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Dietary supplement

Double-Strength SAM-e 400 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Doctor's Best

Tablet Or Pill 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 Doctor's Best 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 SAM-e. 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 Doctor's Best

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: SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) at 400 mg per tablet. SAM-e is a compound your body makes naturally and uses in many chemical reactions that affect mood, joint health, and liver function.

The remaining ingredients are inactive—fillers and binders like microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and calcium chloride that help form and stabilize 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, cognitive function, joint and liver 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, Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, Cirrhosis, Fibromyalgia.

SAM-e is likely effective for osteoarthritis, meaning good evidence supports its use for joint pain and stiffness. For depression, it's rated possibly effective—some studies show promise, but the evidence isn't as strong.

For liver cholestasis (a condition affecting bile flow), it's also possibly effective. 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.

SAM-e is generally well tolerated at standard doses, though side effects become more common at higher amounts. The most frequent complaints are stomach upset—nausea, constipation, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and dry mouth.

Some people report insomnia, nervousness, or sweating. A caution: SAM-e can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder, so anyone with that condition should take it only under close medical supervision.

Safety data are limited, and long-term effects aren't fully established, so discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you have other health conditions.

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.

Check before starting if you take serotonergic drugs—antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics), certain pain relievers, and migraine medications—because the risk of serotonin syndrome is moderate. Also double-check if you're on levodopa for Parkinson disease, as SAM-e may reduce its effectiveness.

Talk it over with your own doctor or pharmacist to see if this product is right for you.

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.

SAM-e may help with osteoarthritis pain and possibly with depression, and evidence supports its use for both. If you take any antidepressants, migraine drugs, pain relievers with serotonergic effects, or levodopa for Parkinson disease, you need to check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this supplement.

People with bipolar disorder should avoid it unless prescribed and monitored by their healthcare provider.

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 May 28, 2019.

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 Doctor's Best
Barcode (UPC) 753950001510
Net contents 30 Enteric Coated Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 28, 2019
DSLD ID 203035
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 Doctor's Best, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
753950001510
IngredientAmount% DV
SAM-e400 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Calcium Chloride Anhydrous, Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Flake Shellac dewaxed, Glycerol, Silica, Arginine, Sodium Alginate, Calcium Oxide

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.
Formula

Doctor’s Best SAM-e helps replenish your SAM-e levels and promote a healthy mood. SAM-e (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine) is naturally produced by your body and helps maintain healthy emotions. Various factors such as diet and aging can cause low levels of SAM-e, leaving you feeling unbalanced and moody. Supplementing with SAM-e Soloesse Italian SAM-e is processed to yield the highest available percentage of the active pure S,S form which helps mediate biochemical activity in the human body.

SAM-e and Mood and Cognitive Function SAM-e helps facilitate DNA enzymatic actions. These enzymatic actions are required for the healthy conversion of neurotransmitters responsible for healthy emotions, such as serotonin and dopamine. SAM-e also facilitates glutathione usage which improves the body’s antioxidant defense and helps maintain acetylcholine levels necessary for cognitive function.

SAM-e and Joint Function In clinical trials, SAM-e has been shown to help increase joint comfort and mobility by promoting the synthesis of proteoglycans, essential components of connective tissue.

SAM-e and Liver Function SAM-e helps support healthy levels of glutathione, a critical antioxidant which helps protect against free radicals. SAM-e acts as a methyl donor in the synthesis and formation of phosphatidylcholine and L-cysteine, both necessary for maintaining liver health.

Doctor's Best utilizes only the highest quality Italian Soloesse SAM-e providing slow and targeted release for improved GI tolerance and absorption. Our Double-Strength SAM-e 400 contains 400 mg of active Soloesse SAM-e in each tablet. This ensures that you receive the most potent SAM-e product with the highest percentage of the active S,S form per serving.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Soloesse is a registered trademark of Gnosis SpA.

Science-Based Nutrition

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.

General

YDRB151-3

General Statements

Helps support mood and neural function Helps support joint comfort and mobility Helps support liver health and detoxification

Double Strength SAM-e is sealed in blister packs for freshness and stability.

Seals/Symbols

Vegetarian

Formulation

Vegetarian

Non-GMO Gluten free Soy free

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Adult Use: Take 1 tablet daily between meals, or as recommended by a nutritionally-informed physician. Do not chew or crush tablet.

Precautions

Warning: Individuals using antidepressant medications should consult with their prescribing physician prior to using this product.

Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disease or manic depression should avoid supplementing with SAMe.

Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

May cause gastrointestinal discomfort in a small percentage of people.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

See for yourself

Double-Strength SAM-e 400 mg by Doctor's Best 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 Doctor's Best

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

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

SAM-e

Interacts with
189 drugs
400 mg per serving Form: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Disulfate P-Toluenesulfonate

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...

SAM-e monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Calcium Chloride Anhydrous, Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Flake Shellac dewaxed, Glycerol, Silica, Arginine, Sodium Alginate, Calcium Oxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Double-Strength SAM-e 400 mg by Doctor's Best 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

SAM-e 189

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.

SAM-e2 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.

Doctor's Best

See all Doctor's Best products
Name
Doctor's Best, Inc.
State
California
ZipCode
92612
Phone Number
(800) 777-2474
Web Address
www.drbvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Double-Strength SAM-e 400 mg by Doctor's Best: Common Questions

Does Double-Strength SAM-e 400 mg by Doctor's Best 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.
Can I take SAM-e if I'm on an antidepressant?
Not without checking first. SAM-e has serotonergic effects, and combining it with antidepressants raises the risk of serotonin syndrome—a serious condition with symptoms like agitation, confusion, and rapid heartbeat. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before adding SAM-e to your medications.
What are the most common side effects?
Stomach upset is the main concern: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and dry mouth happen most often. Headache, dizziness, insomnia, and nervousness also occur. Higher doses increase the chances of side effects.
Is SAM-e safe if I have bipolar disorder?
No, not without close medical supervision. SAM-e can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. If you have this condition, only take it under the guidance and monitoring of your healthcare provider.
Does SAM-e actually work for joint pain?
Yes—there's good evidence that SAM-e helps with osteoarthritis. For depression, the evidence is promising but not as strong, so it's rated possibly effective rather than likely effective.
Can I take SAM-e while breastfeeding?
The product facts don't include safety data for breastfeeding. Since safety isn't well established, talk with your doctor or pharmacist to decide whether it's right for you during this time.
Is it safe to take SAM-e long-term?
Short-term use is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety isn't fully established in the data we hold. Discuss ongoing use with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it's appropriate for your situation.

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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