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Dietary supplement

SAMe 400 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by California Gold Nutrition

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

SAMe 400 mg is a dietary supplement by California Gold 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 S-Adenosylmethionine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of SAMe 400 mg by California Gold 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.
  • “S-Adenosylmethionine” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (400 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains one active ingredient: ademetionine (SAMe), a naturally occurring compound your body makes. At 400 mg per tablet, it's supplied as the form ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate.

The remaining ingredients are inactives—microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, ascorbyl palmitate, silicon dioxide, ascorbic acid, citric acid, methacrylic acid copolymer, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, triacetin, titanium dioxide, and riboflavin—which serve as binders, flow agents, preservatives, and capsule materials.

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: joint health and liver support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Cirrhosis, Hepatitis C, Alcohol-related liver disease, Cholestasis — and 3 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 Cholestasis.
  • Also on file: Same is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Alcohol-related liver disease, Cirrhosis, Fibromyalgia, Hepatitis C, and more.

SAMe is likely effective for osteoarthritis, meaning there's solid evidence it can help joint pain and function in that condition. For depression, the evidence is less complete—it's possibly effective, so it may help some people, but we can't be certain without more research.

For cholestasis (bile duct disease), it's also rated possibly effective. For Alzheimer's disease and ADHD, we don't yet have enough reliable evidence to know 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 at typical doses, though side effects become more common at higher doses. The most frequent ones are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, flatulence, nervousness, sweating, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Some people also report rash, itching, or temporary hair loss. Because SAMe can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder, it should only be used under a healthcare provider's guidance.

Overall, long-term safety isn't as well established as short-term use.

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 with your doctor or pharmacist if you take serotonergic drugs (antidepressants, some pain relievers, migraine medications, and others) or levodopa for Parkinson's disease. Serotonergic drugs carry a Moderate risk of serotonin syndrome or other serotonergic side effects when combined with SAMe.

Levodopa may become less effective. Use the interaction checker below with your full medication list.

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 help with osteoarthritis and possibly with depression, but it interacts with a large number of medications—especially antidepressants and Parkinson's drugs. If you take any prescription medication, especially a serotonergic drug or levodopa, check it against the interaction search on this page before starting SAMe.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether it's right for you and safe with your current regimen.

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 Dec 14, 2023.

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 400 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand California Gold Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 898220011773
Net contents 60 Enteric Coated Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 14, 2023
DSLD ID 299704
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), 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 400 mg by California Gold 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)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
898220011773
IngredientAmount% DV
S-Adenosylmethionine400 mg--
Ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate800 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Silicon Dioxide, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Methacrylic Acid Copolymer, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Polyethylene Glycol, Triacetin, Titanium Dioxide, 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.
Formulation

SAMe may help support: Joints SAMe may help support joint health & mobility. Liver SAMe May help support healthy methylation enzymatic processes as well as hepatic glutathione levels, an antioxidant which is vital to a healthy liver. Mood SAMe methylation reactions are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, epinephrine, phosphatidylcholine and serotonin, which may support a healthy mood.

Suitable for vegetarians

Formulated without: No gluten No GMOs No soy

Our SAMe is produced in a temperature-controlled (low temperature-low humidity) environment, using a proprietary fermentation process to ensure high (S,S) isomer levels. Our tablets are enteric coated and are double-foil blister sealed ensuring product integrity and protection from light, moisture and oxygen.

Not manufactured with milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame, or gluten.

Benefits of individually double-foil blister sealed products: Optimal barrier to light, moisture and oxygen Ensures product integrity & protection Tamper resistant and tamper evident Durable

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.

General Statements

All California Gold Nutrition products come with a 100% gold guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, return the unused portion within 90 days for a full refund.

Double-Foil Blister Pack: Foil cavity (foil area/tray where tablets are placed) Foil lid (foil layer/backing that seals the tablets in the foil cavity)

Brand IP Statement(s)

California Gold Nutrition is a registered trademark of Madre Labs, LLC

Formula

S-Adenosyl methionine from ademetionine 1, 4-Butanedisulfonate

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take 1 tablet daily with or without food. Best when taken as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Precautions

Not manufactured with milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame, or gluten. Produced in an FDA-registered, third-party audited, and cGMP-compliant facility that may process other products that contain these allergens or ingredients.

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

Individuals using physician-prescribed medications such as L-dopa or antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin Re-uptake inhibitors [SSRIs] and MAOI inhibitors) should consult a physician before using SAMe.

Individuals with Parkinson's disease, bi-polar disorder or manic depression should not use SAMe. Do not exceed recommended intake. Please consult with a physician, pharmacist, naturopath or other qualified healthcare professional prior to taking dietary supplements. Note: SAMe may cause headaches & gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., diarrhea, flatulence & nausea) in some individuals. Please discontinue use if you experience any of these issues.

Individually double-foil blister sealed for quality and your protection. Do not use if blister pack material is punctured or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place. Protect from heat, light, and moisture.

See for yourself

SAMe 400 mg by California Gold Nutrition label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in SAMe 400 mg by California Gold 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 Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

S-Adenosylmethionine

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...

S-Adenosylmethionine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Silicon Dioxide, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Methacrylic Acid Copolymer, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Polyethylene Glycol, Triacetin, Titanium Dioxide, Riboflavin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

SAMe 400 mg by California Gold Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against SAMe 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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in SAMe 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.

S-Adenosylmethionine2 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 SAMe 400 mg, from the product label.

California Gold Nutrition

See all California Gold Nutrition products
Name
Madre Labs, LLC
Street Address
301 North Lake Avenue, Suite 500
City
Pasadena
State
CA
ZipCode
91101
Web Address
www.calgn.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

SAMe 400 mg by California Gold Nutrition: Common Questions

Does SAMe 400 mg by California Gold Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, SAMe 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?
SAMe 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.
Can I take SAMe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
SAMe is rated possibly safe during pregnancy, though the evidence isn't complete. For breastfeeding, we don't have safety information on file. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking SAMe if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
What's the most common side effect?
Nausea and digestive upset are the most common issues—things like diarrhea, constipation, stomach ache, and loss of appetite. These tend to happen more often at higher doses. Taking it with food may help.
Will SAMe help my depression?
SAMe is possibly effective for depression, meaning it may work for some people, but we don't have strong enough proof to say for certain. If you're interested, discuss it with your doctor to see if it's a reasonable option alongside or instead of other treatments.
Can SAMe trigger mania?
Yes—SAMe can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder or a history of mania, don't take SAMe without close supervision from your doctor.
Does this product have fillers?
Yes. Besides the active SAMe, the tablet contains microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, ascorbyl palmitate, and other inactive ingredients that help hold the tablet together and preserve it.

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

Not sure if SAMe 400 mg 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.

SAMe 400 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

SAMe 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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