Randomized, placebo-controlled trial in adults with methamphetamine dependence who were seeking to reduce use.

Intervention

Participants in the active arm received oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 2400 mg/day for 12 weeks, given as two 600 mg capsules twice daily in the morning and evening.

Key limitation

The trial tested a single NAC dose for a relatively short 12-week period, which limits inference about longer-term treatment effects.

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Original abstract