posted August 08, 2000 12:17 PM            

Principal Uses
There are five principal conditions where SAM is used: depression, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, liver disorders, and migraine headaches.

Depression
SAM is necessary in the manufacture of important brain compounds such as neurotransmitters and phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine. Supplementing the diet with SAM in depressed patients results in increased levels of serotonin, dopamine, and phosphatidylserine. It improves binding of neurotransmitters to receptor sites, which causes increased serotonin and dopamine activity and improved brain cell membrane fluidity, all resulting in significant clinical improvement.

The antidepressive effects of folic acid (Vitamin B6) are mild compared to the effects noted in clinical trials using SAM. Based on results from a number of clinical studies, it appears that SAM is perhaps the most effective natural antidepressant (although a strong argument could be made for the extract of St. John's Wort standardized to contain 0.3 percent hypericin) Tables 45.1 and 45.2 [ following tables ] summarize double-blind studies comparing SAM to either a placebo or an antidepressant drug.

Most of the studies cited in Table 45.1 and 45.2 used injectable SAM. However, more recent studies using a new oral preparation at a dosage of 400 milligrams four times daily (1600 mg total) demonstrate that SAM is just as effective orally as it is intravenously. SAM is better tolerated and has a quicker onset of antidepressant action than tricyclic antidepressants.

The most recent study compared SAM to the tricyclic desipramine. In addition to clinical response, the blood level of SAM was determined in both groups. At the end of the 4-week trial, 62 percent of the patients treated with SAM and 50 percent of the patients treated with desipramine had significantly improved. Regardless of the type of treatment, patients with a 50 percent decrease in their Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) score showed a significant increase in plasma SAM concentration. These results suggests that one of the ways tricyclic drugs exert antidepressive effects is by raising SAM levels.

In addition to generalized depression, there are two conditions associated with depression where SAM produces significant effects: the postpartum (after pregnancy) period and drug rehabilitation. SAM's benefits in these conditions probably stem from a combination of its effects on brain chemistry and liver function. In the study in postpartum depression (after-pregnancy "blues"), the administration of SAM (1,600 milligrams per day) produced significantly better mood scores than a placebo group. As for the use of SAM in drug detoxification, SAM (1,200 milligrams daily) significantly reduced psychological distress (chiefly anxiety and depression) in the detoxification and rehabilitation of opiate abusers.

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"To Thine Ownself Be True"

[This message has been edited by tnheygirl (edited August 08, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by tnheygirl (edited August 08, 2000).]

posted August 08, 2000 02:22 PM            

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"To Thine Ownself Be True"

posted August 08, 2000 02:49 PM            

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"To Thine Ownself Be True"

ps yes most insurance comp. will pay for prozac they would rather pay for that than pay the bill for hospitalization.

posted August 08, 2000 05:22 PM            

I've done prozac, zoloft, paxil...If you are in any way impulsive Prozac is not a good choice. Zoloft made me fuzzy and Paxil effected my memory...I was clearest on Prozac and had the most energy,,Welbutrin is a new drug that is out and it is highly regarded with the fewest side effects. I'd like to suggest getting a good therapist before going the drug route though. There aren't any long term studies on the effects these drugs have on the body. A therapist can usually help you target what's going on and I agree with giving valerian root a try for sleeping and avoiding all coffee, tea and chocolate. I hope your feeling a little better.

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Kaizen

"Omnia praeclara
tam difficilia
quam rara sunt."

posted August 08, 2000 06:12 PM            

Thanks for all the advice.

posted August 08, 2000 06:59 PM            

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Patience is a bitter plant, but it has sweet fruit.

posted August 08, 2000 11:17 PM            

I'm not saying that antidepressants aren't doing anyone any good, or if you are experiencing depression you shouldn't take anything to help your chemical imbalance. I'm just saying proceed with caution.

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Patience is a bitter plant, but it has sweet fruit.