Who should not take SAM-e supplements?
SAMe may not be safe for people with bipolar disorder. SAMe may interact with some medicines or other dietary supplements. There’s theoretical reason to believe that taking SAMe may promote Pneumocystis infection in people who are immunocompromised, such as those who are HIV-positive. If you have bipolar disorder, don’t take SAMe without talking to your doctor first. The supplement might increase anxiety and mania. If you have a compromised immune system, talk to your doctor before taking SAMe.
What are the negative effects of SAM-e?
While research doesn’t consistently support any benefit of using SAMe for depression, liver disease, or osteoarthritis, the supplement is safe with mild and transient adverse effects such as nausea or upset stomach. Some people take SAM-e supplements to improve symptoms of depression, osteoarthritis, or liver disease. SAM-e is also taken as a quit-smoking aid and for health problems like Alzheimer’s disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fibromyalgia, and migraines.SAM is required for cellular growth and repair. It is also involved in the biosynthesis of several hormones and neurotransmitters that affect mood, such as epinephrine.
What to avoid when taking SAM-e?
Patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (maois), tricyclic antidepressants, or other drugs that affect serotonin levels should avoid taking sam-e without the supervision of a physician due to case reports of mania and serotonin syndrome, a serious condition, or . Since its side effects are less than those of many antidepressants, sam-e might be tolerated better by many people. It works more rapidly and does not cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, sedation, or cognitive interference.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.