S-adenosyl-L-methionine, SAM-e oral dosage forms
S-adenosyl-L-methionine, SAM-e oral dosage forms
What is this medicine?
S-ADENOSYL-L-METHIONINE, SAM-E (S-a DEN o sil L-me THYE o neen) is a dietary supplement. It is often promoted to help support healthy moods, joints, and liver function. The FDA has not approved this supplement for any medical use.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this supplement by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package labeling or ask your health care professional. Do not take this supplement more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this supplement in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
changes in emotions or mood
drooling
restlessness
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
tremors
uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
heartburn
stomach upset
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
antacids
lithium
medications for Parkinson's disease, like levodopa
medications for the treatment of depression, anxiety or other mood problems
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature or as directed on the package label. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused supplement after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
bipolar illness or mania
depressed mood
immune system problems
liver disease
muscle weakness
neuromuscular or neurologic illness
Parkinson's disease
thoughts of suicide or causing harm to others
an unusual or allergic reaction to SAM-e, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
See your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Herbal or dietary supplements are not regulated like medicines. Rigid quality control standards are not required for dietary supplements. The purity and strength of these products can vary. The safety and effect of this dietary supplement for a certain disease or illness is not well known. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
The Food and Drug Administration suggests the following to help consumers protect themselves:
Always read product labels and follow directions.
Natural does not mean a product is safe for humans to take.
Look for products that include USP after the ingredient name. This means that the manufacturer followed the standards of the US Pharmacopoeia.
Supplements made or sold by a nationally known food or drug company are more likely to be made under tight controls. You can write to the company for more information about how the product was made.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018