SAM-e Drug Interactions

When certain medications are taken in combination with SAM-e, drug interactions may occur. These negative interactions can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a group of dangerous symptoms that consist of hallucinations, fever, muscle spasm, difficulty walking, and diarrhea. Medicines that may lead to SAM-e drug interactions include tramadol, St. John's wort, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and meperidine.

 

SAM-e Drug Interactions: An Overview

Even though it is a "natural" product, SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) can potentially interact with a number of medicines. Some of the medicines that can lead to SAM-e drug interactions include:
 
  • Antidepressants
  • Meperidine (Demerol®)
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as:
 
 
 
 
(SAM-e Drug Interactions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;