S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) as an adjunct for resistant major depressive disorder: an open trial following partial or nonresponse to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or venlafaxine.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The purpose of this open trial was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of oral S-adenosyl-L-methionine as an antidepressant adjunct among partial and nonresponders to serotonin reuptake inhibitors or venlafaxine.

METHOD:

Thirty antidepressant-treated adult outpatients with persisting major depressive disorder received 800 to 1600 mg of S-adenosyl-L-methionine tosylate over a 6-week trial.

RESULTS:

Intent-to-treat analyses based on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale revealed a response rate of 50% and a remission rate of 43% following augmentation with S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Gastrointestinal symptoms and headaches were the most common side effects.

CONCLUSION:

Augmentation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or venlafaxine with S-adenosyl-L-methionine warrants a placebo-controlled trial in resistant depression.

• Authors: Jonathan E Alpert, George Papakostas, David Mischoulon, John J Worthington 3rd, Timothy Petersen, Yasmin Mahal, Alana Burns, Teodoro Bottiglieri, Andrew A Nierenberg, Maurizio Fava
• Journal: Journal of clinical psychopharmacology (J Clin Psychopharmacol) Vol. 24 Issue 6 Pg. 661-4 (Dec 2004) ISSN: 0271-0749 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15538131 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cyclohexanols
• Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
• adenosyl-methionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate
• Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
• S-Adenosylmethionine

Topics

• Adult
• Cyclohexanols (therapeutic use)
• Depressive Disorder, Major (drug therapy, psychology)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales (statistics & numerical data)
• S-Adenosylmethionine (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Venlafaxine Hydrochloride