Vibeke Fong, 41, constantly felt on edge and that she was on the brink of falling in a deep well. She was depressed and life was no longer fun for her. After seeing her doctor and trying a prescription SSRI antidepressant, she experienced night sweats and decided to discontinue use due to the side effects. Her doctor then prescribed her another antidepressant.
Fong is not alone. Eighteen million Americans are diagnosed with depression each year, and more experience low mood. And of that group, fewer than 50 percent will respond to traditional treatments or they will discontinue use due to side effects, forcing their doctors to prescribe other options. Fortunately, a new pilot study conducted at Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital may offer hope for those who continue to suffer.
The study involved patients who did not respond or only partially responded to a single antidepressant, and tested combination therapy to see if it would improve patient response. The study combined the dietary supplement S-adenosylmethionine, better known as SAM-e (pronounced "sammy"), with the patients' current medications. Although the study investigators caution this was a pilot study with several limitations, the results suggest the combination may be as effective as two antidepressants, with fewer side effects. The authors also suggest additional research is warranted.
"We're excited because the SAM-e/antidepressant combination appears to be comparable to that of two antidepressants, with faster onset of action and the potential for fewer side effects such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction," said Dr. Jonathan Alpert, associate director of the depression clinical and research program at Massachusetts General Hospital and lead investigator of the trial.
After finding her new prescription didn't work, Fong's doctor recommended she add SAM-e to her regimen and she found it made a tremendous difference.
"Combining SAM-e with my new prescription medication gives me the stability I need to get through the day. I now look forward to my life and can handle my daily activities," Fong said.
SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound found in all living organisms. It's clinically proven to help enhance mood and emotional well-being. It's regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and sold over-the-counter as a dietary supplement.
Author: Richard Lewis
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