SAM-e for Anxiety & Panic Attacks – Does it Work?

SAM-e is a dietary supplement commonly used for its mood-lifting properties. It has been widely studied for its effects on depression, but is not as well-researched for anxiety, stress or nervousness. There are anecdotal reports of effectiveness, but more research is needed to rate efficacy.

S-adenosyl-L-methionine, commonly known as SAM-e, is a compound that supports immune function and also helps with the production of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. It also maintains cellular membranes, is involved in liver function, bone health and collagen synthesis.

SAM-e was first discovered in 1952 and became available as a dietary supplement in 1999. These supplements have been used for managing symptoms of anxiety due to SAM-e’s role in producing and breaking down serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

If using SAM-e for anxiety, the supplement can be taken in different forms, such as tablets, enteric coated tablets, capsules and liquids. Dosages for these supplements vary, with some products offering 200 mg per serving and others offering 400 mg or 500 mg per serving. A few products offer 1,500 mg per serving.

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* ❯

SAM-e for Anxiety and Depression

How does SAM-e affect anxiety and mood? This amino acid derivative is involved in the synthesis of mood-regulating neurotransmitters. Very low levels of SAM-e have been detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of severely depressed patients.

SAM-e is involved in the pathway that leads to the production of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

This pathway begins with folate, which is converted via methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) and homocysteine.

5-MTHF and homocysteine are converted via methyl synthase to L-methionine. L-methionine is then converted to SAM-e, which is a methyl donor in the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Having inadequate levels of these neurotransmitters is associated with depression and anxiety, according to a 2002 review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. [1]

SAM-e supplements have been used for managing panic attacks, reducing stress levels in those with anxiety and improving cognitive function in those with depression or other mood disorders.

They have also been used to improve sleep in those with sleep problems due to depression or anxiety. For those with anxiety and panic attacks, SAM-e supplements might help correct imbalances in serotonin, which might help ease the symptoms of anxiety and reduce panic attacks.

Consumers should note that the FDA has not approved SAM-e supplements for the treatment of anxiety. In terms of effectiveness, the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database has not rated SAM-e supplements for anxiety due to insufficient research conducted to date. [2]

Review of SAM-e for Anxiety

Reviews of SAM-e supplements suggest that it may work for anxiety and depression in certain individuals.

A large number of consumers reported that SAM-e products effectively reduced anxiety, panic attacks and depression. For some consumers, these supplements were said to produce more effective results than traditional antidepressants.

A small number of consumers reported that SAM-e supplements had no effect on depression or resulted in unpleasant side effects, such as headaches and gastrointestinal problems. A small number of consumers also stated that SAM-e products did not reduce anxiety and caused gastrointestinal problems.

In some cases, SAM-e can increase feelings of anxiety, irritability and nervousness. It is not clearly understood why some people have the opposite reaction to this supplement.

Studies on SAM-e for anxiety have been fewer in number than those that focus on depression. In a 2013 literature review that appeared in the Journal of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, one study showed a 70 percent decrease in anxiety and depression in women with postpartum depression. [4]

In a 2009 critique that appeared in Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America, SAM-e was shown to have a faster onset than traditional antidepressants in patients with mild to moderate depression. One patient began noticing an improvement within a few days, while most other patients improved within 2 weeks. [3]

How to Take SAM-e for Anxiety Disorder

SAM-e supplements can be purchased online at Amazon and other reputable retailers. No standard dosages have been determined for these products and manufacturers are not allowed to promote or formulate their supplements for the treatment of anxiety in the United States.

Consumers with anxiety should check with their doctor to make sure these supplements are safe to take and to find out what dosage to use. Your doctor may recommend other supplements or treatment alternatives.

In general, those who take SAM-e products should begin with a lower dosage and gradually work up to higher dosages. This helps reduce the risk of side effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends starting with doses of 200 mg and increasing the dosage amount slowly. [5]

High doses can increase the risk of side effects. Never take more than the recommended amount.

Side Effects of SAM-e

Is SAM-e safe to take for panic attacks or anxiety? That depends on certain factors, such as the presence of underlying health conditions, use of other medications and age.

SAM-e is not considered safe for those who have bipolar disorder. This is mainly due to the potential for these supplements to make manic episodes worse.

Intravenous SAM-e has been used safely in pregnant women during the third trimester, when administered under medical supervision. It should not be used by pregnant women without first consulting with a doctor to weigh potential benefits and risks.

SAM-e supplements are not recommended for women who are breastfeeding due to a lack of data on the effects in this population.

In general, SAM-e products are considered safe when taken in doses of 400 to 600 mg at a time for no longer than 2 years, according to the Mayo Clinic. [6] Taking large doses of SAM-e can increase the risk of experiencing mania, which is characterized by heightened emotions and can be dangerous.

Those who take small to medium doses of SAM-e for anxiety should note that it can cause side effects, although these are usually mild and do not last long.

Some of the side effects that can occur include headache, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness and diarrhea. Taking enteric coated tablets of SAM-e might lower the risk of diarrhea, nausea and other gastrointestinal side effects.

Those who anxiety disorders should not take SAM-e without talking to their doctor first. Some people experience increased anxiousness when taking these supplements. A doctor can determine if they can be safely taken.

Consumers who take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors should not take SAM-e due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. These medications and SAM-e increase serotonin production, which can result in excessively high amounts of this brain chemical.

Other medications that can interact with SAM-e include diabetes medications, tramadol and pentazocine. Consumers who take these drugs should check with their doctor prior to using SAM-e for anxiety or any other reason.

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