No - some teenagers and children cannot take it at all

S-adenosyl-L-methionine, SAM-e oral dosage forms

What is S-adenosyl-L-methionine, SAM-e?
S-ADENOSYL-L-METHIONINE, also called ademetionine, SAM—E or S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet, GumbaralŪ, SAM-e(TM), SamyrŪ and others) is a dietary supplement that is being promoted for the treatment of depressed mood, osteoarthritis, and certain types of liver disease. Although not FDA approved for any medical use, SAM-e is being studied to see if it is effective for these purposes. SAM-e is also currently in investigational protocols for myelopathy (a spinal cord problem) associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). For many of these uses, the approval and supervision of your health care prescriber is recommended. SAM-e supplements are available from many different manufacturers.


What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

It is important for you to tell your prescriber or health care professional or other health care professional that you are using SAM-e.

Talk to your health care provider BEFORE taking SAM-e supplements if you have any of the following conditions:
• frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
• acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• bipolar illness or mania
• depressed mood
• liver disease
• muscular weakness
• neuromuscular or neurologic illness
• Parkinson's disease
• thoughts of suicide or causing harm to others
• an unusual or allergic reaction to SAM-e or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding


How should I use this medicine?

SAM-e tablets and capsules should be taken orally (i.e., swallowed). It is best taken on an empty stomach, with a full glass of water, and not with antacids. Follow the directions on the product label, or consult your health care professional for advice on how to take this supplement.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.


What if I miss a dose?

Missing a dose is probably not harmful. If you miss a dose, simply resume taking it on your previous schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up, however.


What drug(s) may interact with SAM-e?

• alcohol or alcohol-containing beverages
• antacids
• lithium
• medications for Parkinson's disease, like levodopa
• some medications for the treatment of depression, anxiety or other mood problems

For many dietary supplements, interactions with other medications are unknown. That is why you should always be careful when mixing supplements with traditional medications. If you take any other medications, consult with your health care professional prior to taking SAM-e.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.


What should I watch for while taking S-adenosyl-L-methionine, SAM-e?

If you notice any changes in your physical or mental health while taking S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e), you should contact your health care provider.

Different brands of SAM-e might contain different amounts of active ingredient so be careful to use the same brand. It is recommended that you use a brand from a reliable manufacturer. Your health care professional or pharmacist can assist you in finding a product.


What side effects may I notice from using S-adenosyl-L-methionine, SAM-e?

Side effects that should be reported to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• changes in emotions or mood
• drooling or unusual or uncontrollable movements of the face, arms, mouth, or legs
• racing thoughts or restlessness
• skin rash or unusual skin reaction
• tremors
• unusual weakness or muscle fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• heartburn
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach upset


Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 8 and 25 degrees C (46 and 77 degrees F); do not freeze. Keep away from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS:
Dietary supplements include amino acids, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other plant-derived substances, and extracts of these substances. Products are easy to identify as they must state "Dietary Supplement" on the label. A "Supplement Facts" panel is provided on the label for most products. Supplements are not drugs and are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. You should note that rigid quality control standards are not required for dietary supplements. Differences in the potency and purity of these products can occur. Scientific data to support the use of a dietary supplement for a certain condition may not be available. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Food and Drug Administration suggests the following to help consumers protect themselves:
• Always read product labels and follow directions.
• Look for products containing ingredients with the "USP" notation. This indicates the manufacturer followed the standards of the US Pharmacopoeia.
• "Natural" doesn't mean a product is safe for humans to consume.
• Supplements produced or distributed by a nationally known food or drug company are more likely to be made under tight controls as these companies have standards in place for their other products. You can write to the company or manufacturer for more information about the conditions under which the products are made.