SAMe 

OTHER NAMES: S-adenosyl-methionine, sam-E, AdoMet

HISTORY: SAMe was discovered as a natural substance in the body in 1970's. It is involved in normal cell growth and protection. It is an essential amino found naturally in fish, meat and dairy is currently made synthetically for the purpose of supplementation.

PROPERTIES: Anti-inflammatory, antidepressant

CONSIDERED USES

Gastrointestinal: Liver disease (alcohol-related), hepatic cirrhosis, abdominal pain, low back pain, cholestasis (bile buildup)

Genitourinary: PMS, PMDD, hot flashes

Musculoskeletal: Osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, bursitis, tendonitis, back pain, fibromyalgia, bursitis, hepatitis C

Neurologic: Dementia, Alzheimer's, chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson's, improves mental function, MS, migraines, seizures, chronic fatigue, ADHD, AIDS-related myelopathy

Mental Health: Antidepressant, possible used for anxiety (but may increase this), schizophrenia, but NOT FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER, 

Other: May slow aging processes (i.e. arthritis), supports mental function

Side effects: Stomach upset, gas, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, headache, mild insomnia, anorexia, diaphoresis/sweating, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, rash/hives

Cautions/Contraindications: Bipolar, Leisch-Nyhan syndrome, Parkinson's, SSRIs for depression/anxiety like Paxil, Prozac, Lexapro, and others. Some tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil. MAOIs, dextromethorphan (DM in cough and cold medicines), Levodopa, Demerol, Talwin, tramadol/Ultram, and others. Excessive amounts of SAMe may cause live damage.

FORMS: Tablets

Note: This is a prescription drug in parts of Europe - used for depression

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

Azendus™ Natural SAMe 400 mg (may be ordered through this Amazon link)

Doctor's Best® Double-Strength SAM-e 400 mg (may be ordered through this Amazon link)

Jarrow Formulas® Vegan SAMe 200 mg (may order through this Amazon link)

Life Extension® SAMe 400 mg (may order through Life Extension)

Nature Made® SAM-e Complete® 400 mg (may order through this Amazon link)

Nature's Trove® SAMe 200 mg (may order through this Amazon link)

Nature's Trove® SAMe 400 mg (may order through Amazon link)

Pure Encapsulations® SAMe 200 mg (link TBD)

Swanson® SAMe 400 mg tablet (order through Amazon link here)

DOSAGE: As directed

The following are reported doses a

and may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources i.e. WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E, NIH publications, and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• ADHS: 400-800 mg by mouth 3 times daily

• Alcoholic Liver Disease: 400 mg by mouth 3 times daily

• Cholestasis: 500-800 mg by mouth 3 times daily

• Depression: 400-800 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Fibromyalgia: 400 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Cirrhosis: 600 mg by mouth daily

• Hepatitis C: 1600 mg by mouth daily

• Osteoarthritis: 300-600 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Schizophrenia: Start with 200 mg by mouth 2 times daily for 1 week then increase to 400 mg by mouth 2 times daily