What is the SAMe supplement for depression?

SAMe (s-Adenosyl methionine), a dietary supplement, is a prescription drug for depression in Europe, but it is available in the United States without prescription and promoted as a natural product for the treatment of depression or arthritis. SAMe contains an important compound that is produced by all living cells, which is involved in the regulation of several hormones and neurotransmitter chemical messengers, such as serotonin and epinephrine.

SAMe stands for S-adenosylmethionine, and is a naturally occurring chemical in the body based on the amino acid methionine; it helps boost a number of neurotransmitters. With depression, SAMe tends to work quickly, often lifting mood within days rather than weeks, whereas most other supplements and drugs take longer.

It has been shown to be very useful for Parkinson's disease patients with depression, and some studies suggest it may be most beneficial in the senior population. Other studies show it to be safe for children too, and preliminary research shows it may be safe in pregnancy, though more research is needed.

Dosing for SAMe starts slowly. Usually, we recommend a dosage of 200mg twice daily, for the first day, then increase to 400mg twice daily on day three, then to 400mg three times daily on day 10, and finally to the full dose of 400mg four times daily.