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SCORE
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
Depression · Joint · Liver
Tier 2 — Promising
What it is
A natural compound your body makes that supports mood, joint health, and liver function. Multiple reviews found SAMe performs as well as older antidepressants for depression and also reduces arthritis pain. Warning: can trigger serotonin syndrome if combined with antidepressants — must not combine with SSRIs or MAOIs. Must use enteric-coated form.
Efficacy
3/5
Safety
4/5
Research
3/5
Onset
3/5
Cost
3/5
Drug-int.
2/5
Dose
800–1,600 mg/day in divided doses on empty stomach; enteric-coated form required; AVOID with SSRIs/MAOIs
Time of day & tips
Take on an empty stomach, 30 min before meals. Must use enteric-coated tablets — plain tablets are destroyed by stomach acid. Take morning and midday to avoid sleep disruption.
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