N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and lupus related fatigue

[Ophelia1]

Has anyone tried the above for fatigue? I am plagued with exhaustion, which is limiting my quality of life. I have read that NAC can help the fatigue which lupus sufferers experience.

[MrsMarigold]

Hello Ophelia. I’ve tried different products of NAC. I do not recall the product names and I tried them before my formal diagnosis so this may have been 2014 or 15. It was rather new so there was a lot of excitement and controversy. So long story short it exacerbated some of my lupus symptoms. Not having a diagnosis I kept digging for answers and found a forum dedicated to high doses of NAC and how it would reverse aging etc. But there also were posts from people who did not react well. I guess if you are interested in trying it I would read as much as possible about how it affects people with AI diseases. Best, Titters

[Ophelia1 in reply to MrsMarigold]

Hi Titters - Many thanks for your response. I thought as much. Bah. I'm going to try it anyway and see, but it is disappointing to keep coming up against dead ends in my search for a cure of my fatigue and brain fog.

[Choccy8]

Hi Ophelia. I take NAC at a dose of two 600mg capsules first thing on an empty stomach, then wait at least half an hour before eating. I think it helps generally with how I feel, including the fatigue, but the real improvement for me has been with my skin. I've always been troubled with acne that in recent years had got really bad, making me wish paper bags were in fashion! A dermatologist identified it as a specific type of acne related to lupus, which was always my thinking, but I hadn’t been able to get a GP to agree with me! Since taking the NAC, my skin is normal, with maybe a couple of spots just before my period. A huge relief, as it was a constant battle. I think it has also helped a lot with my mood, as I notice that I can feel quite low if I forget to take it. I first came across it mentioned in The Lupus Encyclopaedia, and there are various studies online showing good results. I hope you get some help from it if you try it.

[Ophelia1 in reply to Choccy8]

Hi Choccy8 - I also have skin issues. Mine relate to dryness and flaking at the sides of my nose, behind my ears and in my hairline. Not a good look. If the NAC had a positive effect with this that would be a good thing. I do wish that something would help with the fatigue. It's horrible to feel exhausted all of the time.

[Tanitani]

I did. The only thing that happened is that my stomach hurt more.

[bookish in reply to Tanitani]

Hi, may be that you have a problem with high sulphur, which NAC is. You might find this interesting, if long - drruscio.com/diets-sulfur-i...

[MrsMarigold]

I did a little research because I remember reading something. NAC is under review still in US as a supplement since it has medicinal qualities. Google it so you know what you are taking. Another product is NAD. Supplement. Controversy but millions swear by its transformation. Just research! Titters

[Maureenpearl]

I was given the above drug because the lupus has damaged my lungs. It was given to help to break up the mucus.

It didn't make any difference to the fatigue.

[Ophelia1 in reply to Maureenpearl]

Thanks for this Maureenpearl

[bookish]

Hi, I do take NAC although not for fatigue, and can't say I think it has made any difference to my fatigue. I wondered if you had managed to resolve the H Pylori, because as well as affecting your iron this may well be affecting your B12, which will not help fatigue at all (and I think you mentioned pins and needles etc). Can't see a B12 result, although testing is far from clear cut, but might be worth some thought. Best wishes

[Ophelia1 in reply to bookish]

Hi Bookish - I'm assuming you are asking me about the H Pylori? I was given antibiotics for this and have been tested twice since with negative results. I still experience raynauds and tingling sensations, plus the joint pain, mouth pain etc. I had an iron infusion four days ago and I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will have a positive effect for the fatigue. My B12 is fine at the moment. I'll keep taking the NAC and re assess in a month. I'm also taking ALA (which I think I will stop taking - no effect whatsoever) . I've also been taking probiotics, which are expensive. These do seem to be having a good effect on my stomach pain.

[LottieLou96]

I know it in the medical field as what we use to reverse paracetamol poisoning. X

[Tiggywoos]

Hi Ophelia I haven’t tried it but I can sympathise with the horrendous fatigue . I tried gingeng for a month after watching a scleroderma and fatigue webinar . Didn’t make any difference . Recently sent off for medichecks thyroid test which included D3 and b12 etc . Might be worth checking it out if you haven’t done so already ? Only thing that helps is doing nothing which I know isn’t practical or healthy ! Big hugs x

[Ophelia1 in reply to Tiggywoos]

Hi Tiggywoos - For me the worst thing by far is the fatigue. I could easily tolerate the other symptoms if it weren't for the constant fatigue. 🙃

[Tiggywoos in reply to Ophelia1]

Do understand … told rhuemy I was so exhausted I may have to give up work but can’t afford to (drastically cut hours already) . She just said nothing I can give you to help fatigue . What drugs are you on?

I take hydroxy and Mepacrine but does nothing for fatigue . It’s like the old IPhone that is charged all night but then Battery runs out by mid morning ! X

[Tiggywoos in reply to Ophelia1]

Did they find out the reason for your low iron ? X