SAM-e Working Well for Depression

Big news SAM-e (pronounced sammy), otherwise known as S-Adenosylmethionine is really working for depression and other physical/.emotional conditions.    SAM-e is not an herb but a compound that our bodies produce from methionine, which is an amino acid found in protein-rich foods.

SAM-e has demonstrated positive results in treating major depression. Controlled studies found that 70 percent of depressed people responded to SAM-e just as well as many established drug treatments for depression. So what is the SAM-e secret?

It appears that SAM-e can increase levels of important neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and phosphatidylserine, therefore increasing the fluidity of brain cell membranes. This can affect the way brain cells receive and transmit neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. SAM-e also detoxifies the brain and is now being studied in the detoxification and rehabilitation of opiate abusers.

How does SAM-e differ from Saint John’s Wort? When Saint John’s Wort came on the market, people tossed out their prescriptions of Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac, hoping for an herbal "cure" for depression. Disappointment followed when many of those depressed people did not find relief in the "miracle herb." Of course, not all recognized that Saint John’s Wort is for mild depression.

People on Prozac or other prescribed anti-depressants are probably not mildly depressed. Researchers claim the major difference with SAM-e is it can help with major depression. SAM-e is also beneficial with other conditions, such as arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, liver disorders, chronic back aches and migraine headaches.

Be aware that SAM-e is expensive: Average price is about $25 (US) per bottle, and to receive the minimum dose. Take 400 mg of SAMe twice a day. It is very important that you to take a high-quality vitamin B complex supplement along with SAMe. To prevent insomnia, don’t take SAMe late in the day. Most people report a mild energy boost with the supplement.

Don’t take SAMe with MAO inhibitor antidepressants. SAMe is best absorbed on an empty stomach, so try to take it about one hour before or two hours after meals. If nausea or heartburn begin be sure to take it with plenty of water. With any form of depression it is important to understand that prescribed drug treatment, or herbals and supplements alone cannot cure depression. Nutrition, exercise and spirituality all go hand-in-hand with treating depression.