What is the most important information I should know about s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)?
You should not use SAMe if you are also using a prescription antidepressant medicine.
Do not use SAMe if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
What is s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)?
S-adenosylmethionine (also known as SAMe) is a manmade form of a chemical that occurs naturally in the body.
SAMe has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective aid in reducing the symptoms of depression, and in treating osteoarthritis.
SAMe is possibly effective in treating liver disease during pregnancy, improving symptoms in people with fibromyalgia, and in treating nerve problems in people with AIDS, or sexual dysfunction in men with depression.
Other uses not proven with research have included treating liver disease, heart disease, schizophrenia, anxiety, tendonitis, chronic back pain, migraine headaches, seizures, premenstrual syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
It is not certain whether SAMe is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. SAMe should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
SAMe is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
SAMe may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking SAMe?
You should not use SAMe if you are also using a prescription antidepressant medicine.
Do not use SAMe if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
- bipolar disorder (manic depression); or
- Parkinson's disease.
It is not known whether SAMe will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether SAMe passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
How should I take SAMe?
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to use SAMe, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with SAMe does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.
If you need surgery or dental work, stop taking SAMe at least 2 weeks ahead of time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra SAMe to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking SAMe?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of SAMe?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Although not all side effects are known, SAMe is thought to be likely safe for most adults.
Common side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness;
- feeling anxious or nervous;
- vomiting, upset stomach;
- diarrhea, constipation;
- increased sweating; or
- sleep problems (insomnia).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect SAMe?
Do not take SAMe without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:
- dextromethorphan (a cough medicine such as Robitussin DM);
- levodopa; or
- a narcotic medicine such as meperidine (Demerol), pentazocine, or tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with SAMe, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.
Where can I get more information?
Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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