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Dietary supplement

SAMe 200 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Protocol For Life Balance

SAMe 200 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking SAMe 200 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

SAMe 200 mg is a dietary supplement by Protocol For Life Balance 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 SAMe. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against SAMe 200 mg by Protocol For Life Balance

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with SAMe 200 mg by Protocol For Life Balance — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of SAMe 200 mg by Protocol For Life Balance

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

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: SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine), a compound your body naturally produces that plays a role in brain chemistry and joint health. The capsule itself is made up of inactive ingredients—hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, and stearic acid—which help form and preserve the capsule.

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: supports nervous system and joint health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Depression, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Back pain, Migraine headache — 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 Depression.
  • Also on file: Same is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Alcohol-related liver disease, Back pain, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Cirrhosis, and more.

SAMe is likely effective for osteoarthritis, meaning there's solid evidence it can help with joint pain and function. For depression, the evidence is mixed but promising—it's rated possibly effective.

There's also possibly effective evidence for cholestasis, a liver condition that affects bile flow. For Alzheimer disease and ADHD, we don't yet have enough reliable evidence 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.

SAMe is generally well tolerated in typical doses, though side effects become more common at higher doses. The most frequent complaints are stomach upset—including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn—along with headache, dizziness, dry mouth, and nervousness.

A smaller number of people report insomnia, sweating, or rash. One important caution: SAMe can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder, so it shouldn't be used without close medical supervision if that applies to you.

Safety data overall is limited, so use it only under a healthcare provider's guidance.

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, some pain relievers, anti-nausea medications) or levodopa for Parkinson disease. Both carry Moderate interaction risk with SAMe.

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.

SAMe may be worth considering if you have osteoarthritis or depression and want to explore a natural option—but it's not a first-line choice without talking to your doctor. If you take any antidepressants, other serotonergic drugs, or levodopa, you need to check with your pharmacist first.

Anyone with bipolar disorder or liver concerns should avoid it unless cleared by their 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 Apr 24, 2025.

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 SAMe 200 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Protocol For Life Balance
Barcode (UPC) 707359101272
Net contents 60 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 24, 2025
DSLD ID 326475
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 SAMe 200 mg by Protocol For Life Balance, 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 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
707359101272
IngredientAmount% DV
SAMe200 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid

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 usage: Take 1 capsule 2 to 4 times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Storage

Refrigeration recommended after opening.

Formula

How it works: SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), a compound native to the body, is a critical component of many biochemical reactions, including those that affect brain biochemistry and joint health. Numerous studies have indicated that SAMe can help to alleviate transient normal aches and pains resulting from overexertion or stress. In addition, because SAMe is also necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, it plays an important role in the maintenance of a positive mood.

Stabilized SAMe, capsule form

Precautions

Cautions/interactions: Theoretically, SAMe could increase the effects and adverse effects of products that increase serotonin levels, including 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), Hawaiian baby woodrose, L-tryptophan, and St. John's wort.

In addition, SAMe may interact with MAO inhibitors, L-Dopa, antidepressants and other serotonergic drugs. Consult healthcare practitioner if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, especially bipolar or anxiety disorders.

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Formulation

Natural color variation may occur in this product. Supports nervous system and joint health No enteric coating needed

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/vegan

Made in Canada with globally sourced ingredients.

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

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.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

SAMe 200 mg by Protocol For Life Balance label

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

SAMe 200 mg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in SAMe 200 mg by Protocol For Life Balance

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

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

SAMe

Interacts with
189 drugs
200 mg per serving Form: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Disulfate Tosylate

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...

SAMe monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

SAMe 200 mg by Protocol For Life Balance Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against SAMe 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

SAMe 189

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in SAMe 200 mg interact with 189 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in SAMe 200 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. SAMe

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in SAMe 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.

SAMe2 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
SAMe full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for SAMe 200 mg, from the product label.

Protocol For Life Balance

See all Protocol For Life Balance products
Name
Protocol For Life Balance
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
protocolforlife.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

SAMe 200 mg by Protocol For Life Balance: Common Questions

Does SAMe 200 mg by Protocol For Life Balance interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, SAMe 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?
SAMe 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.
What is SAMe, and what's it supposed to do?
SAMe is S-adenosyl methionine, a compound your body makes naturally. It's involved in brain chemistry and the health of your joints and liver. It's been studied most for osteoarthritis pain and depression.
Can I take SAMe if I'm on an antidepressant?
Not without checking first. SAMe has serotonergic effects, and combining it with antidepressants carries a Moderate risk of serotonin syndrome—a serious condition with symptoms like agitation, confusion, and a racing heart. Talk to your pharmacist about your specific medication before starting.
Does SAMe actually work for depression?
There's evidence suggesting it may help—it's rated possibly effective. But the evidence isn't as strong as for osteoarthritis, and more research is needed. It's not a substitute for proven antidepressants or therapy; discuss it with your doctor as part of your treatment plan.
What side effects should I expect?
Most people tolerate it well at standard doses. Stomach upset is the most common problem—nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or heartburn. Some people also report headache, dizziness, dry mouth, or insomnia. Side effects tend to be worse at higher doses.
Is it safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
We don't have reliable safety data for SAMe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
Can I take SAMe if I have bipolar disorder?
No, not without close medical supervision. SAMe can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder, which is a serious risk. If you have bipolar disorder, talk with your psychiatrist before considering it.

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

Not sure if SAMe 200 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.

SAMe 200 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind SAMe 200 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Same

Interacts with 189 drugs

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 may help with these conditions, but the qu...

Read the full Same monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

SAMe 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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