Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine in Depressed Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring substance which is a major source of methyl groups in the brain and has been found in previous studies to be an effective anti-depressant. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of oral SAMe in the treatment of depressed postmenopausal women in a 30-day double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. During the course of the study, 80 women, between the ages of 45 and 59, who were diagnosed as having DSM-∏I-R major depressive disorder or dysthymia between 6 and 36 months following either natural menopause or hysterectomy, underwent 1 week of single-blind placebo washout, followed by 30 days of double-blind treatment with either SAMe 1,600 mg/day or placebo. There was a significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms in the group treated with SAMe compared to the placebo group from day 10 of the study. Side effects were mild and transient.

Antidepressant Response and Well-Being in Pre-, Peri- and Postmenopausal Women with Major Depressive Disorder Treated with Fluoxetine

“…The question is especially relevant given the existing mixed results with various antidepressants [1, 2], the possibility of using other antidepressant classes, such as dual action drugs [3, 4], and the potential role of hormonal therapies (e.g. estradiol) for the treatment of menopause-related depressive symptoms [5, 6].…”

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and Magnesium Orotate as adjunctives to SSRIs in sub-optimal treatment response of depression in adults: A pilot study

“…The only reported side effects were GIT cramps and indigestion by two participants in the 1600 mg SAMe group. While not a common side effect, GIT cramping has been reported by a small proportion of SAMe users in previous studies at higher doses [17,18].…”

“…Further, only five studies used oral doses of SAMe. These studies also had methodological problems regarding baseline data and clinical response calculations [16][17][18].…”

S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) Augmentation in Major Depressive Disorder

“…There is a modest literature exploring the efficacy of SAMe as monotherapy in depression. Salmaggi et al (6) studied 60 postmenopausal women between the ages of 45 and 55 with major depression or dysthymia and a HAMD ≥17. The trials ranged in size from 15 to 75.…”