S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) as an Adjunct for Resistant Major Depressive Disorder

Jonathan E. Alpert, George I. Papakostas, David Mischoulon, John J. Worthington, Timothy Petersen, Yasmin Mahal, Alana M. Burns, Teodoro Bottiglieri, Andrew A. Nierenberg, Maurizio Fava

Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology · 2004 · 105 citations · 22 references

Concepts

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this open trial was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of oral S-adenosyl-L-methionine as an antidepressant adjunct among partial and nonresponders to serotonin reuptake inhibitors or venlafaxine. METHOD: Thirty antidepressant-treated adult outpatients with persisting major depressive disorder received 800 to 1600 mg of S-adenosyl-L-methionine tosylate over a 6-week trial. RESULTS: Intent-to-treat analyses based on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale revealed a response rate of 50% and a remission rate of 43% following augmentation with S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Gastrointestinal symptoms and headaches were the most common side effects. CONCLUSION: Augmentation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or venlafaxine with S-adenosyl-L-methionine warrants a placebo-controlled trial in resistant depression.

References

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