anyone experienced nausea whilst taking NAC (N-ACETYL CYSYEINE)

[AsterS]

I have been becoming increasingly nauseous over the last 3 weeks. I started taking 500mg twice daily of NAC (N-ACETYL CYSYEINE) about 3 weeks ago. This was prescribed by a nutritionist along with a B-complex and Omega 3. I was also taking L-theanine and Serotone 5-HTP - but I stopped this a week ago. I have successfully taken the b-complex and omega 3 without any side affects.

I wondered if anyone had experienced nausea whilst taking NAC?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

AsterS

Did you start all the supplements at the same time or did you stagger them, adding one new one every 2 weeks?

I take NAC - 1 x 750mg daily - and I have never experienced any nausea.

[AsterS in reply to SeasideSusie]

I started altogether as advised. I have stopped all now and am seeing nutritionist next week. I read nausea can be a side affect.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to AsterS]

AsterS

We never advise starting all supplements together. The problem with this is if you have any adverse effects - as you have nausea - how do you know which one or combination causes this?

We always advise start with one, give it 2 weeks to see if you react to it, if not add in the second one, give it 2 weeks to see if you react, if not add in the third one, etc. That way if you do have a reaction then you know exactly what caused it.

I'm very surprised that a nutritionist doesn't take this approach.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Jonathan1956

You have replied to me and I think you mean to reply to AsterS

I have used two brands of NAC and have never had tablets, they've always been capsules.

[AsterS in reply to SeasideSusie]

Yes mine are also capsules - thanks for the reply!

[bookish]

I haven't tried NAC (although I have some, just in case of Covid) but use a supplement that states 'This updated version contains alpha ketoglutaric acid as a replacement for n-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which may have side effects in a subset of individuals.' I had heard that it could cause nausea. I only ever start a very low dose of one thing at a time. (Be careful with your B complex - although we need some B6, particularly to help with inflammation, too much for too long can cause significant neurological symptoms. Someone on another forum only yesterday was saying that a practitioner had given her a moderately high dose, then doubled it, and left her on it for over a year. She had some very unpleasant reactions and lasting symptoms as a result. )Best wishes

[AsterS in reply to bookish]

Thanks for this. The supplement I have is from Cytoplan and seems to be just NAC and brown rice flour as a filler. Hoping the symptoms I have start to disappear - the doc has prescribed something to reduce stomach acid whilst my system heals after this upset but I hesitate to take that as it can produce similar symptoms to what I am already having.

[bookish in reply to AsterS]

Hi. I think Cytoplan are generally quite well regarded, but I personally cannot tolerate any grains (stomach does backflips!) so would not use something with rice flour. You may be having problems with either the rice or the NAC, or possibly from just looking at the product, the HPMC capsule shell. HPMC capsules generally contain carrageenan which is a stomach irritant and can cause extremely unpleasant spasms. It is not recommended for anyone with gut issues. I remove the contents of all my HPMC capsules and re-capsule them in gelatin (which I know I can tolerate) - sad, huh! Some people just stick the capsule contents in a smoothie or something (but not with things like Betaine HCL or digestive enzymes). So it might be that, given that it is nausea etc. I would suggest chewing on little chunks of fresh ginger and making ginger tea - great for nausea (and digestion). A bit bothered about stomach acid reducer - I don't know what else you've got going on but given that this is a thyroid forum you are far more likely to have too little acid than too much and something to lower it still further may add to your problems longer term rather than help. Best wishes

[AsterS in reply to bookish]

Thank you! Yes, my thoughts exactly on the stomach acid. I have Hashimoto’s. I won’t be picking up the prescription and will hopefully just ride this out in the next days.

I was taking the NAC after months of mid-cycle bleeding. I have investigations going on for that but had started up seeing a nutritionist again to help out, with who suggested the NAC amongst other things.

[bookish in reply to AsterS]

Hope the investigations prove useful. Oestrogen/hormone imbalances seem to go so hand in hand with autoimmunity it is a good idea to know what is going on and what you can do to help. My 'NAC alternative' containing supplement also has Calcium D-Glucarate to help with poor oestrogen metabolism. Cheers

[AsterS in reply to bookish]

I just realised it could also have been the 5-HTP that could be causing the symptoms but I stopped taking them about a week ago so I don’t think I still should have nausea and pains.

[bookish in reply to AsterS]

Always possible - also has rice and likely carrageenan in capsule. Whatever the practitioner suggests, it is easier to just do one at a time, then you stand a chance of working out what doesn't agree with you. I'm so hypersensitive I usually start with 1/4 of a dose too. Hope the appointment goes well.

[Carysta]

That is a high dose of NAC you are on. I take Lamberts NAC 600mg once a day and occasionally miss a day. Never had problems. Hope it all resolves quickly