S-adenosyl-L-methionine
Origin: A naturally occurring chemical in the body.
Dosage: Tablets; 600 mg to 1,200 mg daily for osteoarthritis; 1,600 mg daily for depression. Because of possible interactions, SAM-e should not be taken without doctor’s supervision.
Claims: Treats pain, stiffness and joint swelling; improves mobility; rebuilds cartilage and eases symptoms of osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, bursitis, tendinitis, chronic low back pain and depression.
What we know: SAM-e is an effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic for people with osteoarthritis. Results may be felt in just one week. SAM-e works closely with vitamins B-12, B-6 and folate, so it is important to get enough of the B vitamins when taking this supplement.
Studies: Over the last two decades, multiple clinical trials involving thousands of people have shown SAM-e to improve joint health and treat osteoarthritis. It has been found to be equal to NSAIDs in clinical studies. Most of this research has been done in Europe, where SAM-e is sold as a drug. A double-blind study of 61 adults with knee osteoarthritis done in the U.S. shows that SAM-e had a slower onset of action but was as effective as celecoxib (Celebrex) in reducing pain and improving joint function. A 2002 analysis of 14 SAM-e studies showed it is effective for reducing pain and improving mobility in people with osteoarthritis.
High doses of SAM-e can cause flatulence, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and nausea. SAM-e may interact with antidepressive medications and should be avoided if you have bipolar disorder or are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It may also worsen Parkinson’s disease.
After struggling with the sysptoms and medications, I finally recieved the best advice from a endriconolgist(sp). He stated that I had a multiple syptom disease and it needed to be approached with a multiple solution.
I separated my sysptoms into individual promblems and tackled one at a time. Once I solved one problem on to the next. Finding a workable solution is easier and less overwhelming by taking a one at a time approach.
I have different regimens for the pain, sleep disorder, the "fog" etc.
Fibro is complicated and solutions for complicated problems are to break them done and examine each component and find the solution and build from there.
Regarding physician complaints: They have a lot to do and know. Always double check w/ your pharmacist if you are taking any precription drugs. That is where they specialize. Never, ever take it upon yourself to alter your own precriptions w/o physician and pharmacist consultation. Consequences could be detrimental. Cheers!
Most Bipolar patients on medication know not to take it because it will interact with your medication.
I'm so glad I knew what the symptoms of it were. I realized as the light bulb moment and stop immediately.
SAM-e is a substance naturally produced in the body. If you're not making enough of it, you might try supplementing with it, and you may find benefit, without side effects.
If you experience insomnia or stomach upset cut your dosage in half and slowly add 200 mg a day until you get to a tolerable level.
It's also important to remember to take it on a completely empty stomach and not eat for a half hour after taking.
I was taking LAMICTAL and now Paxil without results. I will like to try SAM-e.
Can I stop using Paxil and begine to take very small doses of SAM-e to see better results?
Leave a Comment