SAMe for Better Moods, Less Pain
Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 5:21AM
Looking for a quick mood booster and something to relieve pain? Consider SAMe. A naturally occurring molecule with the daunting name S-adenosyl-L-methionine (also known as S-adenosyl methionine), SAMe is found throughout the body, with especially high concentrations in the adrenals, liver and brain. As a supplement, SAMe has been extensively studied as both an osteoarthritis pain reliever and an antidepressant, with generally positive results. We don’t know how it works, but we do know that it tends to take effect quickly, often lifting mood in days rather than weeks as is common for St. John’s wort. Those with bipolar disorder should avoid it, but it appears to be otherwise quite safe. Look for products that provide the butanedisulfonate form in enteric-coated tablets. The usual dosage is 400 to 1,600 milligrams daily, taken on an empty stomach. Take lower doses (under 800 milligrams) once a day, a half hour before the morning meal. Split higher doses, taking the second a half hour before lunch. Talk with your doctor about taking SAMe with prescribed antidepressants or other medications. It may be especially useful for people who suffer from pain as well as depression - a common combination of problems.
Reader Comments (4)
Hi Dr. Weil, I've used SAM-e for both low back (arthritis) pain and low mood. It does work, I've stopped it for a while because it seemed to cause gut discomfort a few hours after I tool it. You may be interested to know that I did the Vitamin Advisor on line and have been taking Valerian at night. My sleep has improved AND pain is less. I'm still stiff, though. One cure at a time. I might try SAM-e again, but I'm happy with Valerian right now, and I have no idea if the two will interact.
I tried Sam-e and had severe constipation after just a few days. Otherwise, I think it would have been helpful.
Dr. Weil,
I started taking SAMe for both depression and arthritis pain. I was taking Lexapro for over a year and wanted to go off of it....With the suggestion of my Doctor I weaned myself off and I decided to take SAMe instead......It worked beautifully...Lately I've stopped taking SAMe due to cost, and I can say my arthiritis pain has returned, so I will begin my SAMe treatment again. I've also added turmeric extract to help with pain. Anyway I've had GREAT results with SAMe and not until I STOPPED taking it did I realize the positive results....
I just recently heard about SAMe from a client. She absolutely swears by it to help with some arthritis discomfort.