Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

SAM-e Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natures Craft

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

SAM-e is a dietary supplement by Natures Craft 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-L-Methionine Tosylate Disulfate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of SAM-e by Natures Craft

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.
  • “S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Tosylate Disulfate” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (400 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Nature's Craft SAMe contains one active ingredient: s-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe), a compound your body naturally makes from the amino acid methionine. SAMe plays a role in mood regulation, joint health, and liver function.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — hypromellose, rice flour, magnesium stearate, and gellan gum — which are fillers and binders.

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).

SAMe is likely effective for osteoarthritis, meaning there's solid evidence it can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. For depression, the evidence is more limited — it's possibly effective, so it may help some people but we don't yet have the same level of proof we do for osteoarthritis.

For cholestasis (a liver condition), liver disease, ADHD, and Alzheimer disease, there either isn't enough reliable evidence to know whether SAMe works, or the evidence is too thin to make a clear call.

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 you take it short-term at standard doses, though side effects become more common at higher doses. The most frequent ones are stomach upset — nausea, diarrhea, or constipation — along with headache, dizziness, dry mouth, and insomnia.

There's also a caution: SAMe can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder, so if you have bipolar disorder, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it. The full safety profile isn't well established, and we don't have enough reliable information about long-term use, so use it only under the guidance of 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 you start, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take serotonergic drugs — antidepressants, certain pain relievers, and other medications that work on serotonin — because the combination carries a Moderate 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 strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

SAMe may be worth considering if you're dealing with osteoarthritis or depression and want to explore a supplement option, but it's not a first-line choice without professional input. If you take any serotonergic medication (like an antidepressant) or levodopa, or if you have bipolar disorder, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding it.

Most people tolerate it okay short-term, but stomach upset is common.

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 Feb 23, 2022.

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 Natures Craft
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 23, 2022
DSLD ID 260819
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 Natures Craft, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
IngredientAmount% DV
S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Tosylate Disulfate400 mg--
s-adenosyl-l-methionine200 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate, Gellan Gum

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: For adults, take one (1) capsule once or twice daily before a meal, or as directed by your physician. Do not take more than two (2) servings per day.

Precautions

Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose.

Not intended for pregnant or nursing mothers.

Not intended for children under 18 years of age.

If you are taking medications (especially antidepressants), have a known medical condition, or are planning to have a medical condition, or are planning to have a medical procedure, consult your doctor before use. Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur. Individuals with bipolar disorder and manic depression should avoid this supplement.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Natures Craft Nature at its finest

Formulation

Maximum strength Enhances well-being and positive mood Increases brain function Support joint & liver health

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Formulated in the U.S.A.

Good Manufacturing Practice Sourced from a GMP Certified Facility Quality Assured

General Statements

Please recycle.

See for yourself

SAM-e by Natures Craft label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in SAM-e by Natures Craft

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

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-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Tosylate Disulfate monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate, Gellan Gum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

SAM-e by Natures Craft 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-L-Methionine Tosylate Disulfate2 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.

Natures Craft

See all Natures Craft products
Name
Nature's Craft
City
Monsey
State
NY
ZipCode
10952
Phone Number
408-599-3841
Web Address
shopnaturescraft.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

SAM-e by Natures Craft: Common Questions

Does SAM-e by Natures Craft 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.
Is SAMe safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
During pregnancy, SAMe is rated possibly safe — meaning some evidence suggests it may be okay, but safety isn't fully confirmed. For breastfeeding, we don't have safety data on file. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for your individual situation.
What are the most common side effects?
Stomach issues are the most frequent: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn. You might also notice headache, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, or increased sweating. Most of these happen at higher doses, and they're usually mild when you take it short-term.
Can SAMe help with depression?
The evidence suggests SAMe is possibly effective for depression — meaning it may help some people, but the proof isn't as strong as it is for conditions like osteoarthritis. If you're interested in trying it for mood, discuss it with your doctor or psychiatrist first, especially since it can interact with antidepressants.
Will SAMe work for my joint pain?
For osteoarthritis, SAMe is likely effective, so there's good evidence it can help reduce pain and stiffness. That's the condition it has the strongest backing for.
Can I take SAMe if I have bipolar disorder?
No — SAMe can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder, do not start SAMe without talking to your doctor or psychiatrist first.
Does this capsule have any fillers or binders?
Yes, it contains inactive ingredients: hypromellose, rice flour, magnesium stearate, and gellan gum, which are used as fillers and binders to hold the capsule together.

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

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

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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

Keep exploring