Results from a new clinical study show that Actimet SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) has benefits comparable to imipramine, a standard prescription product for mood, but is significantly better tolerated. This finding supports more than 24 clinical trials conducted to date illustrating the mood enhancement effects of SAM-e. The double-blind study was conducted in 33 sites in Italy over six weeks. The trial involved 281 adults; 143 received 1,600 mg/day of Actimet® SAM-e and 138 received 150 mg/day of imipramine. All participants had been diagnosed with Major Depressive Episode. At the conclusion of the study, SAM-e and imipramine did not differ significantly on any efficacy measure. Additionally, 50 % of people taking SAM-e arm responded to treatment versus 57% taking imipramine. In addition, SAM-e was significantly better tolerated with only 29% of SAM-e group reporting adverse events compared to 42% taking imipramine.
SAM-e, available in Europe for more than 20 years for the treatment of low mood, and introduced last year in the United States, is an alternative option for treatment of mood disorders. SAM-e is a compound manufactured naturally by the body and is required for more than 35 biochemical reactions in the body. SAM-e works to enhance mood through the methylation process. Known as the universal methyl donor, SAM-e appears to increase the production of specific neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which are believed to affect mood, and to enhance the sensitivity of nerve receptors in the brain to stimulation. SAM-e also functions to make cell membranes more fluid, which may protect and enhance cell integrity.
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