SAM-e Vs. Tryptophan

Depression is the leading cause of mental health disability in the world, according to the World Health Organization. At least 1-in-5 Americans are affected by depression at some point in their lives, and medications for depression are effective for approximately only 35 to 45 percent of patients, according to the National Network of Depression Centers. Some people use supplements such as SAM-e or tryptophan to treat depression. You should not use SAM-e or tryptophan for depression without consulting a health care professional.

Tryptophan and Depression

Tryptophan is an amino acid that is used for depression in alternative medicine and should be taken only under a physician’s supervision. The April 2011 issue of “Acta Psychiatrica Scandanavia” reported that limited evidence indicated decreased tryptophan levels in patients who are depressed, but some research indicates tryptophan can help people who are depressed by increasing serotonin production.

Serotonin

Serotonin is a chemical in the brain called a neurotransmitter. In the healthy brain, serotonin goes through a cycle of being released and taken up again by a process called the serotonin transport system. When you are depressed, the serotonin transport system prevents serotonin from getting into the brain. Antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, block the serotonin transport system and allow more serotonin into the brain.

SAM-e and Depression

S-Adenosyl-Methionine, or SAM-e, is considered a dietary supplement in the United States, but requires a prescription in Spain, Italy, Russia and Germany. SAM-e is used for treating depression and arthritis under a physician’s supervision. The 2009 “Journal of Clinical Psychiatry” reported that when given intravenously or by injection, SAM-e has been found to be as effective as some antidepressants and more effective than a placebo in the treatment of major depression. MayoClinic.com reports oral SAM-e is effective for depression.

Comparing SAM-e and Tryptophan

SAM-e and tryptophan are both considered dietary supplements in the United States, although SAM-e is a prescription medication in Europe. Both are relatively inexpensive and can be taken by mouth in tablet, capsule or pill form. Solid evidence indicates injectable SAM-e is effective for depression, according to a study published in the 2009 “Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.” Dr. Richard Brown, a psychiatrist and co-author of “Stop Depression Now,” says he has found oral SAM-e to be effective in his clinical practice.

More Comparisons

The evidence for tryptophan’s effectiveness as a depression treatment is positive, but limited. Tryptophan can interact with some prescription drugs such as antidepressants and tranquilizers, and with herbal supplements such as St. John’s wort, according to Drugs.com. Brown says reports of side effects and drug interactions with SAM-e have been minimal. No studies have compared tryptophan directly with SAM-e in the treatment of depression. If you suffer from depression and feel tryptophan or SAM-e would be beneficial, consult a health-care professional.