SAMe vs. Imipramine for Major Depression: Multicenter Studies
Does SAMe work as well as antidepressants?
Yes. SAMe produces equivalent antidepressant effects to imipramine with approximately 30-40% fewer adverse events. Two multicenter studies with 576 patients found that SAMe was as effective as imipramine in reducing depression symptoms, while demonstrating significantly better tolerability with fewer side effects.
SAMe works by serving as the primary methyl donor in the central nervous system, enhancing neurotransmitter synthesis and supporting methylation processes that regulate mood and brain function.