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. Drugs that decrease serotonin reuptake include SSRIs, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, opioids (meperidine, buprenorphine, tramadol, tapentadol, dextromethorphan), antiepileptics (carbamazepine, valproate), and antiemetics (ondansetron, granisetron, metoclopramide), and .Although this is beneficial for someone who’s depressed, for someone who does not have depression, taking antidepressant medication can cause serotonin to build up in the body, resulting in serotonin syndrome. When serotonin levels are too high, the person may experience symptoms like: Agitation or restlessness.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).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 does SAM-e do to the brain?
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.
What should not be taken with 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). Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and paroxetine are associated with a higher risk of withdrawal effects compared with other antidepressants.Some individuals may become psychologically dependent on their antidepressant medications; however, this dependence does not represent the type of severe addiction observed with drugs of abuse such as alcohol, opiate drugs like heroin, cocaine, etc.This struggle comes mainly from the inherent difficulties of defining a relapse and distinguishing it from a lapse. There is a consensus that the drugs with the highest relapse rates — rates over 60% — are the following: Opiates. Alcohol.Research shows that some of the most addictive substances include: Alcohol. Cocaine. Heroin.