[snoozie]

Well now that the kids are back in school I am having the same argument with my son over getting his homework done. I see some signs of ADD with him but will not medicate him at this time. So I am wondering if there are vitamins that would help with this problem.

I was reading articles about ADD and they mention dopamine and serotonin and it got me to thinking about the Sam-e that my hubby takes. So I am wondering if that would be a good starting point? He is 14 and weighs around 155 and is 5 feet 9 inches. Would it be safe for him to take?

Any other input is certainly welcome as I am lost on how to help him. Thanks...Sue

[mrsD]

Both my son and husband have ADD/ADHD.

Neither one can tolerate SAMe.

However, both of them like Inositol.

You can try SAMe...say for 2 weeks. You should see by then if there is any effect.
At his weight he is an adult.
To start use one 200mg tablet daily in the morning on an empty stomach.
no food for 1 hour. Both of my guys had negative issues by the 2 week mark.
Agitation was the main response.

I do not have ADHD and I love SAMe ( I take it for arthritis).

Good luck. I wouldn't expect much.

As far as other things go... We had a dramatic response to flax oil/evening primrose/fish oil.
We started with one of each for both of them, and eventually dropped the primrose.
My son and husband now both use flax and fish oil daily. They use a double strength enteric coated one found at both
Costco and Sam's club. Also useful are magnesium and B6 to help with the metabolism of the fats.
Removing trans fats is very important, and now that restaurants and food makers are doing this under the new
law, it is easier to do without changing foods too much.
I have an EFA thread here and a magnesium one for you to look over. The links are in a Sticky thread.
There is also evidence that low zinc is present in some ADHDers.

You might want to research some food intolerance. Gluten and casein are the most common ones that impact
behavior.

[snoozie]

Thanks Mrs. D. I am on my way to the stickies to see what I can find...Sue

[snoozie]

Ok so I read the stickies and realized that the calcium and magnesium that I bought from Iherb is the oxide type. Nothing against iherb I really like the prices.

I am going to order the ionic fizz and the flax oil. The brand of fish oil I already have is Nature Made maximum strength omega 3 fish oil 1200mg. Is that a good one or should I try something else. I think I got the fish oil at CVS. here is a link to the type I have

http://www.naturemade.com/ProductDat...?productid=127

Is there a type or brand of flax oil that you have found that you like? Thanks...Sue

[mrsD]

You can even get rebates with them. Save the long code # on the bottle,
and go to their website and log it in---there are directions there.
You can add points and get a $7.00 off coupon.
2 packs of SAMe gets it for me.

My husband uses NatureMade Flaxoil. We get that at Costco.
Another good brand is Barlean's. This is typically in the frig in health food stores. Basically you want cold pressed, from a good company.

But you can eat Omega-3 eggs and get 100mg of DHA (what is in one fish oil) in one yolk.
And you can have SmartBalance peanut butter and get 1 gram of flax oil = to one capsule in each tablespoonful (this is how I get mine)...My hubby won't eat peanut butter tho.
Smart Balance Mayo and Smart Balance or Olivio also provide Omega-3 now.
So if you use food, you may not even need the supplements.
Chicken of the Sea now has pouches of salmon..which mix up more flavorfully than tuna (which has mercury issues)..and that provides Omegas also. I use this 2 or 3 times a week.

[lou_lou]

Originally Posted by snoozie

Well now that the kids are back in school I am having the same argument with my son over getting his homework done. I see some signs of ADD with him but will not medicate him at this time. So I am wondering if there are vitamins that would help with this problem.

I was reading articles about ADD and they mention dopamine and serotonin and it got me to thinking about the Sam-e that my hubby takes. So I am wondering if that would be a good starting point? He is 14 and weighs around 155 and is 5 feet 9 inches. Would it be safe for him to take?

Any other input is certainly welcome as I am lost on how to help him. Thanks...Sue

no - I was told it was ok for my son age 17 to take it -
no way -he reacted terribly violent to it -started saying things that scared the hell' ooo outta me? you see Sam -e is a natural type of SSRI

no SSRI's for any children!

this film is an excellent reason on film for not putting your child on SSRI's
please watch this documentary:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...99239524875493

I thought this may prevent - bad things... FYI

[mrsD]

Tena, I think you are stretching here.

