Anyone use SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) supplement for low mood?

Posted by AZ @equanimous, Jun 27 12:38pm

I have been taking SAMe for the past 18 months for mood management. It has been working well but recently I am experiencing irritability and low mood. I did some research which indicates the supplement may lower Vitamin B12 and Folate levels that could possibly be responsible for the mood shift. I was wondering if anyone has experienced any changes after using this supplement for a extended period of time.

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Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jun 29 11:39am

Hi, @equanimous,

I thought this article might be useful for you as you explore SAMe:

SAMe https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-same/art-20364924

Please note it says SAMe is generally safe, though it does mention the following related to its use for depression:

What the research says
Research on SAMe use for specific conditions shows:

Depression. While research has shown that SAMe has a positive effect in treating depression, most studies weren't well designed and included a small number of people.

Wondering what your doctor's thoughts are on use of SAMe? Have you tried prescription mood management medications in the past? If so, how did that go for you?

AZ | @equanimous | Jun 29 4:54pm

In reply to @lisalucier "Hi, @equanimous, I thought this article might be useful for you as you explore SAMe: SAMe..." + (show)

@lisalucier Thanks, Lisa. I have already read the information. But, since the symptoms are new to me, I thought about it and felt exploring SAMe might be a part of the figuring it out.
After learning about the B12 deficiency possibility, I starting taking it and I actually feel much better! I think I will take a holiday from the SAMe and when I start again I will take it every other day.

johneckenrode11 | @johneckenrode11 | Jun 30 6:56am

Careful, SAMe can cause serotonin syndrome, which can be very serious. Start slow. SAMe by itself is usually ok but serotonin syndrome can result when using SAMe with other SSRI & SNRI medicines, and even St. John's wort. ** Again, start slow, be careful, be aware of serotonin syndrome symptoms.
** from MS Copilot AI