SAMe for Depression and More

SAMe is a naturally occurring antioxidant made from the additon of a methyl group to ATP. SAMe causes cellular changes that relieve depression and reduce inflammation.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a nutrient with a long history of medicinal use in Europe, where it is used to treat depression, arthritis pain, and liver disease. Introduced in the United States in 1996, S-adenosylmethionine has gained considerable popularity in recent years, especially among people with chronic illnesses. In addition to the benefits listed, SAMe is also reported to relieve symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia and improve endothelial function in patients with ischemia.

S-adenosylmethionine is a naturally occurring compound found in nearly every body tissue and fluid. SAMe influences the brain’s production of dopamine and serotonin, both of which control mood and it alleviates pain and inflammation in patients with arthritis. In addition, SAMe has antioxidant properties and it contributes to cell signaling and the production of various neurotransmitters and hormones. SAMe also enhances bile flow and protects the liver from toxins.

Uses of SAMe

• 400 mg SAMe used daily is reported to improve nervous system function, mood, and cognitive function by improving the function of monoamine neurotransmitters.
• In studies of patients with fibromyalgia, 800 mg of SAMe used daily, helped relieve symptoms of depression, fatigue, and morning stiffness.
• In studies of patients with liver disease, doses of 1600 mg SAMe daily reduced levels of the bile pigment bilirubin, which rises in jaundice, and relieved symptoms of itching and fatigue, which typically occur in liver disease. SAMe also reduces inflammation in liver cells and has been used successfully in clinical trials of patients with cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Studies dating from 1975 show the role SAMe plays in reducing inflammation and pain in patients with arthritis. More recent studies show that SAMe increases levels of joint-cushioning proteins known as proteoglycans and helps restore joint tissue. Clinical trials have shown doses of 1200 mg SAMe daily is as effective as ibuprofen and comparable to 750 mg doses of naproxen for reducing pain in patients with osteoarthritis but free of the side effects associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Effectiveness in Depression

In clinical trials conducted in Italy, SAMe was reported to be as effective as the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (Desipramine) for relieving depression but free of the side effects commonly associated with tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, using 400 mg of SAMe daily, symptoms of depression abated in seven days compared to the 3-4 weeks it takes for tricyclic antidepressants to take effect. In other studies, SAMe was used along with prescription antidepressants to reduce the dose needed and provide faster relief from symptoms of depression.

Dosage:

• Doses of 400-1600 mg SAMe are used daily for depression
• Doses of 400-1200 mg SAMe are used for seasonal affective disorder
• Doses of 200-1200 mg SAMe daily in divided doses are used for bone and joint health
• Doses up to 1600 mg SAMe in divided doses are used for liver problems.

Studies show that once effects are noted the initial dose of SAMe can usually be reduced. SAMe should be taken on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after meals.

Precautions:

Folic acid or trimethlyglycine supplements should be used along with SAMe to prevent the possibility of increased homocysteine levels.

SAMe should not be used in people with bipolar disorder because it can cause excessive energy and excitability unless it is prescribed by a physician and used with close medical supervision.

SAMe should not be used in children or nursing mothers because long-term studies in these groups are not available. SAMe should only be used in pregnancy under a physician’s recommendation.

Resources:

James Balch, Prescription for Natural Cures, Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, 2004.

Tiesha Johnson, SAMe: Safe, Effective Support for Mood and More, Life Extension Journal, April 2007: 63-70.

D Mischoulon, Role of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the treatment of depression: A review of the evidence, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Nov 2oo2; 76(5): 1158-1161.