N-acetyl cysteine effect on sleep quality and respiratory function of morphine addicts in treatment period a pilot study

Aims. Sleep and respiratory disorders are common in addict persons. Anti-oxidant drugs improve sleep quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the NAC effects on respiratory function and sleep quality in addict persons who are in treatment period. Methods. In this double blind clinical trial study, two drug (17 addicts) and placebo (15 addicts) groups were selected with systematic sampling method among the persons who referred for treatment of their opium addiction. 1200 mg/day drug and placebo were administered to drug and placebo groups, respectively, for 45 days. Sleep quality were evaluated with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and respiratory function was evaluated with peak flowmetery, before and after drug administration. Finally, the results were analyzed with Fisher, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon. Results. PSQI total point mean, before intervention was 10.76 ± 4.64 in drug group and 10.07 ± 6.47 in placebo group and after intervention was 5.29 ± 2.62 in drug group and 4.40 ± 2.87 in placebo group. There was a significant relation between PSQI total points before the intervention, comparing with after the intervention in two groups. But there was no significant relation between PSQI total point before and after the study in drug group comparing to placebo group, before and after the study. NAC improved peak flowmetery results but there were no significant relation at the end of study between drug and placebo groups. Conclusion. NAC drug compared with placebo, does not significantly improve sleep quality and pulmonary function in morphine addicts.