SAMe should not be taken if you are taking prescription antidepressants, as it can lead to serious side effects. Taking SAme is not a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment.
People who have bipolar disorder should not take SAMe, as it has been shown to trigger mania.
You should also not take SAMe if you have a compromised immune system. You could be at an increased risk of an infection by the bacteria Pneumocystis.
More common side effects of SAMe include:
- Digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation
- Mild insomnia
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Sweating
SAMe can also cause interactions with a number of other drugs, putting you at risk of serotonin syndrome. Don’t take SAMe with antidepressants.
You should also be careful taking SAMetaking alongside antipsychotics, amphetamines, dextromethorphan, narcotics, and St. John’s wort. It can also reduce the effectiveness of levodopa, a medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease