| When
a new supplement enters the marketplace promising
relief for common heath conditions, the public
is often inundated with inflated claims about
the product’s effectiveness. Sometimes,
it can be difficult to separate hype from
the truth. Unfortunately, those who are in
pain tend to adopt new remedies without researching
the safety and effectiveness of them. SAM-e is one of the latest entries in the U.S. supplement market. It does claim to be effective for many conditions. However, SAM-e is supported by over 20 years of solid studies and a substantial history of use among millions of Europeans. SAM-e and arthritis have been the subjects of numerous clinical studies, and the effectiveness of SAM-e for fibromyalgia treatment is well documented. Researchers and physicians are saying that the supplement has the potential in many cases to surpass the benefits of drugs and other remedies without side effects. To help separate hype from solid scientific findings we have provided you with this information.*
Q: How much SAM-e should I take?
A: Clinical studies show that supplementation
of 400mg (or two tablets) a day is appropriate
for most people. Different levels of supplementation
may be beneficial to some people.
Q: Can SAM-e be given to geriatric
patients?
A: Since SAM-e has shown no adverse interactions
with other substances, it is particularly
well suited to the geriatric population,
who may be taking several concomitant medications.
Q: What about giving SAM-e to pregnant/nursing
women?
A: While no adverse effects have been reported
in mothers or babies from studies involving
pregnant and/or nursing women [Frezza 1987
Hepatol; Frezza 1990 Hepatogastroenterol],
SAM-e has not been tested in large segments
of this population.
Q: Can children take SAM-e?
A: SAM-e has not been tested in children.
Q: Can I recommend SAM-e to patients
with bipolar disorder?
A: In a very small number of documented
cases [Carney 1989 Br J Psychiatry; Lipinski
1984 Am J Psychiatry], patients with bipolar
disorder who are taking SAM-e without mood
stabilizers have experienced a manic swing.
It should be noted that this is an expected
response to antidepressant medication given
as monotherapy to treat bipolar depression.
Q: Can patients with panic disorder
take SAM-e?
A: Patients with panic disorder should take
the lowest possible dose of SAM-e and titrate
up slowly, and only when they are comfortable
with their initial dose.*
Q: Can SAM-e be used with prescription
antidepressants or joint remedies?
A: Since SAM-e has shown no negative interactions,
it is safe to use with other products. In
fact, because of its rapid effects, many
practitioners recommend it to patients to
speed the onset of prescription antidepressants.
SAM-e is also often recommended when patients
are experiencing prescription antidepressant
fade-out or when prescription side effects
are unacceptable. Additionally, because
of its protective qualities, SAM-e may be
a beneficial addition to joint remedies
like NSAIDs, which may cause long-term damage.*
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