Posted by T_R_D on May 12, 2003, at 9:59:36
In reply to Re: SAM-e...I Am Now Drug Free... » T_R_D, posted by Ron Hill on May 9, 2003, at 16:58:11
Hi, Ron...not to worry about "raining on my parade." As with "SYNTHETIC DRUGS" (I wasn't clear enough for stjames) I know that things can change and as I did state in my first post, I did not thing it was a cure-all/wonderDRUG or whatever. I just thought it would be nice to post something positive on the board. It's also good to hear about others' experiences...thank you for sharing!
> Hi TRD,
>
> I'm happy to hear of your initial positive results with SAM-e. About 18 months ago, I started taking SAM-e and I had excellent results using 200 mg/day to treat the atypical depressive phase of my bipolar II disorder. I was taking the SAM-e in conjunction with 600 mg/day of Lithobid. The SAM-e worked great for five months straight but then, out of the blue, it induced severe irritability (GRRRRRRRR!). Search the year 2002 archives for "SAM-e" and you will see my posts.
>
> As you probably know, it is very important to take plenty of B-6, folic acid, and B-12 when taking SAM-e to avoid increased levels of homocystiene (not good). Further, you might consider taking trimethylglycine (TMG) instead of SAM-e. The human body uses the methyl donor agent TMG for a lot of purposes, one of which is to manufacture its own supply of SAM-e.
>
> I currently take some TMG along with a bunch of other supplements and my Lithobid. So far TMG does not cause the irritability that I experienced with SAM-e. As an aside, I currently have some unresolved irritability issues but they are unrelated to the TMG.
>
> Again, I'm delighted that SAM-e is working well for you and I'm not trying to pour cold water on your parade. Just letting you know my experience. Others on this board have had similar difficulties with long-term SAM-e usage. But let’s hope that your results are better than mine.
>
> If you have time, I encourage you to check the 2002 archives and do some research on TMG and/or DMG.
>
> -- Ron
> -----------------------------
> > I just wanted to let everyone know that SAM-e has worked very well for me...so much that, after almost 5 years, I am drug free. I'm not jumping up and down, completely ecstatic or anything...I guess what I'm feeling is "normal." Normalcy was a big thing for me...I always wondered if I was numbed or missing out or "apart" from the rest of the world.
> >
> > I encourage everyone to check this alternative out. I don't think it's a wonder drug or anything like that. I do like the fact that it seems to work at the other end (Serotonin manufacturing process) as opposed to blocking the re-uptake of what little might exist. This is why it has no side effects. The drugs affect all areas of the brain and stop the natural flow of things...SAM-e is a substance that is already found in your body. The theory goes that depressed folks might have a deficiency in this area.
> >
> > A friend of mine who has had years of failure, one drug after the other--none of which worked, started taking it about a month or two ago. He also used it while weaning off Effexor and had NO withdrawal symptoms. That I found simply amazing as I had a really tough time getting off the drug. His success convinced me to give it a shot and here I am, three weeks later on no medication.
> >
> > I'm sure many of you are already aware of this alternative and some may have even tried it. It may not work for everyone (i.e. it's not a cure-all) but it seems to have really surprised my friend and I.
> >
> > Thanks!
>
>
poster:T_R_D
thread:225442
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030505/msgs/226072.html