SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine) is getting renewed attention as an option for patients with mild-to-moderate major depression. New guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association now suggest SAMe as an alternative to conventional antidepressants (e.g., paroxetine, venlafaxine, etc) for patients interested in alternative therapies.

New research also shows that SAMe might be effective for treatment-resistant depression. Adding SAMe (SAMe Complete 400 mg, Nature Made) 400 mg twice daily to conventional treatment in nonresponders increased remission rates by about 14% after 6 weeks of treatment.

About 7 patients need to be treated with SAMe for 6 weeks for one additional patient to have remission.

The experts at the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database tell physicians, “Explain to patients that SAMe is an option worth considering. Keep in mind that SAMe isn’t covered by insurance. It can be expensive – $65 or more for a month’s supply.”