SAM-e

SAM-e (pronounced "Sammy") is the commonly used name for S-Adenosyl-Methionine, an amino acid (protein). SAM-e occurs in every living cell and takes part in several biological reactions in the human body. It has been found to be effective for some forms of depression and arthritis.

SAM-e has fewer side effects than other antidepressants, it works relatively quickly, and some studies have shown that it works as well as antidepressant drugs for people with mild to moderate depression.  Although a number of studies of SAM-e have been completed, it has yet to be subjected to Australian Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sanctioned double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with published results, like all other antidepressants in Australia.

It has been available in Europe for twenty years and although SAM-e is sold as a prescription drug in Europe, in Australia it is sold as a dietary supplement and as such is not regulated by the FDA. Further studies are required in order for it to become registered.

Despite the fact that you can purchase SAM-e in health food stores an on the internet, professional assistance is highly recommended in order to establish if SAM-e may be beneficial for you, and also to determine appropriate dosage levels and form of SAM-e (which can vary significantly depending on the supplier). SAM-e is relatively expensive when compared to prescription antidepressants.

A number of GP’s trained in integrated medicine will advocate the use of SAM-e and advise on the best brands, places and methods to purchase it in Australia, and supervise your treatment.

Side Effects

SAM-e may trigger mania and should be used with caution by people with bipolar disorder, otherwise few side effects have been documented.  It should not be taken in conjunction with prescribed antidepressants unless supervised by a doctor.

References

Australian National University

Stop Depression Now: SAM-e: The Breakthrough Supplement that Works as Well as Prescription Drugs
Dr. Richard P. Brown and Anne Colman
2000

S-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e)
Drug Digest – USA Consumer Information