S-Adenosyl-L-methionine is a molecule that is formed naturally in the body. It can also be made in the laboratory. S-Adenosyl-L-methionine is involved in the formation, activation, or breakdown of other chemicals in the body, including hormones, proteins, phospholipids, and certain drugs.

S-Adenosyl-L-methionine has been available as a dietary supplement in the US since 1999, but it has been used as a prescription drug in Italy since 1979, in Spain since 1985, and in Germany since 1989. 

Overview Information

Some people take S-Adenosyl-L-methionine by mouth for depression, anxiety, heart disease, fibromyalgia, abdominal pain, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, chronic lower back pain, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, slowing the aging process, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), improving mental performance, liver disease, and Parkinson's disease. It is also taken by mouth for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, seizures, migraine headache, lead poisoning, to break down a chemical in the body called bilirubin, or to help with disorders related to the buildup of a chemical called porphyrin or its precursors.

Some women take S-Adenosyl-L-methionine by mouth for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and a more severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Some women also take SAMe by mouth for hot flashes. 

SAMe is used intravenously (by IV) for depression, osteoarthritis, AIDS-related nervous system disorders, fibromyalgia, liver disease, cirrhosis, and for a liver disorder that occurs in pregnant women called cholestasis.

S-Adenosyl-L-methionine is injected as a shot for fibromyalgia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease.

How does it work?

The body uses S-Adenosyl-L-methionine to make certain chemicals in the body that play a role in pain, depression, liver disease, and other conditions. People who don't make enough S-Adenosyl-L-methionine naturally may be helped by taking SAMe as a supplement.

S-Adenosyl-L-methionine Uses

Symptoms of AIDS-related nerve problems. Taking SAMe intravenously (by IV) seems to improve some symptoms caused by AIDS related to nerve problems.

A condition in which the flow of bile from the liver is slow or blocked (cholestasis). Taking S-Adenosyl-L-methionine by mouth or intravenously (by IV) short-term seems to help reduce symptoms of cholestasis. This condition can be caused by acute or chronic liver diseases, as well as pregnancy. S-Adenosyl-L-methionine seems to reduce symptoms such as itching, tiredness, and markers of liver damage. In women with cholestasis during pregnancy, S-Adenosyl-L-methionine also seems to reduce preterm births better than prescription medications called beta-mimetics, which are given to suppress preterm labor. But SAMe does not seem reduce symptoms of cholestasis better than a prescription medication called ursodeoxycholic acid.

Liver scarring (cirrhosis). Most early research suggests that taking SAMe by mouth or intravenously (by IV) improves liver function in people with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. But some research suggests that giving S-Adenosyl-L-methionine by IV after surgery does not reduce the risk of mild liver dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis who undergo liver resection.

Depression. Taking S-Adenosyl-L-methionine by mouth, as an injection, or as a shot might reduce symptoms of major depression in some patients. Several studies have shown that SAMe might treat depression symptoms as effectively as prescription antidepressants. Other research shows that taking S-Adenosyl-L-methionine by mouth might be helpful for people who do not have a good response to prescription antidepressants. Keep in mind that S-Adenosyl-L-methionine should not be taken in combination with a prescription antidepressant without the monitoring of a health professional.

Fibromyalgia. Some research shows that taking S-Adenosyl-L-methioninee by mouth improves symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, evidence on the use of S-Adenosyl-L-methionine intravenously for fibromyalgia is inconsistent. Some research shows it may reduce symptoms such as pain and number of tender points, while other research shows that it does not.

Sexual dysfunction. Research shows that taking S-Adenosyl-L-methionine by mouth in addition to antidepressants improves sexual dysfunction in men with depression.

S-Adenosyl-L-methionine is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth, given intravenously (by IV), or when injected as a shot, appropriately. It can sometimes cause gas, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, headache, mild insomnia, anorexia, sweating, dizziness, and nervousness, especially at higher doses. It can also make some people with depression feel anxious.

Side Effects

Pregnancy: S-Adenosyl-L-methionine is POSSIBLY S-Adenosyl-L-methionine when given intravenously (by IV) in the short-term during the third trimester of pregnancy. An 800 mg dose of SAMe has been used intravenously for 14-20 days without any adverse effects. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking higher doses of S-Adenosyl-L-methionine for longer periods of time or during the earlier trimesters of pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking S-Adenosyl-L-methionine if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: S-Adenosyl-L-methionine is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or used intravenously (by IV) in children in the short-term.

Bipolar disorder: Use of S-Adenosyl-L-methionine can cause people with bipolar disorder to convert from depression to mania.

Inherited disorder called Lesch-Nyhan syndrome: S-Adenosyl-L-methionine might make symptoms of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome worse.