Does SAM-e cause water retention?
In 2020, the same team further reported that a higher dose (3200 mg/day) failed to improve depression beyond placebo effects, but side effects including abdominal discomfort (31%) and fluid retention (25%) became significantly more common19. He recommended a daily dose of 400 mg for mild depression. Keep in mind that absorption is better on an empty stomach, he said. Starting patients with 200 mg 30 minutes before breakfast and 30 minutes before lunch minimizes the overstimulation and insomnia which some patients report in the first few weeks.
Is it worth taking SAM-e?
SAMe appears to be safe and might be effective in treating depression and osteoarthritis. However, SAMe might interact with antidepressants. Don’t use SAMe and prescription antidepressants together. For example, it may help with depression, trouble sleeping, and high blood pressure. If you want to take magnesium for anxiety, magnesium glycinate and magnesium L-threonate are good options. They’re easily absorbed into the bloodstream, and they include amino acids that help with relaxation.You may wonder if it’s safe to take magnesium and antidepressants together. The answer is yes. Generally, we see the best results if we use the two together, says Greenblatt.
What to avoid when taking SAM-e?
SAMe may decrease the effects of levodopa (L-dopa), a drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It’s also possible that SAMe might interact with drugs and dietary supplements that increase levels of serotonin (a chemical produced by nerve cells), such as antidepressants, L-tryptophan, and St. John’s wort. SAMe might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking SAMe along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting.
What are the negative effects of SAM-E?
SAMe might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking SAMe along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting. Possible interactions include: Antidepressants and other drugs and supplements that increase levels of serotonin. Don’t take SAMe with antidepressants. The combination could cause effects similar to a condition caused by high levels of the chemical serotonin to accumulate in your body (serotonin syndrome).