S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring chemical in the human body, produced largely by the liver. It is also manufactured synthetically as a supplement.
(See also Overview of Dietary Supplements.)
Madai ya SAMe
SAMe is said to be effective in treating depression, osteoarthritis, and gallbladder and liver disorders. It may help people who have osteoarthritis function better. Some people also claim that SAMe may help treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and fibromyalgia.
Ushahidi wa SAMe
Scientific studies so far do not clearly confirm that SAMe has most of its claimed benefits and more research is needed.
However, in 2 studies reviewed in a 2002 analysis SAMe was shown to be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in treating functional limitations (but not pain) in people with osteoarthritis, and without the side effects common with NSAID use.
In some studies, SAMe used in combination with an antidepressant was useful for people who had depression that did not abate with treatment using a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), but this benefit was not confirmed in later studies.
Athari Mbaya za SAMe
No serious side effects have been reported. People with a bipolar disorder should not use SAMe, because it can cause manic episodes.
Side effects of SAMe are uncommon, and when they do occur, they are usually minor problems such as nausea, gas, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, or headache.
Mwingiliano wa Dawa na SAMe
Combining certain antidepressant medications, such as clomipramine, with SAMe may increase serotonin levels, which may cause serotonin syndrome, a serious disorder characterized by fever, confusion, rapid heart rate, anxiety, tremors, and other symptoms. SAMe may also decrease levodopa levels (deficient in people who have Parkinson disease) and thus decrease the effectiveness of medications that aim to treat Parkinson disease by increasing levodopa levels.
Mapendekezo ya SAMe
People who plan to take SAMe with certain antidepressants such as clomipramine should talk to their doctor about the risks, because serotonin levels may increase and result in serotonin syndrome. People with Parkinson disease should avoid SAMe because it may decrease the benefit of certain medications used to treat Parkinson disease. Overall, SAMe appears to be safe for most people.
Maelezo Zaidi
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth
