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SAMe appears to be safe and might be effective in treating osteoarthritis and depression. However, SAMe might interact with use of antidepressants. Don't use SAMe and prescription antidepressants together.
Safety and side effects
Side effects from SAMe are rare and, if they occur, usually mild.
SAMe can cause:
- • Upset stomach
- • Nausea
- • Mild insomnia
- • Dizziness
- • Irritability
- • Anxiety
- • Sweating
- • Constipation
- • Diarrhea
If you have bipolar disorder, talk to your doctor before taking SAMe. The supplement might increase anxiety and mania.
If you have a compromised immune system, consider avoiding SAMe. People who have weakened immune systems are at risk of an infection caused by a specific microorganism. SAMe boosts this microorganism's growth.
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
- Antidepressants and other drugs and supplements that increase levels of serotonin. Don't take SAMe with antidepressants. The combination could cause effects similar to a condition caused by high levels of the chemical serotonin to accumulate in your body (serotonin syndrome).
- Antipsychotics. Be cautious when taking these drugs with SAMe. The combination could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Amphetamines. Be cautious when taking these drugs with SAMe. The combination could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Dextromethorphan. Taking SAMe with this cough suppressant could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Narcotics. Taking SAMe with meperidine (Demerol) or tramadol (Ultam, ConZip) could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- St. John's wort. Be cautious when taking this supplement with SAMe. The combination could cause serotonin syndrome. *
