SAM-e Drug Interactions (Cont.)

SAM-e Interactions Explained

The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when SAM-e is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
 
Antidepressants
Taking SAM-e with prescription antidepressants can cause serotonin syndrome, a group of dangerous symptoms that includes:
 
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Fast heart rate
  • Feeling faint
  • Fever
  • Sweating
  • Muscle spasm
  • Difficulty walking
  • Diarrhea.
 
Check with healthcare provider before taking SAM-e with an antidepressant. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any possible symptoms of serotonin syndrome, as it can be quite dangerous.
 
Meperidine (Demerol)
Taking meperidine with SAM-e may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Do not combine meperidine with SAM-e without your healthcare provider's approval and supervision.
 
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Taking SAM-e and an MAOI together can cause life-threatening side effects. Never take these two products together (or even within two weeks of each other).
 
St. John's Wort
Taking SAM-e with St. John's wort can cause a group of symptoms called serotonin syndrome. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking these supplements together. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome, as it can be quite dangerous.
 
Tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet)
Taking SAM-e with a tramadol can cause a group of symptoms called serotonin syndrome. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking these substances together. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome, as it can be quite dangerous.
(SAM-e Drug Interactions Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;