What to avoid when taking SAM-e?
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). Some antidepressants increase your serotonin levels, and so does SAMe. Elevated serotonin levels could cause serotonin syndrome, a condition that leads to symptoms such as anxiety, heart palpitations, and shivers.Notably, it is normal for nontoxic increases in serotonin to cause anxiety, restlessness, and irritability for 1 to 2 weeks after starting a drug or increasing a dose.
Can you take SAM-e while pregnant?
Although SAM-e has been studied as a treatment for liver problems during pregnancy, don’t use it while you’re pregnant unless your doctor recommends it. If you’re going to take SAM-e, check to make sure the supplement you’re buying is of good quality. 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.If you take too much SAM-e, a common side effect is feeling overstimulated. You might feel jittery. Because the side effects of SAM-e are usually mild, people may think it’s fine to take them without consulting a health care professional.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.