S-Adenosylmethionine, or SAM-e, is a natural substance produced in the cells of the body. As a supplement, it works by improving mood while maintaining the brain chemicals serotonin, melatonin and dopamine in conjunction with optimum levels of vitamin B-12 and folate. University of Maryland Medical Center notes that SAM-e may effectively treat depression better than a placebo without the harsh side effects of prescribed antidepressant drugs. SAM-e is not for use in children or in pregnant or bipolar patients. Consult with a licensed health professional before attempting to self-medicate any condition.
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is a condition in which serotonin overtakes other neurotransmitters and essentially floods the brain. American Headache Society states that the presence of an abundance of serotonin in the brain leads to excessive nerve cell activity accompanied by physical symptoms. These physical symptoms can include changes in blood pressure or pulse rate, fluctuations in body temperature, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, muscular and movement disorders, restlessness, gastrointestinal upset, and chills or profuse sweating. This condition is generally caused by taking too high of a dose of any supplement or drug that increases serotonin in the brain or by combining supplements and medications that act in a similar way.
Potentiation of Antidepressant Medications
SAM-e can also increase the potential for side effects when combined with antidepressant drugs. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, combining antidepressant medication with SAM-e increases the likelihood of developing headaches, arrhythmia, tachycardia, anxiety, mania and general restlessness. Consult a psychiatrist or neurologist before taking SAM-e with antidepressants or psychotropic medications for migraine headaches to ensure serotonin levels are safe.
Canceling of Levodopa
Levodopa is a prescription medication used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is often accompanied by depression, and some patients have preferred using a natural remedy rather than taking on additional side effects of an antidepressant. However, Butler Hospital notes that while levodopa may deplete the natural presence of SAM-e in the body and lead to depression, supplementing SAM-e could make the levodopa less effective with prolonged use. If you have Parkinson's disease and depression, your treating physician may have an alternative to SAM-e that will not disrupt the activity of your medication.
Risk of Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when blood glucose in the body drops to dangerously low levels. For depressed adult patients, Penn State University's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center suggests keeping the dose between 800 and 1,600 mg per day, divided. Those with diabetes should exercise extreme caution when taking SAM-e. SAM-e can strengthen the effect of insulin products and cause hypoglycemia. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse lists symptoms to watch for that include hunger, shakiness, nervousness, sweating, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, speech difficulties, weakness and anxiety. Symptoms that can occur during sleep include perspiration, nightmare activity and excessive drowsiness or fatigue upon waking. Hypoglycemia is a life-threatening illness and should be treated immediately.
References
- American Headache Society: What Is "Serotonin Syndrome" and What Should You Know About It?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: S-Adenosylmethionine
- Butler Hospital: Levodopa/Carbidopa
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center: S-Adenosylmethionine
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; Hypoglycemia; October 2008
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