N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

I started taking NAC and Inositol, both over the counter supplements, on September 29th, 2014. It has been a little over a month, but I have only pulled 2 hairs TOTAL since then, and that was the first week I started taking it. Now I don't know if this is the actual real result of taking NAC and Inositol, but it is the ONLY thing that I have changed. While my mental state has not changed completely, there is a definite difference in the amount of random negative thoughts that come into my head. I'm very optimistic about this treatment. Thank you for recommending it.

I saw Inositol mentioned somewhere in this forum. So I looked at Web MD and found that it helps with OCD and some Panic Disorders. It also says on the main info page that it promotes hair growth! WOW! I hope the information helps. I will say that my nail biting has not stopped, so maybe I'm just ultra focused on stopping with the hair pulling. I don't know. I'm still going strong and my little hairs on my head are getting longer every day. I should have done a before picture and updated weekly to monitor the growth. I remain very optimistic, for the first time in over 3 or 4 years since the trich started up again.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-299-inositol.aspx?activeingredientid=299&activeingredientname=inositol

Update: So in the last 3 or 4 days I have been getting some urges to pull. I am generally not very good at taking pills on the weekends and the build up of the holidays (seeing in-laws) stresses me, so those could be reasons. Also, my diet has not been great lately. I'm wondering if it isn't time to up my dosage. I have been taking 600mg of NAC and 500mg of Inositol two times every day (morning and night). I may add a mid-day 600mg of NAC. My hair has grown out so much that I've been feeling my scalp and hair more than usual and maybe just the action of touching my hair is not helpful. There are many factors, but I'm staying strong. I'll keep everyone updated as time goes on.

Appreciate you sharing, great forum.Much thanks again.

Update: I'm still pull free since starting the NAC and inositol! The urges have gone away almost completely. I NEVER thought this would work so well for me. I still bite my nails to the point of bleeding, but my hair is growing. Please, please, please try the NAC if you are struggling. I found out about it from this website and I am so thankful. I feel like I am on my way to getting my life back.

I have taken NAC last summer. I did some research on it and I was really excited to try it. Unfortunately for me it didn't work and it made no difference to my hair. However, I had stomach aches each time I had it after a while so I stopped as I felt the discomfort. After doing some research I saw that it works for some and it doesn't for others so, But it's good to hear it's effective for some!

Hi! I have tried NAC as well last summer. I was really excited to try it, since it promised a stop. I took it for a while, about 2 weeks and no change but I was persistant knowing that everything takes time. After a month there was still no change in my hair. However, each time after I took the pill (I took it as prescribed very seriously, as I was desperate for results) I started getting stomach pains. I stopped shortly after.

I read more about NAC and I did find that for some people it works wonders and for some it doesn't, but as in my case, if it comes to side effects I wouldn't continue without checking with a doctor.