SAM-e Dosage Recommendations & Maximum Safe Doses

S-adenosyl-L-methionine, or SAM-e, is a molecule that is produced naturally in the human body from adenosine triphosphate and methionine. This molecule was first discovered in 1952.

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved SAM-e for the treatment of any ailment or condition, it is commonly used to support a positive mood. It is also taken to promote cognitive health, support liver detoxification and to improve joint health.

SAM-e is considered likely safe when used appropriately, and it causes few side effects. However, adverse effects are still possible.

To maximize effectiveness and minimize risks, it is important to take the appropriate SAM-e dosage. This dosage depends on the supplement’s intended purpose, your doctor’s recommendations and your individual tolerance level.

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

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SAM-e Supplement Usage

S-adenosyl-L-methionine plays a number of important roles in the body. It is a major methyl donor in the production of neurotransmitters, catecholamines, phospholipids, nucleic acids and hormones.

In particularly, it is important for the synthesis of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, which are involved in regulating mood, cognitive function and concentration. It is also involved in acetylcholine function – a neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory and attention.

SAM-e also supports liver function by facilitating the anti-oxidant effects of glutathione. It also supports the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and L-cysteine, which are also required for liver health.

This amino acid can be naturally synthesized in the body, but in some circumstances it can become depleted. Aging and illness can contribute to lower than optimal SAM-e levels.

In these cases, a supplement may help to restore healthy levels and improve general well-being. The Natural Medicines Database reports that oral preparations of SAM-e have been used for the following issues:

• Bilirubin metabolism
• Porphyria
• Chronic lead poisoning
• Migraine headache
• Seizures
• Spinal cord injury
• Multiple sclerosis
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease
• Liver disease
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Dementia
• Lower back pain
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Heart disease
• Anxiety
• Depression

Some people have also used SAM-e to slow the aging process and support cognitive performance. In addition to oral preparations, intravenous and intramuscular SAM-e dosage preparations are also available.

Recommended SAM-e Dosages

The recommended dosage of SAM-e depends on your intended usage. Because the FDA has not approved SAM-e for the treatment of any ailment, standardized dosing guidelines are not available for this supplement.

The guidelines below are based on the dosages that have been used in past research studies, according to the Natural Medicines Database.

How Much SAM-e Should You Take for Depression? In past clinical studies, the most common SAM-e daily dosage was 800 to 1600 mg. These dosages were typically used for a maximum of six weeks.

How Much SAM-e Should You Take for Anxiety? Because of the limited amount of information available on this topic, determining the best dose of SAM-e for anxiety is difficult. When taking SAM-e for this purpose, talk to your doctor about a safe dosage.

SAM-e Dosages for Other Purposes. Some of the other SAM-e dosages that have been used in studies include:

• Smoking cessation – 400 to 800 mg twice daily for eight weeks.
• Sexual function – Up to 1600 mg in divided doses daily for six weeks.
• Schizophrenia – Up to 80 mg daily in divided doses for seven weeks.
• Osteoarthritis – 600 to 1200 mg in divided doses daily for up to 84 days.
• Neurologic disorders – Up to 800 mg daily.
• Liver disease – 400 to 1200 mg daily for up to 24 weeks.
• Fibromyalgia – 400 mg twice daily.
• Cholestasis – 1600 mg daily for up to two weeks.
• ADHD – Up to 2400 mg in divided doses daily for up to four weeks.

What is the Maximum Safe Dose of SAM-e?

The Natural Medicines Database reports that SAM-e was well tolerated by participants in most of the clinical trials that have been conducted. However, this supplement may produce side effects in some people.

Possible side effects of SAM-e include skin rashes and gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea. People with bipolar disorder may also experience hypomania and/or increased anxiety.

Based on the results of past research, SAM-e overdose is unlikely when the supplement is consumed by healthy individuals. However, because long-term safety data is lacking, and because risks may exist that have not yet been identified, this supplement should still be used with caution.

Never take more SAM-e than your doctor recommends, and avoid using this supplement for an extended period of time unless otherwise directed by a medical professional.

When beginning SAM-e supplementation for the first time, start with the lowest possible dosage and gradually increase the amount you take until you reach the desired level of effectiveness or the limit established by your doctor.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, the maximum dosage of SAM-e used in clinical trials has been 2400 mg. However, your doctor may recommend a different maximum dose.

How to Take SAM-e Supplements

SAM-e is available in oral, injectable and intravenous forms. The most common over-the-counter preparation is enteric coated tablets.

Enteric coated supplements help to ensure that the active ingredient stays viable as it passes through your digestive system. Some other forms of SAM-e supplements may not be as bioavailable, meaning they may require a higher dose to be effective.

When taking SAM-e, always follow the instructions on the label for your specific product. Different formulations may require different dosages due to variations in potency.

Talk to your doctor before you begin taking the supplement to make sure it is safe for you and to verify the appropriate SAM-e dosage for your needs.

SAM-e may interact with certain medications, including tramadol, pentazocine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, demerol, levodopa, dextromethorphan and certain antidepressant drugs including SSRIs.

SAM-e may also interact with any other supplements that raise serotonin levels in the body. If you have bipolar disorder or Parkinson’s disease, you may experience enhanced side effects while taking SAM-e.

Although serious SAM-e side effects and overdose have not been reported in the literature, adverse reactions are still possible. If you experience problems while taking SAM-e dosages, discontinue the supplement and talk to your doctor.

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