Here is a collection of the most frequently asked questions we have received from our readers. Most of these questions are answered in the content on our website, but hopefully these FAQs will give you the short answer and help you find more detailed information on our website.
Can I take SAM-e for depression?
The most common use of SAM-e is to treat depression and mood swings. We take SAM-e for depression, mood swings and anxiety. Here is the medical explanation found on our SAM-e Benefits page:
“SAM-e appears to boost levels of important brain compounds like the neurotransmitter dopamine and the mood-enhancer serotonin. In addition, SAM-e enhances serotonin and dopamine as it facilitates their binding to the proper receptor sites in the brain. Serotonin and dopamine are two very important compounds that are responsible for controlling mood.”
You can also check out our SAM-e Benefits page for a full write up of the benefits and uses.
Can SAM-e be used as an alternative to antidepressants to treat depression?
The short answer is yes. As we mention on our SAM-e Benefits page:
“Results from tests, research and trials since the 1970’s, have shown SAM-e to be equal, if not superior, to tricyclic antidepressants in treating depression. Not only is it as effective, it works faster (people see positive results within 7 days with SAM-e as opposed to up to 6-8 weeks with prescription antidepressants), and without significant side effects.”
Check out our SAM-e Benefits page for a full write up of the benefits and uses.
What are the side effects of SAM-e?
In general, the best SAM-e supplements have been shown to be very safe, with very few side effects. One of the main reasons for the low level of side effects is that SAM-e is a naturally occurring molecule in your body, and a SAM-e supplement simply replenishes your body’s own natural supply. Check out our SAME-e Side Effects page to read our full write up.
What is the best brand of SAM-e or best SAM-e supplement?
Short answer: The truth is that it’s really difficult to say what the best SAM-e brand is. Different SAM-e brands may work a little differently for each person, so the best bet is to try a reputable brand. Typically you should know within about 2 weeks if it is working for you. If it doesn’t work, you can first try to up the SAM-e dosage or try a different SAM-e brand.
Long answer and recommendations: Read our complete write up on Best SAM-e Brands »
Is Jarrow SAM-e better than other SAM-e brands?
As we state on our Best SAM-e Brands page, it’s difficult to say if Jarrow SAM-e is better than other brands. The reason being that different brands may work a little differently for each person. See our write up on Best SAM-e Brands to read our recommendations.
SAM-e is very expensive, do you have any SAM-e coupons?
Yes, there are some great coupons available. Please check out our SAM-e Coupons page for details. Another great way to save on SAM-e is to sign up for a subscription service. Many websites, like Amazon, offer a subscription service where you can select the frequency of delivery and then they automatically bill you and ship out a new order. When doing this you typically receive a discount.
We signed up on Amazon to receive the Doctor’s Best SAM-e 400mg (60 Count) every 2 months and received 5% off. If you have more than 5 subscriptions with Amazon, you will receive 15% off.