It is called SAM-e, pronounced Sammy and it is short for S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine. For more than 20 years, SAM-e has been an approved medication in Europe. Studies have shown it to be useful to relieve depression among other health issues.
SAM-e for Relieving Depression
The United States Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) looked at 102 SAM-e studies, 47 were specifically for depression. One way to score depression is called the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, which is a multiple choice questionnaire given to patients.
The AHRQ used 28 unique studies out of the 47 depression studies for their meta-analysis and found that SAM-e scored 6 points higher on the Hamilton tests than a placebo did. Six points is a statistical and clinically significant amount. This shows that SAM-e is an effective treatment for depression [1].
When compared to conventional anti-depression drugs, SAM-e was just as effective at relieving depression and without the side effects of many anti-depressant drugs, especially the suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction side effects that the anti-depressants drugs have.
B Vitamins and SAM-e Work Together
Sometimes a lack of certain B vitamins can cause nervousness, anxiety, depression and even dementia. B vitamins are also required for SAM-e to be metabolized by the body correctly.
The B vitamins that are important are B-12, B6, and folate. A lack of these B vitamins in your body can also cause a lack of natural SAM-e in your body.
Studies: Comparing SAM-e with Anti-Depression Drugs
A 4-week double-blind randomized study with 26 patients who were diagnosed with severe depression, were given either SAM-e or desipramine. Desipramine is a conventional drug for depression and is also known as Norpramin or Pertofane.
The results of this study were that 62% of the patients who took SAM-e showed a significant improvement and 50% of those who took the desipramine had significant improvement.
Interestingly, both the SAM-e and the desipramine groups had an increase in the blood plasma SAM-e levels [2]. This study proves that blood levels of SAM-e are important when concerned with depression.
A 2002 multicenter study using 293 patients with major depression episodes compared SAM-e with the anti-depressant drug Imipramine for 4-weeks. This study was to find out the efficiency and safety of SAM-e in patients with major depression. The patients were given either SAM-e or Imipramine.
The study found that SAM-e and Imipramine treated the depression equally well. But the adverse side effects were significantly lower in the patients who were given the SAM-e as compared to the patients given Imipramine [3].
Note: Imipramine is sold under different names like Tofranil®, Eupramin®, Janimine®, Antideprin®, and others. Some researchers consider this study flawed since there was no placebo used.
To date, there have not been any studies comparing SAM-e to the newer SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) type of anti-depressant drugs like Prozac.
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a meta-analysis of 30 studies using 1,359 patients did show that SAM-e was more effective at treating depression than a placebo and SAM-e is just as effective as tricyclic anti-depressants [4].
Many of the current drugs that treat depression could cause suicide and thoughts of suicide, especially in people age 24 and younger plus the sexual dysfunction side effects. There are no such warnings with SAM-e.
How to Buy and Take SAM-e
Since SAM-e is expensive, you should buy only from reputable companies. Buy only enteric coated SAM-e, this helps with the absorption and reduces any stomach problems. Look for sales and discount codes for reputable vitamin, supplement and health food stores.
SAM-e should be taken on an empty stomach, about a half hour to an hour before a meal. Most people start out with 400 mg per day; some even take 200 mg and find that amount helps them.
The dosages should be broken up, for example, take 200 mg twice a day if you are taking 400 mg per day. You should also take a multivitamin or B complex with meals to ensure you have plenty of the B vitamins that SAM-e needs to work with.
SAM-e Warnings and Side Effects
Those with bipolar disorder should not take SAM-e since it could cause manic episodes in some people. Do not take SAM-e with another anti-depressant drug.
It has been reported that SAM-e taken with any kind of anti-depressant could cause what is known as the serotonin syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention.
Do not use SAM-e if you are taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). If you take any medications or have any medical conditions, talk to your doctor before taking SAM-e
Side effects might include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, insomnia and sweating. I have read on various web sites where some reported becoming very anxious and also having panic attacks after taking SAM-e.
This is usually associated with higher doses of SAM-e, above 800mg, but each person has a different tolerance to dosages.
Depression is Serious
Depression can be a serious condition and should not be taken lightly. You should consult your doctor or a specialist about depression and find out what works for you.
The studies with SAM-e have been promising, but more studies need to be done comparing SAM-e to the newer types of anti-depressants.
If you find you are only depressed during the winter months, you might have what is known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD. SAM-e can also help with SAD.
Conclusion
Depression is a very debilitating mental condition that can affect every aspect of your life. The side effects of depression medications and the withdrawals from some of these medications are not pleasant either.
Consider trying SAM-e if you want a more natural approach to treating depression. SAM-e is an antioxidant and is thought to protect the brain from dementia.
SAM-e has also been proven to be an effective pain reliever for joint pain from osteoarthritis and help relieve liver disease.
About the Author
Sam Montana is a certified Food Over Medicine instructor from the Wellness Forum Health Center and certified in optimal nutrition from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
© 2010-2019 Sam Montana
References:
[1] NCBI - S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine for Treatment of Depression, Osteoarthritis, and Liver Disease.
[2] PubMed - S-adenosylmethionine blood levels in major depression: changes with drug treatment. Bell KM, Potkin SG, Carreon D, Plon L. Acta Neurol Scand Suppl. 1994;154:15-8.
[3] PubMed - Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2002 Dec;5(4):287-94. Pancheri P, Scapicchio P, Chiaie RD
[4] PubMed - Delle Chiaie R, Pancheri P, Scapicchio P. Efficacy and tolerability of oral and intramuscular S-adenosyl-L-methionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate (SAMe) in the treatment of major depression: comparison with imipramine in 2 multicenter studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov;76(5):1172S-6S. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/76/5.1172S. PMID: 12418499.
