How to Take SAM-e 400mg Pills & Common Uses

S-Adenosyl-L-methionine, more commonly known as SAM-e, is a natural chemical that the body produces from the amino acid L-methionine. SAM-e plays a role in a number of different functions in the body, including supporting immune function and the production of serotonin and other brain chemicals.

SAM-e was discovered in the 1950s. Over the years, it has been studied and used for managing several conditions, ranging from depression to osteoarthritis. Supplements containing SAM-e are widely available and have been well-tolerated in general.

Those who are considering taking SAM-e 400mg pills or other supplements that contain this ingredient should understand what it is used for, how it works and how to take it. Knowing the potential side effects associated with these supplements is also important.

SAMe

Mood Supplement

Mood

Cognitive Health

Joint Function

How It Works:

• Enhances mood & promotes cognitive health
• Essentual for dopamine, serotonin & norepinephrine metabolism
• Promotes joint comfort & liver health

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1600 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top SAMe Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Common Uses of SAM-e 400mg Pills

SAM-e pills are used for managing mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. They are also used for managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis, tendonitis, heart disease, lower back pain, liver disease, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

These pills have been studied for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, seizures and migraines. Some people also take them for premenstrual syndrome, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and multiple sclerosis.

SAM-e pills have other uses as well, such as boosting intellectual performance. They are also used for slowing the effects of age on the body and brain.

The FDA has not approved SAM-e as a treatment or cure for any medical condition. Some of its uses as a supplement have been validated, but others require more research to determine efficacy.

Benefits and Effects of SAM-e 400mg Tablets

Endogenous SAM-e production is important for optimal mood, cognitive function, liver function and joint health. In some cases, individuals may have lower than ideal levels of this compound.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, people with liver disease or depression were found to have abnormal amounts of SAM-e. [1]

In these cases, taking an exogenous source of SAM-e in the form of an enteric coated tablet can help to boost levels of this amino acid derivative.

Studies have shown that using oral supplements that contain SAM-e is can improve symptoms of major depression and reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates this supplement as Likely Effective for both of these conditions. [2]

Both the American Psychiatric Association and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments recommend SAM-e as a potential alternative treatment for major depressive disorder.

However, more research is needed to fully determine the medical effectiveness of SAM-e supplements for depression. Some studies provide limited results due to short treatment periods, small numbers of patients and other factors.

SAM-e has been studied for its effects on liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatitis C, but results have been inconclusive. SAM-e plays an important role in the trans-sulfuration or synthesis of glutathione – an important antioxidant and liver-detoxifying chemical.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, SAM-e studies for migraines, Alzheimer’s disease, fibromyalgia and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder have produced insufficient evidence on its effectiveness. [3]

It is important to note that earlier studies of SAM-e focused on intravenous use or injections. Studies involving oral use of SAM-e have only started recently, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [4]

How to Take SAM-e 400 mg Pills

SAM-e pills are available in different dosages, including 200 mg and 400 mg. There are also SAM-e 400mg enteric coated tablets, which offer a few advantages over pills without this coating.

Enteric coated tablets are designed to stay intact until they reach the intestines, rather than being dissolved by stomach acids. This helps reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects and allows the pills to maintain greater potency and bioavailability.

SAM-e pills that offer 400 mg dosages are among the most common products available, although there are other products that offer higher dosages, including 500 mg. The dosage needed for depression, anxiety or other conditions varies based on the severity of symptoms and other factors.

Those with mild depression, for example, might only need to take 200 mg of SAM-e, while those with more serious or persistent symptoms might benefit more from taking 400 mg pills. Consult with your doctor to determine the best dose for your needs.

For those who are sensitive to side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems, starting out with doses of 200 mg and slowly increasing the dosage is recommended, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [5] These smaller doses help the body adjust to these supplements, lowering the risk of gastrointestinal problems.

On Amazon.com, a large number of consumers who took SAM-e 400 mg pills reported that these products are effective at improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression. A small number of consumers reported that SAM-e 400mg pills caused gastrointestinal problems and had a negative effect on their mood.

Side Effects of SAM-e 400mg Pills

SAM-e is generally safe to take orally for 2 years or less in doses ranging from 400 to 600 mg, according to the Mayo Clinic. [6] Large doses of these supplements might cause mania, particularly in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Side effects of SAM-e pills are usually mild and last for a short time. These include nausea, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness and anxiety. SAM-e pills can also cause heart palpitations and should not be taken at night.

Although SAM-e pills are considered safe in general, those with bipolar disorder should not take these supplements, since they might cause manic episodes to become more severe. Women who are pregnant and those who are nursing should check with a doctor before taking SAM-e.

SAM-e pills have the potential to interact with some medications and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. These medications include antidepressants (including SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, dextromethorphan cough syrups, tramadol, meperidine and pentazocine.

SAM-e tablets can also increase the risk of low blood sugar levels when taken with diabetes medications. Those who take any of these medications should talk to their doctor before using SAM-e 400mg pills.

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