SAMe as a stand-alone antidepressant?

[EnumaElish]

Are there published studies on the use of SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) as a stand-alone antidepressant, other than this one:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...ez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

?

 

[Moonbear]

You've already started from the same source where I'd look for the information. If nothing is coming up, then there's a good likelihood there aren't any.

Another place you can search to see if there have been any further studies (possibly unpublished...and then a matter of figuring out if it's because they aren't yet complete, for proprietary reasons, or that they didn't work out) would be here:
http://clinicaltrials.gov/

That's a list of active clinical trials. If the first reports of that drug were out in 2004, it's possible further clinical trials are still underway, or only recently completed, so not yet in the published literature. It's also possible that other trials have identified major adverse events (bad side effects) and it's no longer being considered for that purpose. Sometimes the only way to find out something like that is to contact the authors of the published study to find out if they know of a reason there hasn't been any follow-up publications.

 

[oswaler]

I would like to first clarify that SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) is not considered a stand-alone antidepressant in the traditional sense. It is a naturally occurring compound in the body that plays a key role in various biochemical processes, including the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood. Therefore, it is often referred to as a "nutraceutical" or "dietary supplement" rather than a medication.

That being said, the study referenced in the question is one of the few published studies on the use of SAMe as a stand-alone treatment for depression. While the results showed some potential benefits, it is important to note that the study was small and had some limitations, such as a short duration and lack of a control group. Additionally, the study was funded by a company that manufactures SAMe supplements, which may introduce bias.

There have been other studies on the use of SAMe in combination with traditional antidepressants, which have shown mixed results. Some studies have found that SAMe may enhance the effects of antidepressants, while others have not found any significant benefits.

In conclusion, while there is some evidence to suggest that SAMe may have antidepressant properties, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety as a stand-alone treatment. It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or medication for depression.