Ademetionine (SAM)
- Health
- 604
What is ademetionine?
Ademetionine is a variant of the naturally occurring amino acid, methionine. It is otherwise known as S-adenosylmethionine(SAM)
Ademetionine is produced in the body. Its production is dependent on the levels of folate, methionine, or vitamin B-12 in your body. When any of these are low in the body, ademetionine level will drop. Ademetionine does not occur naturally in foods.
It can only be synthesized and made available as a supplementary drug. It is available in Europe as a prescription drug.
The role of ademetionine in your body
It is important in the immune system. It is also useful in the maintenance of cell membranes.
It breaks down chemicals in the brain. Examples of such chemicals are dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin.
Its other functions that are yet to be scientifically proven are:
- Depression treatment option
- Treatment for liver cirrhosis
- Treatment option for prolonged viral hepatitis
- Treatment option for pregnancy-induced jaundice
Treatment for Gilbert’s syndrome- Fibromyalgia treatment option
- Management of AIDS-associated nerve abnormalities
- Treatment of cholestasis
The side effects of ademetionine
Although it can be unsafe for most adults, SAM can promote the following side effects:
- anorexia
- dry mouth
- gas
- vomiting
- headache
- serotonin syndrome
- constipation
- sweating
- dizziness
- diarrhea
- flushing
- nervousness
- skin rashes
- mild insomnia
- depression
- palpations
- anxiety
- stomach pains at the onset of administration
To avoid stomach pains and allow the body to adjust to the medication, you can begin with smaller doses and gradually progress to a
Administration of ademetionine
SAM comes in two forms -oral and intravenous.
Mayo Clinic has submitted the following adult doses that have proven to be very effective:
- for osteoarthritis: 600 – 1200 mg in one to three divided doses daily
- for cholestasis: up to 1600 mg per day
- for depression: 800 – 1600 mg every day
- for fibromyalgia: 400 mg two times daily
- for liver disease: 600 – 1,200 mg every day
Full dose is 400mg thrice or four times a day.
Ademetionine is unsafe for children.
The benefits of ademetionine
SAM has beneficial use in the following conditions:
- adult ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
- depression
- osteoarthritis
- liver disease
- cholestasis
- fibromyalgia
- premenstrual syndrome
- multiple sclerosis
- heart malfunctioning
- migraine
- seizures
- spinal cord injuries
Some of these conditions have not been scientifically validated to be 100% synthesized ademetionine.
What are the risks of ademetionine?
Consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medications, including herbs and supplements.
Ademetionine is considered safe for most adults. However, it can worsen symptoms in patients with certain disorders, such as bipolar disorder or Parkinson’s disease. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take SAM.
Since it affects the central nervous system, SAM may interfere with surgery. Its use should be discontinued at least two weeks prior to surgery.
SAM interacts with serotonin, a chemical in your brain. When combined with medications that also affect serotonin, ademetionine can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. This is a potentially serious condition caused by too much serotonin. Side effects can include heart problems, shivering, and anxiety.
Ademetionine should not be taken with the following medications: fluoxetine, imipramine, antidepressant drugs, clomipramine, amitriptyline, paroxetine, tramadol, tranylcypromine, dextromethorphan, sertraline, pentazocine, meperidine, and phenelzine
It should not also be taken with herbs and supplements that can raise serotonin levels in the blood. Typical examples are L-tryptophan, levodopa, St. John’s wort, and Hawaiian baby woodrose.
Also, SAM shouldn’t be used with anti-diabetic medications because they make it more potent and increase double the risk developing hypoglycemia.
Ademetionine dose should be taken synthesized and then gradually increased until the full recommended dose has been completely taken. Otherwise, it can trigger stomach upset and some unpleasant digestive side effects.
Expectations
SAM and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs share something in common. They both are strongly recommended in relieving osteoarthritis-induced pain.
Its use for treating fibromyalgia, depression, and liver cholestasis
With more than 15+ years of experience in health and wellness, athletics, entrepreneurship, network marketing, athletics and communications. I am a connector and an innovator at my core, and I feel most alive when building something: a business, a relationship, a product or community. I welcome opportunities to lead and train nurses, healthcare workers and coaches into their purpose.