Posted by Larry Hoover on April 10, 2005, at 8:41:35
In reply to Can you take SAM-e while taking Anti-Depressants, posted by BRC on April 8, 2005, at 19:05:32
> I know that SAM-e is supposed to help boost serotonin naturally and enhance mental well-being naturally. But can you take it if you are taking a AD.
>
> Thanks,
>
> BRCWhen testing a combination of substances that may act on the same system (in this case, serotonin), you must manage the introduction of the new substance in such a way that you minimize the risk of adverse events (in this case, serotonin syndrome, or serotinergic side effects).
That means, "Start low, and go slow."
Start at a low dose of SAMe. Maintain that dose for at least a week, making note of any changes in how you feel (helps you focus better at dose increase intervals).
Increase dose in small increments, after you're sure the last dose level was okay.
You may increase the dose until one of two things occur: a) you become satisfied with the effect; b) you become dissatisfied with the effect (maybe nothing happens, or what does happen is unpleasant).
Withdrawing the new substance generally reverses all the effects that occurred.
Get to know the symptoms of serotonin syndrome, just in case. http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/serotonin-syndrome.htm
Mild symptoms in these categories do not indicate that you have serotonin syndrome. It is the intensity that makes this a risk to health.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:481979
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050323/msgs/482292.html