The antidepressant potential of oral S-adenosyl-l-methionine

Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1990 May;81(5):432-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1990.tb05476.x.

Abstract

S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe), a naturally occurring brain metabolite, has previously been found to be effective and tolerated well in parenteral form as a treatment of major depression. To explore the antidepressant potential of oral SAMe, we conducted an open trial in 20 outpatients with major depression, including those with (n = 9) and without (n = 11) prior history of antidepressant nonresponse. The group as a whole significantly improved with oral SAMe: 7 of 11 non-treatment-resistant and 2 of 9 treatment-resistant patients experienced full antidepressant response. Side effects were mild and transient.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Depressive Disorder / blood
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Dexamethasone
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • S-Adenosylmethionine / administration & dosage*
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Thyrotropin / blood
  • Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone

Substances

  • Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • S-Adenosylmethionine
  • Dexamethasone
  • Thyrotropin
  • Hydrocortisone