SAMe was not different from placebo and established antidepressants .
The exception was that compared to imipramine , fewer participants experienced troublesome adverse effects when treated with parenteral SAMe .
BACKGROUND Depression is a recurrent illness with high rates of chronicity , treatment-resistance and significant economic impact .
There is evidence in the literature that S-adenosyl methionine ( SAMe ) , a naturally occurring compound in the human body , has antidepressant efficacy .
This product may be an important addition to the armamentarium of antidepressant agents .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of SAMe in comparison with placebo or antidepressants for the treatment of depression in adults .
Effect of s-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) upon depressive symptoms.
Abstract SAMe is a methyl donor involved in methylation processes generally , including the Central Nervous System . Thirty depressed patients were studied in a double blind trial . The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used for symptom evaluation . The drug ( 45 mg i.m . daily ) appeared to have a rapid and beneficial effect mainly upon depressed mood , suicidal tendencies , retardation and performance . Improvement was observed in 80 % of the cases in 4–6 days . Studies are now in progress to clarify the biological mechanism involved in SAMe 's antidepressive action
SAMe was not different from placebo and established antidepressants .
The exception was that compared to imipramine , fewer participants experienced troublesome adverse effects when treated with parenteral SAMe .
BACKGROUND Depression is a recurrent illness with high rates of chronicity , treatment-resistance and significant economic impact .
There is evidence in the literature that S-adenosyl methionine ( SAMe ) , a naturally occurring compound in the human body , has antidepressant efficacy .
This product may be an important addition to the armamentarium of antidepressant agents .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of SAMe in comparison with placebo or antidepressants for the treatment of depression in adults .