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Dietary supplement

Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by CVS Health

Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg is a dietary supplement by CVS Health with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for depression, osteoarthritis joint pain, liver conditions.Based on those ingredients, 189 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are S-Adenosylmethionine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg by CVS Health

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), dosed at 400 mg per serving. SAMe is a compound your body makes naturally and uses in many cellular processes, including mood regulation and joint health.

The inactive ingredients are cellulose and polymethacrylate, which are common binders and fillers that help form the tablet.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: mood, emotional well-being, liver and joint health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Depression, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Cirrhosis, Hepatitis C, Alcohol-related liver disease — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Same is rated "Likely Effective" for Osteoarthritis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Same is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cholestasis, Depression.
  • Also on file: Same is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Alcohol-related liver disease, Cirrhosis, Fibromyalgia, Hepatitis C.

SAMe is likely effective for osteoarthritis — the research supports its use for joint pain and stiffness. It's possibly effective for depression and for a liver condition called cholestasis.

For Alzheimer disease and ADHD, there isn't enough reliable evidence yet to say whether it works.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Same

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

SAMe is generally well tolerated when taken at standard doses, though side effects become more common at higher doses. The most frequent ones are stomach upset (nausea, diarrhea, constipation), headache, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, and nervousness.

Some people also report sweating, flatulence, or vomiting. One important caution: SAMe can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder, so if you have that condition, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

Safety data is limited, so use it only under healthcare provider guidance.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Same

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Same.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 189 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take serotonergic drugs (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or tramadol) — SAMe may increase your risk of serotonin syndrome. Also check if you take levodopa for Parkinson disease, since SAMe may make it less effective.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

SAMe may help with osteoarthritis pain and possibly with depression, but it does interact with common medications — especially antidepressants and Parkinson drugs. If you take any serotonergic medication or levodopa, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

It's generally well tolerated but can cause stomach upset and may be risky if you have bipolar disorder.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 24, 2016.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand CVS Health
Barcode (UPC) 050428367209
Net contents 40 Enteric Coated Caplet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 24, 2016
DSLD ID 60324
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg by CVS Health, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Caplet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Caplet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
050428367209
IngredientAmount% DV
S-Adenosylmethionine400 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Polymethacrylate, Contains <2% of:

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

SAM-e helps maintain mood & emotional well-being, as well as support liver and joint health. SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) is a compound naturally produced in the body which helps to maintain normal cell function. SAM-e may not readily be available in the everyday diet. Plus, over time, SAM-e levels may vary and become imbalanced. You can easily sustain the important and proper SAM-e amount by taking a CVS Health SAM-e supplement.

Prod No. 58954 B36222 01A

Actual Size

# 717907

Please see the enclosed package insert for more information.

Mood And Well-Being

Actual product size on back panel

Supports mood & emotional well-being Healthy Liver Function Joint Health

V-19514

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, take one (1) caplet three times daily, preferably on an empty stomach. In order to obtain maximum benefits, SAM-e should be taken at least 30 minutes prior to a meal.

Precautions

As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care providers.

Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper resistant: Do not use if blister seal is cut, torn or open.

Formulation

No yeast, wheat, gluten, milk or milk derivatives, lactose, sugar, preservatives, soy, artificial flavor.

Vegetarian Formula

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

S-Adenosylmethionine

Brand IP Statement(s)

2016 CVS/pharmacy

Seals/Symbols

CVS Quality Money Back Guarantee

Storage

Store at room temperature and avoid excessive heat.

See for yourself

Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg by CVS Health label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg by CVS Health

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Caplet(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Amounts shown are per serving.

S-Adenosylmethionine

Interacts with
189 drugs
400 mg per serving

SAM-e is a compound your body makes naturally that is sold as a supplement, most often for depression and osteoarthritis. Some research suggests it ma...

