S-ADENOSYLMETHIONINE (SAMe)

(for veterinary information only)

BRAND NAME: DENOSYL, NOVIFIT, SAMeLQ, ZENTONIL, AND DENAMARIN (SAMe combined with MILK THISTLE)

AVAILABLE IN
90 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 400 mg, 425 mg Tablets
225 mg Chewable Tablets
and an assortment of sizes and
doses for human consumption

BACKGROUND 

SAMe is a natural biochemical produced in the body from the amino acid “methionine.” It is involved in several biochemical processes:

• Transmethylation
  We will attempt to avoid complicate biochemical descriptions by keeping to simple terms. Our cells possess an outer skin called a “cell membrane.” Cell membranes perform an assortment of functions as they are the interface between the cell and the cell’s environment. Cell membranes are made of special fats called “phosphlipids.”
  
  SAMe biochemically donates its “methyl” group to these phospholipids thereby enhancing the abilities and functions of the phospholipids. One special phospholipid is called “phosphatidylcholine” and makes up the cell membranes of liver cells. Phosphatidylcholine is made using a process involving SAMe such that the more SAMe is available, the more phophatidylcholine is produced, and the more fluid the liver cell membranes become leading to better bile flow.
• Transsulfuration
  After SAMe has donated its methyl group as above, it is gradually converted into a compound called “glutathione,” which is an antioxidant. Antioxidants serve to protect cells from harmful biochemicals which might cause cancer development or cell death. Since liver cells are directly involved in detoxification of the body they are especially at risk for accumulating harmful biochemicals. Antioxidants help protect cells, especially in the liver; further, it has been shown that most canine and feline liver patients are deficient in glutathione.
• Aminoproplyation
  SAMe can be converted to a compound called “methylthioadenosine” via a process called aminopropylation the details of which we will not review. Methylthioadenosine has direct anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties plus it is supportive of cartilage matrix production.

USES OF THIS MEDICATION

In veterinary medicine this product is chiefly used in liver disease, in senility/cognitive dysfunction, and in detoxification in several types of poisonings (acetaminophen toxicity, xylitol toxicity, amanita mushroom toxicity). In humans it is frequently recommended for joint pain and for mood elevation.

SIDE EFFECTS

The occasional animal patient experiences vomiting after SAMe administration though other than this there are no known side effects of SAMe.

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS

THE FOLLOWING CONCERN HAS NOT ACTUALLY BEEN REPORTED BUT COULD HAPPEN IN THEORY:

The combination of SAMe with certain medications may be able to create serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a dangerous condition that occurs when brain levels of serotonin get too high. This situation arises when medications that each increase serotonin levels are combined. Elevated heart rate, tremors/shivering, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, elevated body temperature, or high blood pressure can all be signs of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome has not been demonstrated with SAMe but in theory could occur when SAMe is combined with tramadol (a pain reliever/cough suppressant), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (such as selegiline for cognitive dysfunction), with anti-anxiety medications such as fluoxetine, clomipramine or amitriptyline, or with an amitraz containing tick control product (see our tick control comparison chart).

CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS

SAMe is best absorbed on an empty stomach.

SAMe comes in a blister pack (single pill packets with a foil wrapper). SAMe is sensitive to air and moisture and broken tablets should be discarded.

SAMe is considered by the FDA to be a nutritional supplement rather than a “drug” which means it does not have to undergo the same rigid testing for efficacy as a licensed drug. There is a definite problem with lack of quality control in regard to nutritional supplements for human consumption thus products for human consumption do not undergo standardized production and may not be of the same quality as the name brand veterinary products.

SAMe must be formulated in a way that it is protected from the enzymes of the stomach. Tablets must be enteric coated. Liquid or chewable forms must employ lysosomes or similar protective technology.

Page last updated: 6/2/2018