Posted by Ron Hill on March 9, 2002, at 13:22:36
In reply to Re: What is SAME-e?, posted by New one on March 9, 2002, at 2:09:24
> Would sam-e be more helpful along the norephedrine/dopamine line rather than the serotonin?
In most of the articles I've read it is stated that SAM-e enhances the production of serotonin and dopamine. However, in at least one article, serotonin and norepinephrine were identified. Personally, from the way it makes me feel, I think it is primarily a serotonin/dopamine thing. But that is just my layman's opinion. SAM-e allows me to be happy and in an "up mood" (serotonin) and energetic, optimistic, enthusiastic, goal oriented, emotional, etc (dopamine) without causing me to become overly irritable (too much norepinephrine). As an aside, Wellbutrin makes me very irritable (GRRRR!).
As you know, I currently use SAM-e as an add-on to a small amount of an SSRI (12.5 mg/day Zoloft). Without the SAM-e the Zoloft allows me to feel generally content (serotonin) but totally unmotivated with blunted emotions (low dopamine). There are some data that support the idea that SSRI's inadvertently lower dopamine levels. I believe that this is what happens to me when taking an SSRI and that the SAM-e helps to restore balance to the serotonin/dopamine equation. Beware, however, everything I've just said may, in reality, be merely "layman pdoc mumbo jumbo".
>Should I try St. John's wort rather than Sam-e as long as I am taking Wellbutrin?
There are good clinical data showing the effectiveness of SAM-e. To my knowledge, the same cannot be said for St. John's Wort. Having said that, I have never tried St. John's and, therefore, I can not report first hand regarding its effectiveness.
I suggest that you read all of the articles linked in my previous post, search for "SAM-e" with your search engine and read those articles, then decide if it is worth a try. In my opinion, it almost certainly will not hurt you and may, in fact, turn out to be a good add-on to your current AD (Wellbutrin) therapy. {Keep in mind that SAM-e is counter indicated for bipolar patients if they are not on an adequate mood stabilizer}.
Best Wishes New One!
-- Ron
poster:Ron Hill
thread:96683
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020307/msgs/97210.html