Sam-E Question?? - Fibromyalgia Message Board

jam338 · 08-30-2007, 08:34 PM

Today I read on the University of Maryland Website that SAMe helps FM. It states that it is naturally produced by the body from ATP and the amino acid methionine. It serves as the cell's major energy source and drives a number of biological processes including muscle contraction and the production of protein.

I have read several sites online referencing a 1989 Swedish research study which revealed that FM patients have 20% lower levels of ATP.

The University of Maryland website recommends that Fibromyalgia patients take it as a supplement, stating that: [/B] A dosage of 800 mg SAMe per day for six weeks was shown to improve symptoms, but start at 200 mg and titrate up to minimize gastrointestinal problems.

Here is what I am wondering about, and hoping someone here can enlighten me. The website states that it is important to purchase enteric-coated tablets packaged in foil or foil blister packs. SAMe should be stored in a cool, dry place, but not refrigerated. Tablets should be kept in the blister pack until the time of ingestion.

Blister packs are just soooooooooooooo much more expensive!! Has anyone here read/heard info on the degradation issue????? It can be purchased at Sams Club in a small bottle so much cheaper, but if it degrades........ugh. I have tried to research online to find out what the degradation rate problem really is. Any info would be appreciated, thanks!!

moonbeam24 · 08-30-2007, 10:52 PM

Hi. I use SAMe and I would recommend the blister pack. I thought Costco sold them in the blister pack? I guess not? Well, I don't think it is something to mess with--don't buy extra strength either, just the regular and start slow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jam338

Today I read on the University of Maryland Website that SAMe helps FM. It states that it is naturally produced by the body from ATP and the amino acid methionine. It serves as the cell's major energy source and drives a number of biological processes including muscle contraction and the production of protein.

I have read several sites online referencing a 1989 Swedish research study which revealed that FM patients have 20% lower levels of ATP.

The University of Maryland website recommends that Fibromyalgia patients take it as a supplement, stating that: [/B] A dosage of 800 mg SAMe per day for six weeks was shown to improve symptoms, but start at 200 mg and titrate up to minimize gastrointestinal problems.

Here is what I am wondering about, and hoping someone here can enlighten me. The website states that it is important to purchase enteric-coated tablets packaged in foil or foil blister packs. SAMe should be stored in a cool, dry place, but not refrigerated. Tablets should be kept in the blister pack until the time of ingestion.

Blister packs are just soooooooooooooo much more expensive!! Has anyone here read/heard info on the degradation issue????? It can be purchased at Sams Club in a small bottle so much cheaper, but if it degrades........ugh. I have tried to research online to find out what the degradation rate problem really is. Any info would be appreciated, thanks!!

jojo · 08-31-2007, 07:16 AM

You can buy them on line through "The Vitamin Shoppe" they have better prices. I had to alternative doctors turn me in this direction when I was taking it....

Good Luck

elmhar · 08-31-2007, 01:25 PM

Hi Jam,

SamE degrades in the presence of light and/or moisture. I purchased a bottle of NOW brand SamE (not blister pkd) & had to throw 1/2 the bottle away because it turned to mush, just from opening & closing the lid to get out the tablets in the first 1/2 of the bottle. This was depite the presence of those moisture-absorber packs in the bottle.

The NatureMade SamE in blister packs at Costco are one of the better deals, IMO. But I haven't ckd the Vitamin Shop product.

A certain percentage of people have difficulty tolerating SamE. It causes headache in a fair number. That is one reason why you may want to make your first purchase of SamE, a smaller quantity rather than the bulk packaging at Sam's Club or Costco.

People with bipolar disorder should not use SamE unless recommended by & supervised by their doctor, as SamE can precipitate hypomania or mania.

SamE should not be used with antidepressant medications, nor should it be used along with supplements that have antidepressant effects such as 5-HTP, L-tryptophan, St. John's Wort. Reports of serotonin syndrome when combining AD agents with SamE are rare, however since the combinations haven't been extensively studied, and since serotonin syndrome is VERY serious & potentially fatal, caution IS advised.

Best wishes.

jam338 · 08-31-2007, 07:17 PM

Thanks Elmhar, as always, a very informative response...just what I needed, thanks