S-Adenosylmethionine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Polymethacrylate, Contains <2% of:. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg by CVS Health Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
189Drugs
189 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

S-Adenosylmethionine2 drug types · 189 drugs

Levodopa

SAMe might reduce the effectiveness of levodopa.
SAMe methylates levodopa, which might reduce its effectiveness for treating Parkinson disease.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Taking SAMe with serotonergic drugs might increase the risk of serotonin syndrome and other serotonergic side effects.
SAMe has serotonergic effects. Theoretically, combining serotonergic drugs with SAMe might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders. In one case report, SAMe 100 mg intramuscularly was given daily with clomipramine (Anafranil) 25 mg per day. When the clomipramine dose was increased to 75 mg per day the patient experienced serotonin syndrome about 48-72 hours later, requiring hospitalization.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg, from the product label.

CVS Health

See all CVS Health products
Name
CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
Street Address
One CVS Drive
City
Woonsocket
State
RI
ZipCode
02895
Phone Number
1-800-746-7287
Web Address
www.cvs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg by CVS Health: Common Questions

Does Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg by CVS Health interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg has a known interaction with 189 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is SAMe safe to take if I'm pregnant?
The data we hold shows SAMe is possibly safe in pregnancy, but safety isn't fully established. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you — they can weigh the benefits and risks based on your individual situation.
What are the most common side effects?
Stomach problems are the main ones — nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. You might also feel dizzy, have a headache, dry mouth, insomnia, or nervousness. These tend to happen more at higher doses and usually settle down with continued use, but tell your doctor or pharmacist if they bother you.
Can SAMe help with depression?
SAMe is possibly effective for depression based on the evidence we have, though it's not as well studied as many prescription antidepressants. If you're interested in trying it, talk with your doctor first — especially if you already take antidepressants, since SAMe can interact with them.
Will SAMe work if I have Parkinson disease and take levodopa?
SAMe may actually reduce how well levodopa works, so it's not a good fit alongside that medication. If you have Parkinson disease, check with your doctor before taking SAMe.
Is this safe if I have bipolar disorder?
No — SAMe can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before considering this product.
Does this product have any fillers?
Yes, it contains cellulose and polymethacrylate as binders. These are standard inactive ingredients used to hold the tablet together.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Double Strength SAM-e 400 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 31 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Same 31 references
  1. Perna AF, Castaldo P, Ingrosso D, et al. Homocysteine, a new cardiovascular risk factor, is also a powerful uremic toxin. J Nephrol 1999;12:230-40.
  2. Mato JM, Camara J, Fernandez de Paz J, et al. S-adenosylmethionine in alcoholic liver cirrhosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial. J Hepatol 1999;30:1081-9. PubMed
  3. Iruela LM, Minguez L, Merino J, Monedero G. Toxic interaction of S-adenosylmethionine and clomipramine. Am J Psychiatry 1993;150:522. PubMed
  4. Bradley JD, Flusser D, Katz BP, et al. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial of intravenous loading with S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) followed by oral SAM therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol 1994;21:905-11.
  5. Berlanga C, Ortega-Soto HA, Ontiveros M, Senties H. Efficacy of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in speeding the onset of action of imipramine. Psychiatry Res 1992;44:257-62. PubMed
  6. Kagan BL, Sultzer DL, Rosenlicht N, Gerner RH. Oral S-adenosylmethionine in depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Psychiatry 1990;147:591-5. PubMed
  7. Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Falk WE, et al. The antidepressant potential of oral S-adenosyl-l-methionine. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1990;81:432-6. PubMed
  8. Domljan Z, Vrhovac B, Durrigl T, Pucar I. A double-blind trial of ademetionine vs naproxen in activated gonarthrosis. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1989;27:329-33.
