|
 |
|||||
| home : pages : what's new in medicine vol. 6 : natural alternative to prozac : | |||||
|
|
 |
NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO PROZACSAM-e (S-Adenosyl Methionne) is an amino acid, produced in the brain from another amino acid- methionine. SAM-e production is impaired in people who suffer from depression. S-Adenosyl Methionine is the most active methyl donor in our body, meaning it donates methyl groups to other chemical compounds.SAM-e, was discovered in 1952 in Italy, where it is manufactured. Until recently, it was exceedingly expensive to produce, and therefore unavailable to the public, although it was fairly well studied. Supplementation with SAM-e increases levels of serotonin, dopamine and phosphatides, and improves serotonin and dopamine receptor site binding (2) . Interestingly, treatment with antidepressant drugs that result in improved mood ( as determined by a 50% improvement in the Hamilton Depression Inventory) also results in increased levels of SAM-e, regardless of the drug used (3). The most striking aspect of supplementation with SAM-e, is its rapid onset of action. SAM-e has fewer side effects and has a more rapid onset of action than tricyclics (1). Precautionary Information about SAM-e SAM-e breaks down into the potentially harmful homocysteine, the substance correlated with heart disease if is left to build up within the cells. The good news is that SAM-e, does not have to turn into a toxic build-up of homocysteine. With a proper complement of B-complex vitamins (especially B-6, B12 and Folic Acid, which are all methyl donors). Homocystein is re-methylated into good old methionine (used to produce S-Adenosyl Methionine) or convert to the antioxidant glutathione. IMPORTANT-- if you plan on taking SAM-e, you would be advised to supplement with B vitamines. This will prevent homocysteine build up. B-complex deficiencies, by themselves, are often enough to cause low mood, giving you one more reason to supplement B-s. The original SAM-e, as developed in Italy and patented in USA, is distributed by BASF of Germany. A special coating ensures that it is absorbed through the small intestine, since SAM-e is destroyed in the stomach. Start with one 200 mg tab./day. After a couple days, increase to 200 mg twice a day, and if needed increase to 400 mg twice a day on the 5th or 6th day. finally 400 mg four times a day after three weeks, may be necessary. People suffering from bipolar disorder should not take SAM-e, as its rapid antidepressant effect can lead to manic episodes. Other indication than depression, fibromyalgia, migraine, osteoarthritis (SAM-e is required in the function of sulphur containing compounds), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. References: (1). Murray, MT, Natural Alternatives to Prosac. Quill. NY P 174-5, 1996 (2) Baldessarini, RJ, Neuropharmacology of SAM-e. Am.J.Med.83;95-103,1983 (3) Bell, KM,et al, S-Adenosyl Methionine blood levels in major depression: changes with drug treatment, Acta Neurol. Scand.154:15-18, 1994 . --> return to menu / back ... (click) --> return to top of the page (click) |
|||
 |
| (T) 212.439.1958 | 14 East 69th St, New York, NY 10021 | (F) 212.439.6718 |
| 2000-2008 © Mary Wilson M.D., P.C. All rights reserved. | ||
| Site Designed & Maintained by Delamain IT Web Design & SEO. |