SAMe
Commonly used for
FocusHealthy AgingMood Support
Where to Buy
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The cheapest product is usually low quality, but more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
Wellness uses
Fibromyalgia support
This is anecdotal, and there isn't strong clinical evidence that it works for everyone.
What is it? / Overview
SAMe participates in methylation reactions throughout the body and has evidence supporting adjunct use for depression and osteoarthritis. It should be used cautiously due to potential interactions with psychiatric medications.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Enteric-coated SAMe
Typical dose studied: 400–1,200 mg/day in divided doses
Timing: Morning or early afternoon on empty stomach
Enteric-coated formulations improve stability. Never combine with MAOIs.
How well does it work? / Evidence
~ Moderate evidence
Who should avoid it?
Avoid with: Bipolar disorder
Interacts with: SSRIs; SNRIs; MAOIs; Other serotonergic drugs — significant interaction risk
Already taking it? Discuss with healthcare provider before combining with antidepressants.
Research & references
AHRQ Review on SAMe and Depression. Cochrane Reviews on SAMe. Sarris J et al. (2022). Clinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Taskforce. World J Biol Psychiatry.
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