Need Help Immediately? Call Us To Speak With A Licensed Clinician. Find Help Immediately. Speak with a Licensed Clinician.
We Are Operated By People Recovering From Mental Illness Working Alongside Caring Staff. Discover If You Meet The Criteria To Participate In Services At The PLAN Clubhouse!
Search results
- S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e) is a natural chemical in the human body that may help treat depression symptoms. More than 200 different chemical reactions in the body rely on SAM-e. A person’s body also uses SAM-e when they are ill and as they age.
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sam-e-for-depression
People also ask
What medicines are used in the treatment of depression?
Can S-adenosylmethionine treat major depressive disorder (MDD)?
Can S-adenosyl-L-methionine treat depression?
How is depression treated?
Nov 20, 2018 · This post is about S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe), a widely used natural supplement with an established track record for treating depressed mood. How SAMe works to improve...
- James Lake, MD
- Overview
- What is SAM-e?
- What is depression?
- How may SAM-e benefit depression?
- Treatment for depression
- Summary
S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e) is a natural chemical in the human body that may help treat depression symptoms.
More than 200 different chemical reactions in the body rely on SAM-e. A person’s body also uses SAM-e when they are ill and as they age. Some research suggests that SAM-e may be effective for managing depression when people use it in combination with an antidepressant. However, the available research is limited.
This article discusses what SAM-e is and how it may help with depression. It also explores what depression is and how doctors treat the condition.
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and resources on mental health and well-being.
Researchers first discovered SAM-e in the 1950s. They found that the body produces SAM-e from methionine, which is an amino acid — a molecule that combines with other amino acids to create proteins. Proteins perform important functions such as supporting growth and repairing damaged tissue.
Scientists found that SAM-e helps produce neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Irregular levels of these molecules may play a role in the development of depression.
Depression is a common mood disorder that can affect many aspects of an individual’s life. More than 19 million adults and teenagers in the U.S. currently live with depression.
Some of the common symptoms of depression are:
•feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
•loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable
•sleep problems, such as sleeping too little or too much
•unexplained weight changes or appetite changes
The research into SAM-e treatment for depression is still limited, but some researchers believe that SAM-e may work against depression by affecting certain chemicals in the brain.
Taking supplemental SAM-e may increase the turnover of serotonin in the brain. It may also increase dopamine activity and inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine. Because these neurotransmitters can play a role in depression, SAM-e may reduce depression symptoms in some people.
In one scientific review, researchers compared the effectiveness of SAM-e to that of conventional antidepressants. They found that SAM-e was more effective than a placebo when people took it in combination with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
However, they noted that the studies they analyzed were of poor quality and that further conclusive research is necessary.
Other research suggests that taking 800 milligrams (mg) of SAM-e each day in combination with an antidepressant may improve depression symptoms.
A 2020 study indicates that taking larger doses of SAM-e, up to 3,200 mg per day, may be more effective for treating symptoms of depression.
It is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved SAM-e for medicinal use. The FDA classifies SAM-e as a dietary supplement in the U.S.
While SAM-e may be helpful for depression, people with this condition should not take SAM-e without a doctor’s instructions. Research into SAM-e for depression is limited, and SAM-e may interact with medications.
Many effective treatment options are available for depression. For example, psychotherapy can help relieve symptoms of depression. A mental health professional can help a person identify negative thoughts or experiences that may be contributing to a depressive episode.
Through psychotherapy, individuals may learn more about the reasons they are experiencing depression. They may develop healthier thought patterns and coping tools to manage their symptoms.
Many medications are also available for individuals with depression. Like SAM-e, antidepressants affect the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Individuals interested in treatment with antidepressants should work with a doctor to learn more about all their options. Antidepressants have various side effects and may not be right for everyone.
Depression is a common mental health condition that affects people from all backgrounds. Many effective treatments are available, including psychotherapy and antidepressant medications.
The chemical SAM-e occurs naturally in the body. It is also available in the U.S. as a dietary supplement. Some research suggests that it can help address depression symptoms, but further conclusive research is necessary.
- Carolyn Farnsworth
Sep 5, 2020 · S -Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a molecule that is formed naturally in the human body, has shown antidepressant effects and may expand the available options for treating MDD. This systematic review examines the evidence concerning the efficacy of SAMe as monotherapy or in combination with antidepressants. Methods.
Oct 10, 2016 · There is evidence in the literature that S‐adenosyl methionine (SAMe), a naturally occurring compound in the human body, has antidepressant efficacy. This product may be an important addition to the armamentarium of antidepressant agents. Objectives.
- Ilaria Galizia, Lucio Oldani, Karine Macritchie, Erica Amari, Dominic Dougall, Tessa N Jones, Raymon...
- 10.1002/14651858.CD011286.pub2
- 2016
- 2016
Jun 20, 2023 · It's also known as S-adenosyl methionine and S-adenosylmethionine. Like with many nutritional supplements, your body naturally produces SAMe and uses it to regulate cell function. Abnormal levels of SAMe have been observed in people with medical conditions like liver disease and depression.
Treatment for depression usually involves a combination of self-help, talking therapies and medicines. The treatment recommended will be based on the type of depression you have. Mild depression. If you have less severe (mild) depression, the following treatments may be recommended. Wait and see.
Sep 5, 2020 · S -Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a molecule that is formed naturally in the human body, has shown antidepressant effects and may expand the available options for treating MDD. This systematic review examines the evidence concerning the efficacy of SAMe as monotherapy or in combination with antidepressants. Methods.
