Use of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) in Fingernail Biting

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2015-06-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

To conduct a pilot randomized placebo-controlled feasibility trial of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in onychophagia, preliminarily assessing the tolerability and effects of this pharmacotherapy on young adults who bite their fingernails. It is proposed that NAC will help decrease fingernail biting.

• Phase: Phase 3
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: Kevin Gray; Kevin Gray, MD
• Treatments: Acetylcysteine; N-monoacetylcystine

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1. Age 18-30 2. Fingernail biter for ≥5 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1. Any unstable major DSM-IV Axis I psychiatric disorder in the past month (e.g., psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder) 2. Current substance dependence in the past month 3. Current unstable major medical disorder or medical condition in the past 6 months (e.g., renal impairment) 4. Current pregnancy or breastfeeding 5. Current seizure disorder or asthma, due to possible elevated risk for adverse effects with NAC in individuals with these conditions 6. Known hypersensitivity to NAC 7. Use of carbamazepine or nitroglycerin (or any other medication deemed to be hazardous if taken with NAC) within 14 days of study participation