title: The antidepressant potential of oral S-adenosyl-l-methionine.
abstract: S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe), a naturally occurring brain metabolite, has previously been found to be effective and tolerated well in parenteral form as a treatment of major depression. To explore the antidepressant potential of oral SAMe, we conducted an open trial in 20 outpatients with major depression, including those with (n = 9) and without (n = 11) prior history of antidepressant nonresponse. The group as a whole significantly improved with oral SAMe: 7 of 11 non-treatment-resistant and 2 of 9 treatment-resistant patients experienced full antidepressant response. Side effects were mild and transient.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Rosenbaum
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fava
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Falk
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Pollack
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Zubenko
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003907:Dexamethasone; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone
chemical_list: D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine; D003907:Dexamethasone; D013972:Thyrotropin; D006854:Hydrocortisone