Same Is Safe And Can Help Treat Depressed Mood Research Finds
As I write I am thinking of many of my own patients who find themselves struggling more as the days grow shorter. This post is about S-adenosyl-methionine , a widely used natural supplement with an established track record for treating depressed mood.
How SAMe works to improve depressed mood
Research findings show efficacy comparable to antidepressants
SAMe has been widely used for decades to treat depressed mood and osteoarthritis in many European countries where it is available on a prescription basis in oral form, as an intramuscular injection, or for intravenous use. SAMe degrades rapidly when exposed to air and stable oral preparations posed manufacturing challenges for many years. Thus, many early studies investigated the antidepressant efficacy of SAMe administered intramuscularly or intravenously. Early studies reported that effective antidepressant doses of SAMe are significantly smaller when administered intravenously, and showed that few patients receiving SAMe intravenously had adverse effects.
The standard maintenance regimen of oral SAMe for depressed mood is between 800 and 1600 mg/day in two-to-four divided doses. A common strategy is to start SAMe at a dose of 200mg twice daily, and gradually increase to 400mg twice daily, monitoring for side effects and therapeutic response. Absorption is improved when SAMe is taken on an empty stomach .
Advantages of SAMe compared to prescription antidepressants
How Long Do I Need To Take Them
There really isnt any recommendation for how long to take Prozac or Zoloft. Some people take them for a few months, while others may be on them for years. You and your provider can determine when to stop taking them.
When you are ready to discontinue them, your provider can gradually decrease your dose to help avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Use In Pregnancy Risks And Medication Interactions
The need for safer treatments for depression in women during pregnancy and post-partum is urgent, particularly in light of evidence that untreated maternal MDD may adversely affect fetal and neonatal development. The use of certain prescription antidepressants has been associated with increased risk of birth defects . SAMe has been evaluated in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in conjunction with the bile acid urosdeoxycholic acid . UDCA is a natural bile acid commonly used to reverse impaired bile formation . A systematic review and meta-analysis of ten RCTs found that a combination of ursodeoxycholic acid and SAMe significantly reduced rates of Caesarian sections, preterm birth, and fetal asphyxia . The mean endogenous CSF concentration of SAMe in normal infants and youth may be greater than in adults, though rigorous studies of age-related changes in levels of SAMe are needed . Trials of SAMe during pregnancy and breast-feeding with long-term monitoring of child development would be worthwhile.
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Flow Of Included Studies
Electronic searches found 106 papers that were potentially relevant to the present systematic review. Of these, 24 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria . Of the 82 that did not meet the criteria, 21 were excluded from the main review because they were not original research or were case studies, 14 did not investigate the supplement as a treatment , 32 did not use human subjects, and 15 were published in a language other than English. Some of the excluded papers listed as reviews are cited in the background and discussion sections of this manuscript. Papers that were mainly discussions of philosophical and ethical issues were not reviewed at all.
Figure 1
Other Potential Benefits Of Sam
There has been some research showing a beneficial effect for people with symptoms related to osteoarthritis and in particular, can work well in conjunction with aspirin.
In addition, there has been some possible benefits identified specifically for people diagnosed with fibromyalgia, as well as some liver problems, such as cirrhosis.
Research is emerging and often changing as new developments occur.
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How To Take Sam
SAM-e supplements can be purchased online at Amazon and other reputable retailers. and manufacturers are not allowed to promote or formulate their supplements for the treatment of anxiety in the United States.
Consumers with anxiety should check with their doctor to make sure these supplements are safe to take and to find out what dosage to use. Your doctor may recommend other supplements or treatment alternatives.
In general, those who take SAM-e products should begin with a lower dosage and gradually work up to higher dosages. This helps reduce the risk of side effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends starting with doses of 200 mg and increasing the dosage amount slowly.
High doses can increase the risk of side effects. Never take more than the recommended amount.
Integrative Therapies For Depression Serotonin Precursors Same
SAMe stands for S-adenosyl-L-methionine. SAMe is a compound produced by the liver and used throughout the body in a chemical process called methylation. Methylation, essential to many chemical reactions in the body, is one of the last steps in the production of the brain chemicals serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine .
