| SAMe (pronounced sammy), vital for normal brain | | | | enteric-coated SAMe (200 mg active SAMe per |
| functioning, is made throughout the body using protein | | | | tablet) 30 minutes before meals, avoiding bedtime as it |
| found in the diet. SAMe facilitates the manufacture of | | | | may cause insomnia. Start with 200 mg each morning, |
| chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, including | | | | increasing to 200 mg twice daily for two weeks and |
| serotonin. Both serotonin and SAMe levels are lower | | | | assess improvement. The dose may be increased to |
| than normal in people with depression. Available in Italy | | | | 400 mg 2-4 times daily. SAMe is safe for use in |
| since 1977, dozens of published studies endorse | | | | combination with other antidepressants except MAO |
| SAMe, reporting that its effectiveness equals or | | | | inhibitors. It should not be used in bipolar disorder |
| exceeds that of conventional antidepressants, with a | | | | because of risk of mania. Cost is an issue. At |
| rapid 7-day onset of action and few side effects. | | | | warehouse clubs, SAMe costs about 55 cents per |
| Over 1 million Europeans take SAMe for the treatment | | | | 200 mg tablet. |
| of depression, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. | | | | Vitamin B12, folate (folic acid) and vitamin C are |
| Depression is a highly treatable condition. Read more | | | | required to synthesize neurotransmitters like serotonin. |
| about depression at If you have depression, I strongly | | | | Up to 35% of people with depression are folate |
| recommend that you collaborate with a mental health | | | | deficient. To maintain optimal brain functioning, take |
| professional in planning a comprehensive treatment | | | | folate 800 mcg, vitamin B12 800-1000 mcg, vitamin B6 |
| strategy, which could include SAMe. These comments | | | | 50-100 mg, vitamin E 200-400 IU, and vitamin C 1000 |
| are intended to provide information about one | | | | mg daily. Modern food offers fewer nutrients, while |
| alternative treatment approach, not as a substitute for | | | | stress levels raise nutrient requirements, making a high |
| medical advice. Find referrals for your holistic health | | | | potency multivitamin with minerals essential for |
| needs through the American Holistic Medical | | | | everyone. |
| Association at | | | | For more information, see the book Stop Depression |
| SAMe is a non-toxic, natural substance. Take | | | | Now: SAM-e by Richard Brown M.D. |