Medical term:

SAMe


SAMe

(sam-ee) ,

Ademetionine

(trade name),

S-adenosylmethionine

(trade name), (trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: antidepressants
Pregnancy Category: UK
Treatment of depressionHas also been used to manage:
  • osteoarthritis
  • fibromyalgia
  • liver disease
  • migraine headaches

Action

May aid in the production, activation, and metabolism of various amines, phospholipids, hormones, and neurotransmitters. May stimulate articular cartilage growth and repair.

Therapeutic effects

Decreased depression.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects improve symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly and extensively metabolized following oral administration.
Distribution: Unknown.
Metabolism and Excretion: Actively metabolized by the liver.
Half-life: 100 min.

Time/action profile (antidepressant action)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO (depression)1–2 wkunknownunknown
PO (osteoarthritis)30 daysunknownunknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity; Bipolar disorder.
Use Cautiously in: Pregnancy, lactation, or children (safety not established); Bipolar disorder (can induce mania); Parkinson's disease (may worsen symptoms); Surgery (discontinue 2 weeks prior to elective procedures).

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

  • agitation
  • dizziness
  • mild insomnia
  • manic reactions (in patients with bipolar disorder)

Gastrointestinal

  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • flatulence

Interactions

Avoid use with antidepressants, meperidine, pentazocine, tramadol, and dextromethorphan (additive serotinergic effects may occur).May ↓ effectiveness of levodopa and worsen Parkinsonian symptoms.Should not be used concurrently with MAO inhibitors. Avoid use of SAMe within 2 wk of using a MAO inhibitor.Avoid use with natural products that increase serotonin levels such as l-tryptophan and St. John's wort.
Oral (Adults) Depression—200 mg once or twice daily, adjusted upward over 2 wk (range 400–1600 mg/day); Liver disorders—1200–1600 mg/day; Osteoarthritis—200 mg tid; Fibromyalgia—800 mg/day.

Availability

Tablets: 100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mgOTC

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

  • Assess mental status for symptoms of depression prior to and periodically during therapy; advise patients with depression to be evaluated by a health care professional.
  • Assess symptoms of pain and fatigue prior to and periodically during therapy.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Ineffective coping (Indications)
Deficient knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)

Implementation

  • Oral: Administer on an empty stomach. Initial dose should be 200 mg once or twice daily to minimize GI disturbances. Dose may be adjusted upward over 1–2 wks depending on response and tolerance.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patient to take SAMe as directed.
  • Advise patients to discontinue 2 weeks prior to elective surgical procedures.
  • Advise women to consult health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breast feeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

  • Decrease in symptoms of depression.
  • Improvement in osteoarthritis symptoms.
Drug Guide, © 2015 Farlex and Partners

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