Does anyone know the long term effects of Sam-e?

Question

I took 800 milligrams for two years out of desperation to help with my depression. It is also supposed to effect the joints. Now, 3 years since stopping the sam-e I've started having bone pain my doctors can't find a reason for. I wonder if the Sam-e might be responsible in any way?

Answer 1

I just did a search of Medline (using Pubmed) on this issue. There are no reports in the medical literature of any joint related side-effects from Sam-e.

Sam-e can lead to elevated Homocysteine levels. This is a toxic molecule with some inflammatory effects and it has the ability to disrupt collagen formation (important for healthy bones and joints). So there is a possible biochemical mechanism for a problem like yours. Have you had your Homocsyteine levels checked?

I am more inclined to suspect that whatever your underlying biochemical issues are that contribute to your depression may also be the underlying issues that now are showing up as joint/bone pain. B-vitamins, such as folate, B6 and B12 are often deficient and deficiency has been associated with depressive symptoms. Sam-e may 'mask' the clinical effects of these deficiencies without addressing these underlying problems. Has your doctor tested your folate, B6 and (especially) your B12 status?

Also, are you, or have you, taken any of these types of drugs: 1) acid-inhibitors (e.g. Nexium, Prilosec, etc) 2) Anti-biotics, and 3) NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs - such as Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, etc.)? Any of these drugs can lead to problems that may express themselves as bone/joint pains.

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 2

age, sex? maybe Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia.. anti, depressants sometimes help with the pain because with FM the seratonin levels help with pain, so I would say yes...

Answer 3

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-Adenosyl_methionine