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Dietary supplement

Sam-E Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Health Concerns

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

Sam-E is a dietary supplement by Health Concerns 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-Disulfate-Tosylate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Sam-E by Health Concerns

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

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • “Proprietary Blend (Non-Nutrient/Non-Botanical)” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (200 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains one active ingredient: S-Adenosyl-Methionine-Disulfate-Tosylate, commonly known as SAMe. It's a compound your body naturally makes from the amino acid methionine and is involved in numerous chemical reactions that affect mood, joint function, and liver health.

The tablet also includes inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, and enteric copolymer dispersion — which help form and protect 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: Depression and joint health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Depression, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, liver support, mood balance.
  • 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.

SAMe is likely effective for osteoarthritis, helping reduce joint pain and stiffness. It's possibly effective for depression and for cholestasis, a condition affecting bile flow in the liver.

For Alzheimer disease and ADHD, there isn't enough reliable evidence in our data to say whether it works. If you're considering SAMe for any of these conditions, talk with your doctor about whether the evidence fits your situation.

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 at typical doses, though side effects become more common at higher doses. You may experience stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, insomnia, or dry mouth.

Because SAMe can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder, it should be used only under a healthcare provider's guidance. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established — there's not enough data to say either way, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

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 SAMe, check whether you're on serotonergic drugs — antidepressants, certain migraine medications, and related drugs that raise serotonin (Moderate severity). Also check if you take levodopa for Parkinson disease (Moderate severity), since SAMe can reduce how well it works.

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

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

SAMe may help with osteoarthritis and possibly depression, but it's not right for everyone. If you take antidepressants, migraine medications, or levodopa for Parkinson disease, you'll need to check with your pharmacist first.

Anyone with bipolar disorder should use it only under medical supervision. Run your medications through our interaction checker before you start.

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 24, 2017.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Health Concerns
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2017
DSLD ID 73314
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 by Health Concerns, 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:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend (Non-Nutrient/Non-Botanical)200 mg--
S-Adenosyl-Methionine-Disulfate-Tosylate0 NP--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Enteric Copolymer Dispersion

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Two tablets 1-4 times per day between meals - preferably 3 hours after or 2 hours before a meal.

Precautions

Notice: This product is not intended for use by pregnant women.

General Statements

Made in the U.S.A.

Controlled release

Brand IP Statement(s)

Energetic formulas

Combining modern research and ancient wisdom

Formula

S-Adenosyl-Methionine

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Sam-E by Health Concerns label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Sam-E by Health Concerns

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

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Proprietary Blend (Non-Nutrient/Non-Botanical)

200 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Enteric Copolymer Dispersion. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Sam-E by Health Concerns Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Sam-E?

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 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-Methionine-Disulfate-Tosylate2 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, from the product label.

Health Concerns

See all Health Concerns products
Name
Health Concerns
Street Address
8001 Capwell Drive
City
Oakland
State
CA
ZipCode
94621
Phone Number
(800) 233-9355
Web Address
www.healthconcerns.com/pro
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Sam-E by Health Concerns: Common Questions

Does Sam-E by Health Concerns interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Sam-E 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 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 SAMe help my osteoarthritis?
SAMe is likely effective for osteoarthritis pain and stiffness. It's one of the better-studied uses. Talk with your doctor about whether it's a good fit for your situation, especially if you're on other medications.
Can SAMe help with my depression?
SAMe is possibly effective for depression. The evidence isn't as strong as it is for osteoarthritis, but some people do find it helpful. Your doctor can advise whether it's worth trying alongside or instead of other treatments.
What side effects should I expect?
Most common are stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and dizziness. These are usually mild at standard doses and tend to be more frequent at higher doses. If you get a rash, itching, or hair loss, let your pharmacist know.
Can I take SAMe if I have bipolar disorder?
SAMe can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. It should only be used under the guidance of your healthcare provider, and only if they've assessed your individual risk.
Is it safe to take SAMe while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable information about safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

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

Not sure if Sam-E 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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Sam-E'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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