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Dietary supplement

SAM-e 400 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by CHK Nutrition

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

SAM-e 400 mg is a dietary supplement by CHK Nutrition 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 SAM-e 400 mg by CHK Nutrition

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.
  • “SAM-e” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (400 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

SAM-e 400 mg contains one active ingredient: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Tosylate, which is the form of SAM-e used in supplements. The tablet also contains several inactive ingredients — cellulose, silica, magnesium stearate, and others — that help hold the tablet together and aid absorption.

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: Physiological support and body compound production.
  • We looked for evidence on: Depression, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Joint health, Mood support, Hepatic function — and 1 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 Depression.
  • Also on file: Same is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Fibromyalgia.

The evidence is clearest for osteoarthritis, where SAM-e is rated likely effective. For depression, the data shows it's possibly effective, meaning there's promise but the evidence isn't as solid.

For cholestasis (a liver condition involving reduced bile flow), there's also possibly effective evidence. For Alzheimer's disease and ADHD, we don't have enough reliable evidence yet 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.

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

A few people also report insomnia, nervousness, sweating, or rash. There's one important caution: SAM-e may trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder, so talk with your doctor before using it if that applies to you.

Safety data overall is limited, so it's best to use SAM-e only under guidance from a 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 this product, double-check any serotonergic drugs you're on — that includes most antidepressants, some migraine or pain medications, and others that raise serotonin. Also check if you take levodopa for Parkinson's disease.

Use the medication search tool on this page to verify your exact prescriptions.

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 or depression, but it does interact with serotonergic drugs and levodopa. If you take antidepressants, migraine medications, or Parkinson's treatments, check with your pharmacist before starting.

Anyone with bipolar disorder should avoid it unless their doctor approves.

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, 2020.

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 400 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand CHK Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 787500084913
Net contents 30 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 24, 2020
DSLD ID 228629
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) 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 SAM-e 400 mg by CHK Nutrition, 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)
UPC/BARCODE
787500084913
IngredientAmount% DV
SAM-e400 mg--
S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Tosylate800 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, ETHYL CELLULOSE, Oleic Acid, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Sodium Alginate, Modified Cellulose, Triacetin, Calcium Carbonate, 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.
General Statements

New day. Fresh start. Better health.

Formula

Eccentric-coated SAM-e 400 mg

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

SAM-e is produced in small amounts by the human body, where it is an important physiological factor in the production of many compounds. However, the body does not always produce adequate amounts of SAM-e and supplementation is sometimes required. SAM-e has been the subject of many scientific studies in Europe. Thousands of Europeans have experienced a multitude of benefits from twenty years of its clinical use. SAM-e strongly absorbs moisture from the environment, which can lead to a compromise in its overall quality. Consequently, our SAM-e tablets are carefully enteric-coated for the strongest protection.

Contains no sugar, salt, dairy, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.

Quality & potency guaranteed

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, adults take one (1) enteric-coated tablet daily, or as directed by a health care professional.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

See for yourself

SAM-e 400 mg by CHK Nutrition label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in SAM-e 400 mg by CHK Nutrition

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.

SAM-e

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...

SAM-e monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, ETHYL CELLULOSE, Oleic Acid, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Sodium Alginate, Modified Cellulose, Triacetin, Calcium Carbonate, Riboflavin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

SAM-e 400 mg by CHK Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 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 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 SAM-e 400 mg, from the product label.

CHK Nutrition

See all CHK Nutrition products
Name
CHK Nutrition
Street Address
3930 E Calvary Rd
City
Duluth
State
MN
ZipCode
55803
Phone Number
877-538-8388
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

SAM-e 400 mg by CHK Nutrition: Common Questions

Does SAM-e 400 mg by CHK Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 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?
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.
What is SAM-e used for?
SAM-e is most effective for osteoarthritis. There's also decent evidence it may help depression and a liver condition called cholestasis. For Alzheimer's disease and ADHD, we don't yet have enough reliable evidence to say how well it works.
Can I take SAM-e if I'm on an antidepressant?
That's a conversation you need to have with your pharmacist or doctor before you start. SAM-e and most antidepressants both affect serotonin, and combining them raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. The two might still be compatible depending on which antidepressant you're on, but it needs to be checked first.
What side effects does SAM-e cause?
Most common are stomach issues — nausea, diarrhea, constipation — plus dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and sometimes insomnia or nervousness. These are usually mild and more likely at higher doses. A small number of people report rash, itching, or hair loss.
Is SAM-e safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
For pregnancy, the evidence suggests it's possibly safe, but data is limited. We don't have safety information on file for breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using SAM-e if you're pregnant, planning to be, or nursing — they can help you weigh the benefits and risks for your situation.
Can SAM-e cause mania?
Yes, there's a real risk it can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder, avoid SAM-e unless your doctor specifically approves it and watches you closely.
Does this product have fillers?
Yes, the tablet contains several inactive ingredients — cellulose, silica, magnesium stearate, and others — that help it hold together and absorb properly. These are standard tablet ingredients and aren't active components.

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

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

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Ask a pharmacist

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 400 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind 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

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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