texancutie -> RE: Depression (10/22/2006 11:09:44 AM)
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Glad to hear the OP is better. As a former Social Worker I know a little about Sam-e. There are some issues with it since it is an over the counter product and not regulated nor prescribed by mental health professionals. So people should be aware of that as well. Here they are... What you should know if you’re thinking of trying SAM-e, we recommend caution for the following reasons: • So far the possible benefits and long-term risks remain unclear. • Though its marketers boldly claim that SAM-e has no side effects, people taking high doses have reported headache, stomach upset, insomnia, and dizziness. • If you are suffering from depression, you should seek medical advice before you dose yourself with anything. Depression is treatable but requires professional care. • People with bipolar disorder should avoid SAM-e because it may bring on manic episodes. It’s not a good idea to use SAM-e to treat any form of severe depression. It can interact with anti-depressants. • SAM-e will not repair liver damage brought on by heavy drinking—contrary to claims. • People with Parkinson’s disease should avoid SAM-e. • If you have joint pain, you might decide that SAM-e is worth a try, but don’t give up conventional treatments, and be sure your doctor knows you are using this supplement. • The most important problem: SAM-e is converted into homocysteine in the body. High homocysteine levels appear to raise the risk of heart disease. • SAM-e may claim to be better than conventional drugs, but it is certainly not less expensive. Dosages of anywhere from 200 on up to 1,000 milligrams daily are recommended by manufacturers. This can cost from $2 to $18 daily, and you have to take it over the long term. This is great for those selling SAM-e, but it may not be so good for you. • Because there is no regulation of supplements in this country, you don’t know what you’re getting. A recent test by ConsumerLab.com, for instance, found that one expensive brand contained only 30% of the claimed amount. Even if SAM-e were an effective drug—and it’s far from certain that it is—you can’t count on getting a reliable product with a standardized dose. And nobody yet knows what the right dose might be. Just wanted to post some information on it, since it was mentioned as a treatment for depression. I understand people are responsible adults and will do what they wish to do anyway....so this is just food for thought.
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