Because there are no foods that have high SAMe levels, our bodies must make this substance. Our liver usually creates SAMe from the amino acid methionine, which is found in many foods. Interestingly, supplementing with methionine does not work as well as supplementing with SAMe, because creating SAMe takes multiple steps and requires many co-factors to ensure that the process is successful.
It appears that SAMe works well for people with mild depressive symptoms , rather than individuals with more severe major depression. SAMe may also benefit people who cannot take standard antidepressant medications due to their side effects. SAMe could also be used in conjunction with other anti-depressants, but only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Scientists need additional research on SAMe to determine its effectiveness, interactions with other medications, and place within the family of depression therapies.
Safety and Dosing
Dosing for SAMe is typically between 800mg/day and 1600mg/day.
Side Effects of SAMe
- Stomach upset
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Energy Pain And Neurotransmitter Balance
SAM-e is one of the more popular supplements for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome . Its full name is s-adenosyl methionine and it’s a substance that’s made naturally in your body. Its job is to regulate key functions in your cells.
It’s also important in the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, and research suggests that activity of these neurotransmitters is sluggish in FMS and ME/CFS.
SAM-e has been studied extensively for depression, osteoarthritis, and liver disease, with mixed results. It’s also been investigated for migraine, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, and schizophrenia. However, so far we don’t know enough about it to draw conclusions about whether it works.
Same And Estrogen Imbalances:
In addition to genetic testing showing the need for SAMe, another indicator that you might benefit from SAMe is if you have an imbalance in your estrogen metabolites, particularly if you have a high ratio of 16OH to 2OH. 16OH is considered more estrogenic and is associated with estrogen dominant cancers and menstrual abnormalities .
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The Reality Of Depression
An estimated 16 million adults in America suffer from depression. It is the most commonly diagnosed mental health disease.
Depression is more than just a down feeling that you cant seem to snap out of. Its a clinically-proven sickness, and nothing to feel ashamed of.
If you think you may depression, you should consult your physician immediately. Typically, when symptoms last for a period of two weeks or longer, the diagnosis of clinical depression can be made.
Calming Anxiety Depression & Insomnia: An Integrative Medicine Approach
On a daily basis in my medical practice I have patients approach me with terrible stomach issues, sleeping problems, heart palpitations, headaches, attention difficulty, and other issues frequently linked to the effects of stress hormones. In chronic stress and anxiety, the hormone cortisol drips through the body like a leaky fight-or-flight faucet. We need cortisol to survive, but too much for too long has toxic ramificationsthe body and mind can compensate for a time, but, eventually, other health issues will manifest from cortisols unmitigated release, such as thyroid problems, chronic pain, eating disorders, adrenal fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, hair loss, weight issues, hormonal imbalance, insomnia, immunosuppression, ulcers, heartburn, and much, much more.
Below, I list several herbs, foods, vitamins, amino acids, and more that have shown benefit in lowering anxiety, aiding sleep, and relieving depression.
1.Lavender and Lavender Oil:
Taken on a regular basis about an hour before sleep, the European lavender extract product Lavela has demonstrated efficacy favorable to that of benzodiazapines in reducing anxiety, with none of the side effects or addictive potential.
Findings of two studies suggest that standardized extracts of lavender may have anti-anxiety effects similar to paroxetine and lorazepam .
The dose of lavender oil, as you find in the above product, is 80 mg/day.
Lavender relaxation tea: here is a nice recipe from Aviva Romm, MD:
2.Curcumin
7.Vitex
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Side Effects And Precautions
SAM-e was safe in most clinical trials. The most common side effects were nausea and other digestive issues, followed by anxiety .
Despite some public concerns, SAM-e supplementation doesnt increase the levels of homocysteine and the risk of heart disease .
It may trigger mania in patients with bipolar disorder but also in vulnerable healthy individuals .
Health experts suggest avoiding SAM-e for people with compromised immunity, due to an increased risk of some infections .
Same And The Comt Genetic Mutation:
The COMT gene is responsible for making an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase, whose job it is to break down neurotransmitters , and hormones . If there is a mutation of COMT, you may suffer from symptoms related to anxiety, paranoia, insomnia, menstrual irregularities, mood swings and more.