SAMe is an enteric coated (hence the "e" of SAM). SAM is naturally made in your body by converting homocysteine to SAM using 3 B vitamins.
B12, folic acid, and B6.

I think younger people "react" negatively to it, because their bodies are making enough of it for them at that time in youth. As we age, this system deteriorates and hence, more may be needed.

SAMe is a methyl donor to your liver, joints/collagen, and neurotransmitters.
It enables the body to repair itself, it simply gives up a methyl group to many many systems. It is NOT a drug like SSRIs and it does not affect receptors
like they do.

They are using SAMe for liver disease in Europe. Some patients can even be taken off of liver transplant lists because of its success. Here in this country studies are still ongoing for that. It is also excellent for those with arthritis, or disc disease.

It is well known that people with Parkinson's have very low, insufficient levels of SAM in the brain.

Here is a really good monograph:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/s...ine-000324.htm

and this is too:
http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetCo...chunkiid=21460

There have been alot of papers on Parkingson's and SAM on PubMed.
This one explains how normal amounts of SAM are useful to PD patients, while high doses may enhance metabolism of Levodopa. Depletion of SAM by levodopa metabolism is thought to cause the depression PD's patients experience.

Clin Neuropharmacol. 2005 Nov-Dec;28(6):274-6.Click here to read Links
Levodopa intake increases plasma levels of S-adenosylmethionine in treated patients with Parkinson disease.
Müller T, Fowler B, Kuhn W.

Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Gudrunstrasse 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany. thomas.mueller@ruhr-uni-bochum.de

Metabolism of levodopa via the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase requires S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl donor. SAM caused Parkinson disease (PD)-like symptoms in rodents. Therefore, SAM could contribute to a decreased efficacy of levodopa in the long term. SAM levels were significantly reduced in levodopa-treated PD patients, but they showed increased enzyme methionine adenosyl transferase (MAT) activity, which induces SAM synthesis from methionine (MET). This may result from a rebound increase of SAM production. The objective of the study was to demonstrate an effect of acute levodopa intake on SAM synthesis in the plasma of treated PD patients. The authors measured SAM, MET, and levodopa plasma concentrations in 13 levodopa-treated PD patients before and after application of 125 mg levodopa/benserazide. Plasma levels of SAM and levodopa significantly increased, but MET concentrations did not significantly decrease. The SAM increase after levodopa intake may exert both a certain antidepressant and cognitive function improving effect. This is often observed in untreated PD patients who receive levodopa for the first time, or in more advanced, fluctuating PD patients, when they turn from the OFF to the ON phase. Because SAM in higher dosages may also counteract the antiparkinsonian efficacy of levodopa according to animal trials, this SAM increase may hypothetically contribute to the onset of wearing-off phenomena and other clinical signs of limited efficacy of levodopa during long-term treatment with levodopa in PD patients.

PMID: 16340382 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[lou_lou]

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, Gumbaral®, SAM-e(TM), Samyr® 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.

Originally Posted by mrsd

Tena, I think you are stretching here.

SAMe is an enteric coated (hence the "e" of SAM). SAM is naturally made in your body by converting homocysteine to SAM using 3 B vitamins.
B12, folic acid, and B6.

I think younger people "react" negatively to it, because their bodies are making enough of it for them at that time in youth. As we age, this system deteriorates and hence, more may be needed.

SAMe is a methyl donor to your liver, joints/collagen, and neurotransmitters.
It enables the body to repair itself, it simply gives up a methyl group to many many systems. It is NOT a drug like SSRIs and it does not affect receptors
like they do.

They are using SAMe for liver disease in Europe. Some patients can even be taken off of liver transplant lists because of its success. Here in this country studies are still ongoing for that. It is also excellent for those with arthritis, or disc disease.

It is well known that people with Parkinson's have very low, insufficient levels of SAM in the brain.

Here is a really good monograph:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/s...ine-000324.htm

and this is too:
http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetCo...chunkiid=21460

There have been alot of papers on Parkingson's and SAM on PubMed.
This one explains how normal amounts of SAM are useful to PD patients, while high doses may enhance metabolism of Levodopa. Depletion of SAM by levodopa metabolism is thought to cause the depression PD's patients experience.