The antidepressant potential of oral S-adenosyl-l-methionine.
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.
Rosenbaum
J F
JF
Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Fava
M
M
Falk
W E
WE
Pollack
M H
MH
Cohen
L S
LS
Cohen
B M
BM
Zubenko
G S
GS
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
D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine; D003907:Dexamethasone; D013972:Thyrotropin; D006854:Hydrocortisone