Depending on the type of mutation, the COMT may function differently and treating the cause at the root is important in you achieving the best results.
There are two main types of mutations we see with COMT, they are depicted on your genetic report as Val or Met and because you have two chromosomes, you will have two reports which may look like one of the following: Val/Val, Val/Met, or Met/ Met.
A Val allele, is associated with an increase of COMT enzyme activity resulting in reductions in dopamine and estrogen.
The Met allele causes a 25% in COMT enzyme activity which may result in elevations of dopamine and estrogen.
SAMe is especially effective if you have a genetic COMT mutation at the Met allele because the Met reduces COMT activity, and SAMe counteracts this by improving COMT function by working as a methyl donor for COMT. This should result in better break down and clearance of dopamine and estrogen and other products associated with COMT metabolism.
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Why Do People Take Sam
SAM-e has some evidence as a treatment for osteoarthritis pain. Some studies have found that oral SAM-e is as effective as NSAID painkillers, such as ibuprofen and Celebrex. SAM-e takes longer to act than drugs do, but it also has fewer side effects than NSAIDs.
SAM-e has also been used to treat depression for many years. Some studies have found that SAM-e might work as well as tricyclic antidepressants in relieving symptoms. However, many of these studies were flawed or too small to be conclusive.
Other uses of SAM-e have not been studied as thoroughly. There’s some evidence that SAM-e might help ease the pain of fibromyalgia and spinal cord damage caused by HIV. SAM-e may also help control cholestasis — a buildup of bile in the liver — particularly in pregnant women during the third trimester. One trial suggested that SAM-e might be helpful for adults with ADHD. However, more research needs to be done.
Some people use SAM-e as a treatment for other conditions, such as liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, pain, migraine, and bursitis. We don’t know the potential risks or benefits of these uses.
How Do They Compare On Side Effects
You may experience side effects while taking Zoloft and Prozac. But these are often mild and temporary and may last a few weeks. The medications have very similar side effects, but according to clinical trials, Prozac is more likely to cause headaches, while Zoloft is more likely to cause dry mouth, stomach problems, and sexual side effects.
Common side effects include:
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Sexual problems, such as decreased libido and ejaculation problems
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Dry mouth
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Diarrhea
If the side effects are bothering you, talk to your provider. They may be able to adjust the dose to minimize the effects or change your medication.
Some side effects of Zoloft and Prozac can be serious. These effects are rare, but if you think you are having them, notify your doctor as soon as possible.
These rare side effects include:
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Suicidal thoughts. This is more common in younger adults.
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Heart rhythm issues. If you have a heart condition, Zoloft or Prozac could worsen your condition.
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Worsening of symptoms. On rare occasions, these medications can make anxiety worse.
If you are pregnant, let your doctor know before you start or stop taking Zoloft or Prozac. Although studies show low risk to your unborn baby, you should use these drugs with caution, especially in the third trimester.
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Any Side Effects To Look Out For
It can sometimes cause increased wind and other digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation. Other reported issues include dry mouth, headache, mild insomnia, anorexia, sweating, dizziness, and nervousness, especially at higher doses. It can also make some people with depression feel anxious, so this is particularly important to be aware of.
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We hope you have enjoyed our summary of is Sam E a good supplement for anxiety or depression, please dont hesitate to get in touch and let us know your thoughts.
Where Can You Buy Sam
You can purchase SAM-e supplements at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying Sam-e as a dietary supplement for its potential effect on liver function, osteoarthritis, central nervous system, asthma, pain management and depression? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
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Same And The Mthfr Genetic Mutation:
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is an enzyme that is involved in a process called methylation, which is the addition of a methyl group to a compound in a chemical pathway. Methylation is needed for many important biochemical processes, including and especially the process of making neurotransmitters like serotonin.
If you have a MTHFR mutation, your body may struggle with methylation which may result in issues ranging from mood instability, infertility, and other symptoms . Treatment should include supporting methylation with appropriate methylfolate or folinic acid and adding SAMe will further enhance this process. SAMe aids in methylation and supplementation with SAMe may reduce dosage requirements of other methylators and thus reduce side effects and improve medication efficacy.