SAMe

What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: SAMe, Sammy, adenosylmethionine, S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine, adomet, ademethionine

What is SAMe?

SAMe is a chemical found in all living cells. It helps the body to process vitamins, proteins, and other chemicals.

What is it used for?

SAMe has been used for:

• Alzheimer's disease
• attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• bursitis
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• depression
• heart disease
• osteoarthritis
• fibromyalgia
• lead poisoning
• low back pain
• migraine headaches
• multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease
• premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• sleeping disorders
• spinal cord problems
• seizures
• tendonitis

SAMe may help the liver to work better in people with cirrhosis of the liver and cholestasis (a slowing of the flow of bile). It may also help reduce liver damage caused by alcohol.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

SAMe comes in the form of tablets or capsules. It may also be given by injection (shot). Follow the directions printed on the product label or given by your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

Do not take SAMe if you have bipolar depression disorder. SAMe may lead to the manic phase.

Females of childbearing age: Do not take this remedy if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized and may have different strengths and effects. They may be contaminated.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Side effects may include gas, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, sleeping problems, dizziness, nervousness, loss of appetite, and anxiety.

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking this remedy, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM)
• herbal remedies such as 5-HTP, St. John's wort, and L-tryptophan
• levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet)
• MAO inhibitor antidepressants such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and isocarboxazid (Marplan) (Do not take an MAO inhibitor and this medicine within 14 days of each other.)
• painkillers such as meperidine (Demerol), pentazocine (Talwin), and tramadol (Ultram)
• SSRI antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro)
• tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, clomipramine (Anafranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), and maprotiline (Ludiomil)
• venlafaxine (Effexor)

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

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