University of Iowa Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Department
(319) 353-6314. After hours: (319) 356-1616
2/17/2016
S-ADENOSYL-L-METHIONINE (SAMe)
SAMe has been cited to alleviate depression, reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia, slow progress of osteoarthritis,
improve memory, reduce alcohol-induced liver damage, and possibly reduce symptoms of attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder.
Proper use of this medication:
There is little information available on this medication in the English literature.
Because over-the-counter medications are poorly regulated in this country, the purity and potency of any given
brand may vary, sometimes considerably.
S-adenosyl-L-Methionine should be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption.
There is no medical research concerning the method of changing from prescription antidepressants to SAMe
Consult with your physician before discontinuing any medication you are currently taking.
Do not start taking SAMe until you have been off your current antidepressant at least one week (2 weeks if you
are taking Nardil/phenelzine or Parnate/tranylcypromine).
Commonly reported dose is 400 to 1600 mg daily.
This medication is not addictive, and does not cause a high feeling.
When taken regularly, this medication may require 4-8 weeks before the full effects are noticed.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
If there is a possibility you may become pregnant or breast-feed while on this medication, first consult with
your psychiatrist. This drug has not been tested in pregnancy, and it is unknown if it is excreted in breast milk.
This medication should not be abruptly discontinued.
Store this medication in a cool, safe place away from the reach of children.
This medication is usually very well tolerated, with few patients complaining of side effects. Side effects that
do occur tend to be mild and transient (lasting a couple weeks). Reported possible side effects include:
Headache: This mild and responds to over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin.
Diarrhea or soft stool: High-fiber diet and regular exercise may treat this uncommon side effect.
Nausea: Occurs at lower doses and disappears with higher doses. This usually goes away with continued use.
Increased thirst: Usually mild and transient.
Dry Mouth: Drink plenty of fluids. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy.
Blurred vision: Unusual.
Restlessness, anxiety, &/or elation: Report to your prescriber if you develop this side effect.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease may become worse with S-adenosyl-L-Methionine treatment.
Patients with bipolar depression may switch to a manic state.
Though there have been no significant drug interactions reported in the literature, the following other
medications may require dosage adjustment while taking S-adenosyl-L-Methionine:
Antidepressants.