  9. Konig B. A long-term (two years) clinical trial with S-adenosylmethionine for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Am J Med 1987;83:89-94. PubMed
  10. Lipinski JF, Cohen BM, Frankenburg F, et al. Open trial of S-adenosylmethionine for treatment of depression. Am J Psychiatry 1984;141:448-50.
  11. Almasio P, Bortolini M, Pagliaro L, Coltorti M. Role of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis. Drugs 1990;40:111-23. PubMed
  12. Friedel HA, Goa KL, Benfield P. S-adenosyl-L-methionine. A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential in liver dysfunction and affective disorders in relation to its physiological role in cell metabolism. Drugs 1989;38:389-416. PubMed
  13. Bottiglieri T, Hyland K, Reynolds EH. The clinical potential of ademetionine (S-adenosylmethionine) in neurological disorders. Drugs 1994;48:137-52. PubMed
  14. Frezza M, Centini G, Cammareri G, et al. S-adenosylmethionine for the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Results of a controlled clinical trial. Hepatogastroenterology 1990;37:122-5.
  15. Singhal AB, Caviness VS, Begleiter AF, et al. Cerebral vasoconstriction and stroke after use of serotonergic drugs. Neurology 2002;58:130-3. PubMed
  16. Charlton CG, Crowell B Jr. Parkinson's disease-like effects of S-adenosyl-L-methionine: effects of L-dopa. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1992;43:423-31..
  17. Goren JL, Stoll AL, Damico KE, et al. Bioavailability and lack of toxicity of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) in humans. Pharmacotherapy 2004;24:1501-7. PubMed
  18. Arnold O, Saletu B, Anderer P, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled pharmacodynamic studies with a nutraceutical and a pharmaceutical dose of ademetionine (SAMe) in elderly subjects, utilizing EEG mapping and psychometry. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2005; PubMed
  19. Nelson JC. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) augmentation in major depressive disorder. (Editorial). Am J Psychiatry 2010;167:889-91.
  20. Kim J, Lee EY, Koh EM, et al. Comparative clinical trial of S-adenosylmethionine versus nabumetone for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: an 8-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, Phase IV study in Korean patients. Clin Ther 2009; PubMed
  21. Manzillo G, Piccinino F, Surrenti C, et al. Multicentre double-blind placebo-controlled study of intravenous and oral S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) in cholestatic patients with liver disease. Drug Invest 1992;4 (Suppl 4):90-100. DOI
  22. Carrieri PB, Indaco A, Gentile S, et al. S-adenosylmethionine treatment of depressioin in patients with Parkinson's disease: a double-blind, crossover study versus placebo. Curr Ther Res 1990;48(1):154-60.
  23. Pancheri P, Scapicchio P, Delle Chiaie R. A double-blind, randomized parallel-group, efficacy and safety study of intramuscular S-adenosyl-L-methionine 1,4-butanedisulphonate (SAMe) versus imipramine in patients with major depressive disorder. Int J Neuro PubMed
  24. Medici V., Virata M. C., Peerson J. M., Stabler S. P., French S. W., Gregory J. F. III, Albanese A., Bowlus C. L., Devaraj S., Panacek E. A., Richards J. R., Halsted C. H. S-adenosyl-L-methionine treatment for alcoholic liver disease: a double-blinded, ra
  25. Chitiva, H., Audivert, F., and Alvarez, C. Suicide attempt by self-burning associated with ingestion of S-adenosylmethionine: a review of the literature and case report. J.Nerv.Ment.Dis. 2012;200(1):99-101. PubMed
  26. Carney, M. W., Edeh, J., Bottiglieri, T., Reynolds, E. M., and Toone, B. K. Affective illness and S-adenosyl methionine: a preliminary report. Clin Neuropharmacol. 1986;9(4):379-385. PubMed
  27. Miccoli, L., Porro, V., and Bertolino, A. Comparison between the antidepressant activity and of S- adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and that of some tricyclic drugs. Acta Neurol (Napoli) 1978;33 (3):243-255.
  28. Bacci, Ballerini F., Lopez, Anguera A., Alcaraz, P., and Hernandez, Reyes N. [SAMe in the management of postconcussional syndrome]. Medicina Clinica (Barc.) 1983;80(4):161-164.
  29. Muscettola G, Galzenati M, Balbi A. SAMe versus placebo: a double blind comparison in major depressive disorders. Advances in Biochemical Psychopharmacology 1982;32:151-6.
  30. Capretto C, Cremona C, and Canaparo L. A double-blind controlled study of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) v. ibuprofen in gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and spondylarthrosis. Clin Trials J 1985;22(1):15-24.
  31. Ancarani E, Biondi B, Bolletta A, et al. Major depression complicating hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal failure: a multicenter, double-blind, controlled clinical trial of S-adenosyl-L-methionine versus placebo. Curr Ther Res 1993;54(6):680-6. DOI

See these in context on the Same monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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