SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine), a dietary supplement, is the synthetic version of a naturally occurring compound found in the body. It has been used by Europeans for years as an alternative treatment for depression and arthritis. It is also used as an alternative treatment for health problems associated with depression such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, pain disorders, attention and memory disorders and heart disease.
SAM-e is thought to work similarly to antidepressant medication by increasing the production of the same neurotransmitters targeted by the more popular antidepressants. SAM-e causes few side effects and may reduce depressive symptoms in half the time as antidepressant medications, which can take as long as 6 to 8 weeks to take effect. The side effects include diarrhea, jitteriness and headaches.
A study conducted on the use of SAM-e as an alternative treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) showed significant improvements in men who took 800 mg three times a day, while the effective dosage in treating depressive symptoms, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and pain disorders fell in a lower range between 400 to 800 mg.
SAM-e also lowers homocysteine levels, a substance found in higher-than-normal levels in individuals suffering from depression, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
What to Look for
SAM-e is a dietary supplement sold in most pharmacies and grocery stores. It is often sold in bottles of 50 mg capsules with instructions advising the user to take 2 to 3 per day, yet studies show the effective dosage to be as high as 1,600 mg per day. The manufacturers sell the product this way to lower the cost, which can get expensive when taking the correct dosage. Look for products that contain only SAM-e, rather than a combination of SAM-e and other supplements.
SAM-e can trigger manic or hypomanic symptoms in those users diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and individuals with high anxiety should take a lower dosage due to the stimulating effects.
Users should start by taking a small dosage, gradually increase the daily amount and stop beneath the point at which a feeling of jitteriness occurs.
Common Pitfalls
SAM-e must be taken on an empty stomach for absorption purposes, and it must be taken in the correct dose to produce the desired effects. Users may be tempted to take smaller doses to save money, but taking too little will not produce the desired effect. The expense of SAM-e is probably a small price to pay in comparison to the costs of lost work time, health care and medication expenses associated with depression.
All users should consult with their physicians or mental health professionals before using any alternative treatment. Although natural alternatives are often thought to be harmless, most of them act as a drug within the body and have the potential to interact with prescription medications or other alternative treatments.
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