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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Caleb462 on April 19, 2003, at 1:35:16
I was very happy when suddenly, in the middle of the day today, I suddenly felt alive. Energetic, spirited, enthusiastic, social... and a considerable lack of hopelessness, sadness, and PAIN. This initial burst didn't last all day, but an overall anti-depressant effect did. Unfortunately, I was still very anxious. In fact, later on I was more anxious than usual. I'm worried the SAM-e may be lifting depression but worsening anxiety... yuck. Well... if so, it's still better than being depressed.
Oh yeah.. the dose, I've been taking 400-600 mg a day for the past 4 days, along with a strong B-complex tablet once a day.
Posted by Peter S. on April 19, 2003, at 13:38:52
In reply to SAM-e anti-depressant effect on day 4, posted by Caleb462 on April 19, 2003, at 1:35:16
Hi Caleb,
What brand are you using?
thanks
Peter
> I was very happy when suddenly, in the middle of the day today, I suddenly felt alive. Energetic, spirited, enthusiastic, social... and a considerable lack of hopelessness, sadness, and PAIN. This initial burst didn't last all day, but an overall anti-depressant effect did. Unfortunately, I was still very anxious. In fact, later on I was more anxious than usual. I'm worried the SAM-e may be lifting depression but worsening anxiety... yuck. Well... if so, it's still better than being depressed.
>
> Oh yeah.. the dose, I've been taking 400-600 mg a day for the past 4 days, along with a strong B-complex tablet once a day.
Posted by Ron Hill on April 21, 2003, at 2:06:47
In reply to SAM-e anti-depressant effect on day 4, posted by Caleb462 on April 19, 2003, at 1:35:16
> I was very happy when suddenly, in the middle of the day today, I suddenly felt alive. Energetic, spirited, enthusiastic, social... and a considerable lack of hopelessness, sadness, and PAIN. This initial burst didn't last all day, but an overall anti-depressant effect did. Unfortunately, I was still very anxious. In fact, later on I was more anxious than usual. I'm worried the SAM-e may be lifting depression but worsening anxiety... yuck. Well... if so, it's still better than being depressed.
Hi Caleb. A little more than a year ago I enjoyed five months of very good results using 200 mg/day of SAM-e to treat the atypical depressive side of my bipolar II disorder. I took the SAM-e in conjunction with 600 mg/day of Lithobid.
The SAM-e worked well until, out of the blue, it began to induce severe irritability (GRRRRRRRRR!!). I discontinued the SAM-e and the dysphoric mood state stopped. I tried 100 mg/day, but I still got irritable, so I quit.
If you’re interested, conduct a quick search of the archives (search for "SAM-e" in the year 2002). As you'll see (if you decide to look), I was ranting and raving about the benefits of SAM-e during the time it was working. I quietly retreated to wash the egg off my face when it blew up on me. I hope you have success with it.
You might consider trying TMG instead of SAM-e to see if it will provide the antidepressant effect without inducing the anxiety (and/or irritability). As you probably know, TMG is one of the raw materials the human body uses to manufacture SAM-e. I do not have first hand experience using TMG, but I think Larry Hoover takes it periodically.
> Oh yeah.. the dose, I've been taking 400-600 mg a day for the past 4 days, along with a strong B-complex tablet once a day.As you know, it is important to take B-6, folic acid, and B-12 when taking SAM-e to avoid elevated levels of homocystiene (not good). I am of the belief that B-12 should be taken sublingually in order to improve the absorption.
Best wishes.
-- Ron
Posted by Bill L on April 21, 2003, at 9:32:57
In reply to SAM-e anti-depressant effect on day 4, posted by Caleb462 on April 19, 2003, at 1:35:16
Caleb, That's great! Keep in mind that a lot of people need 1200 to 1600 mg of SAM-e per day for major depression. so keep taking your 400 to 600 as long as it works. If it starts to be less effective in the future, don't hesitate to increase the dose. The best prices for NatureMade are at Costco, BJ's, and other membership wharehouse stores.
For the anxiety, try Valerian. It causes calmness without drowsiness. Get a "standardized" brand even though they are more expensive.
This is the end of the thread.
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