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Dietary supplement

SAM-e 200 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

SAM-e 200 mg is a dietary supplement by GNC 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-Adenosyl-Methionine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of SAM-e 200 mg by GNC

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.

GNC SAM-e 200 mg contains one active ingredient: S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAM-e), a compound your body produces naturally and uses for many cellular processes. The remaining ingredients are inactives—binders, fillers, and capsule materials like microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate—that help form and preserve 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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Same's overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports Same for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Osteoarthritis — rated "Likely Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Cholestasis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Depression — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

SAM-e is likely effective for osteoarthritis pain and joint function. For depression, the evidence suggests it may help, though more research would strengthen that claim.

For cholestasis (a liver condition involving impaired bile flow), it's possibly effective. For Alzheimer's disease and ADHD, the evidence we hold isn't strong enough to rate how well 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.

When taken by mouth at typical doses, SAM-e is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are stomach upset (nausea, diarrhea, constipation), headache, dizziness, dry mouth, and nervousness; higher doses increase the risk of these effects.

There's an important caution: SAM-e may trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder, so anyone with that condition should take it only under close guidance from their doctor or psychiatrist. For pregnancy, the available safety data suggests it's possibly safe, though information is limited.

Lactation data isn't on file. Because safety isn't well established in all situations, use SAM-e only under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

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 GNC SAM-e 200 mg, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any serotonergic drugs (including antidepressants like SSRIs, SNRIs, or tricyclics; tramadol; or migraine medications). Also confirm if you take levodopa for Parkinson's disease.

These medications carry Moderate-severity interactions with SAM-e.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you have osteoarthritis, SAM-e may ease your pain. If you're considering it for depression, mood, or liver issues, talk with your doctor first—especially if you take any serotonergic antidepressants or have bipolar disorder.

Check your exact medications on this page before you start, and run any new supplement by your pharmacist or doctor to make sure it fits your health picture.

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 Oct 26, 2011.

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 SAM-e 200 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC
Barcode (UPC) 048107056834
Net contents 30 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 26, 2011
DSLD ID 665
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 SAM-e 200 mg by GNC, 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:
2 Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
048107056834
IngredientAmount% DV
S-Adenosyl-Methionine200 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Methacrylic Acid Co-Polymer, Silicon Dioxide, Colloidal, Magnesium Stearate, Triethyl Citrate, Stearic Acid, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Riboflavin

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.
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.

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Formula

200 mg

s-adenosyl-methionine patented form

Precautions

Caution: Do not use if tamper evident printed foil seal over tablets is broken.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

WARNING: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. If you are taking prescription antidepressant medications, consult your physician before using this product, individuals with bipolar (manic) depression should not use this product unless under medical supervision.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

5 005585 02 04

A report published by the US Department of Health and Human Services suggest that SAM-e provides clinically significant health benefits for individuals seeking mood support, joint comfort and healthy liver function. SAM-e provides mood support and relief to joint discomfort and these benefits are comparable to conventional therapies.

ACTUAL SIZE

For more information:

Made in India

Visit us at

General

CODE 130811 GEG

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the afternoon for the first week. If after the first week the desired benefits are not achieved, then you may require a higher level of supplementation. Gradually increase the number of tablets up to eight tablets in divided dose of two tablets (400mg) throughout the day until benefits are achieved. Do not exceed eight tablets daily.

See for yourself

SAM-e 200 mg by GNC label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in SAM-e 200 mg by GNC

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 Amounts shown are per serving.

S-Adenosyl-Methionine

Interacts with
189 drugs
200 mg per serving Form: Disulfate Monotosylate

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-Adenosyl-Methionine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Methacrylic Acid Co-Polymer, Silicon Dioxide, Colloidal, Magnesium Stearate, Triethyl Citrate, Stearic Acid, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Riboflavin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

SAM-e 200 mg by GNC Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against SAM-e 200 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 SAM-e 200 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-Adenosyl-Methionine2 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 SAM-e 200 mg, from the product label.

GNC

See all GNC products
Name
General Nutrition Corp.
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
www.gnc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

SAM-e 200 mg by GNC: Common Questions

Does SAM-e 200 mg by GNC interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, SAM-e 200 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?
SAM-e 200 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.
Will SAM-e help my osteoarthritis?
Yes—SAM-e is likely effective for osteoarthritis. Research supports its use for joint pain and function, making it a reasonable option to discuss with your doctor.
Can I take SAM-e if I have bipolar disorder?
This is important: SAM-e may trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder, use SAM-e only under close supervision from your doctor or psychiatrist. Don't start it on your own.
What are the most common side effects?
Stomach problems are most common—nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. You might also get headache, dizziness, dry mouth, or nervousness. Side effects are dose-dependent; higher doses mean more of them. Most people tolerate it well at typical doses.
Is SAM-e safe during pregnancy?
The data suggests it's possibly safe in pregnancy, but information is limited. Because safety isn't well established, talk with your doctor before taking it while pregnant to weigh the benefits and risks for your situation.
Why can't I take SAM-e with my antidepressant?
SAM-e affects serotonin the same way many antidepressants do. Combining them raises the risk of serotonin syndrome—a serious condition with symptoms like agitation, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and high fever. That's why you need to clear it with your doctor first.
Will SAM-e work for depression?
The evidence suggests SAM-e may help depression, but the data isn't as strong as it is for osteoarthritis. Whether it's right for you depends on your symptoms and other medications. Your doctor can advise whether it makes sense in your case.

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

Not sure if SAM-e 200 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.

SAM-e 200 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind SAM-e 200 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

SAM-e 200 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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