A dietary supplement called SAMe, also known as S-Adenosyl Methionine, may be helpful against resistant depression. SAMe is available without prescription and has long been used to relieve arthritis pain and ease depressive symptoms. There was very little research until 2010.
What Did Scientists Learn from Studying SAMe?
One early study recruited people with major depression who had not gotten better on standard antidepressant medications (American Journal of Psychiatry, Aug. 2010). They were randomly assigned to add either SAMe or placebo to their existing drug regimen. After six weeks, measures of depression showed that more of the subjects taking SAMe had improved. No serious side effects were detected. The researchers called for larger, longer studies to confirm their preliminary findings.
Follow-up Studies Are Few:
Unfortunately, not very many investigators appear to have taken that request seriously. A recent review found just three dozen high-quality studies of SAMe to treat any type of nervous system problem, not just depression (Nutrients, Sep. 18, 2024). In most of these studies, SAMe was helpful in alleviating the symptoms, with side effects such as mild digestive disturbance.
A Reader’s Testimonial About SAMe:
Q. I was diagnosed with major depression many years ago. I tried several antidepressants but could not tolerate any of them. Eventually, I switched to SAMe and have been depression-free ever since. More people should know about this.
A. A review of clinical trials found that SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) may work as well for depression as antidepressants such as imipramine or escitalopram (General Hospital Psychiatry, Jan-Feb.2024). As with other dietary supplements, though, consumers may have difficulty determining which brands are reliable. Subscription-based ConsumerLab.com reports that Bestvite, Nature’s Trove, Phytoral and NOW all passed muster. We strongly suggest checking on the ConsumerLab.com evaluation before buying any such supplement.
Should You Take Probiotics Too?
One review of the use of SAMe to treat depression also considers probiotics as an additional therapy (Nutrients, July 1, 2022). The authors note that gut dysbiosis (derangement of the gut microbiome) is a risk factor for depression. If it can be corrected readily with probiotic supplements, that might reduce systemic inflammation and make SAMe more effective.
Learn More:
If you would like to learn more about non-drug approaches to treating depression (as well as the pros and cons of the most popular drugs), you may wish to consult our eGuide, Dealing with Depression.
