Posted by JohnL on February 20, 2000, at 3:14:00
In reply to sam-e experiences?, posted by gritslad on February 19, 2000, at 16:34:13
> I've managed to stay AD free for about a year, but Feb. -April are tough for me, so I thought I'd try sam-e. St. Johns and a host of other prescription ADs were all problematic for me. I hear this stuff works fast and has minimal side effects. Truth or hype?
There are dozens of controlled studies showing SAMe effective in all types of depressions. There are now anecdotal reports popping up from a lot of family doctors and psychiatrists who have allowed their patients to try SAMe. They are reporting being surprised by the benefits. Especially in difficult cases. But just like anything else, we also hear of other people who weren't helped with SAMe. I think, as with all treatments, it all depends on what the underlying malfunction is and how closely SAMe influences that malfunction. How it works we may never know for sure. For that matter, all explanations of how prescrips work are just theories as well. Whether it actually does work in a particular person can be answered only through a personal trial.
I have tried SAMe and found it had a rapid onset. It provided relief in 2 to 3 days. It has something to do with influencing production of serotonin and dopamine, as well as who knows what else. Just theories of course. It combined well with Prozac, allowing a lower dose of the Prozac. SAMe in my opinion, for me, based on personal trial only, is good for two things. First, to bring rapid stabilization during a difficult down time. Second, to speed up and/or enhance a prescrip AD. Its primary drawback, and the reason I don't continue using it regularly, is its high cost. But if I run into a particularly difficult time, I don't hesitate to go buy a box. I know from experience that by the time I finish that box (5 days) the difficult period will be history. I have done this multiple times, so I know it isn't a placebo effect. Results for me are reliable and predictable. I am always skeptical when I start, and surprisingly pleased when I finish. And broke.
There are two camps on SAMe. One views it as worthy. The other views it as hype. Which camp it falls into in your world depends completely on a personal trial. Whatever I say or anyone else says is irrelevent. All that matters is how it works with you. I don't think I would ever count on it as monotherapy, but I can say from multiple experiences it is a fine augmentation combined with other standard antidepressants.
St Johnswort has a good track record. BUT, like all treatments, it will work with some people and not with others. I have heard reports of it being miraculous with some, and useless with others. The important thing is to stick with pharmaceutical grade (brands Kira or Movana). These have the same LI160 formula used in European controlled studies. AND, realize that the best results in clinical studies came from doses two and three times higher than we assume in USA. In one study it was determined one 300mg dose of SJW is roughly equivalent to a 10mg dose of a tricyclic AD. If that is correct, it implies 5 pills a day (not 3) would be a minimum dose. The highest maximum dose tested was 9 pills a day. That is more appropriate for more severe forms of depression. Purely based on personal experience, I think SJW + SAMe would be a wonderful combination. Both worked for me. SJW causes me loud tinnitus, and SAMe is too darn expensive. If not for those drawbacks, I would still be on them.
In the situation of a severe major depressive bout, psychotic depression, or suicidal feelings, it is wise to seek immediate medical help. Only in lesser or more stable forms of depression should SJW and/or SAMe be considered for a personal trial. It's always a good idea to have your doc involved, because keeping records of your progress or failure might be helpful to someone else someday.
poster:JohnL
thread:22524
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000209/msgs/22659.html