In the view of many, the conventional medical community is far too quick to dispense pharmaceuticals to beat the blues. Problems with antidepressant drugs abound, ranging from dangerous side effects to permanent damage. Fortunately, s-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e) may offer support for mild to moderate depression and more.

What Is SAM-e?

A derivative of the amino acid methionine, SAM-e is formed when methionine combines with adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It plays a role in enhancing cell membrane function and increases the action of key neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, which affect mood and emotional well-being. SAM-e is considered a methyl donor, or a compound that donates hydrogen and carbon to other substances in the body, such as DNA and proteins. These compounds help protect the body against cellular damage and disease. A deficiency in methyl groups is fingered as a cause of depression, as the “donation” process is required to sustain healthy neurotransmitter activity.

SAM-e and Depression

SAM-e receives plenty of attention for its efficacy in alleviating mild to moderate depression, and its reputation as a blues buster is well deserved. Numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials with SAM-e find the supplement equal to or more effective than pharmaceutical antidepressants without the headaches, sleeplessness, and sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressant drugs. One analysis finds that 92 percent of subjects responded to SAM-e, compared to 85 percent of those taking pharmaceuticals. Another plus? SAM-e is also shown to protect the liver.

SAM-e may be useful in patients with major depressive disorders as well. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that oral SAM-e was “a safe, effective antidepressant with few side effects and a rapid onset of action.” Women who experience postmenopausal depression may also benefit from SAM-e.

Other Uses

SAM-e shows promise for a variety of applications. Animal studies find it effective for reducing joint pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. Several short-term human studies find SAM-e as effective as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in adults with knee, hip, or spine pain and inflammation, again without the harmful side effects of NSAIDs. And while more research is needed, studies link Alzheimer’s disease with lower levels of SAM-e.

Dosage and Safety

Unlike antidepressant drugs, which can take four to eight weeks to begin working, SAM-e kicks in much more quickly, sometimes in a matter of days. “Although most studies have used dosages of SAM-e in a range of 400 to 1,000 mg a day for the treatment of depression, I have found that in actual clinical practice that much lower amounts are quite as effective with fewer side effects,” says Ray Sahelian, MD. “As a rule, I find most people respond to a daily dose (taken in the morning right before breakfast) of either 100 mg or 200 mg.”

While its long-term use has not been studied, SAM-e appears to be safe, with side effects including minor nausea and gastrointestinal disturbances at high doses. Avoid SAM-e if you have bipolar disorder or are taking prescription antidepressants. Talk to your healthcare practitioner before taking SAM-e—it’s always important to let a professional know if you’re feeling depressed. The blues make for some good music. But for mood? SAM-e is a blues buster worth taking note of.