Brandewood, I did some more research on SAM-e on the Arthritis.org web
site. SAM-e MAY be of help for Osteoarthritis and Fibro, but it
doesn't appear that it does much for RA or PA. I remain concerned that
you didn't mention any taking any allopathic medications. It is
critically important that you don't just fight symptoms of the disease -
you must also take medications that slow the PROGRESSION of the
disease. You should talk this over with your rheumatologist, but it is
not enough to keep putting bandaids on a broken leg and that is what
people do if they just keep taking over the counter items to fight
symptoms. Here are some other things for you to think about as per
Arthritis.org:
"The Downsides and the Bottom Line
However, there are some potential downsides to taking SAM-e. Although
it has been used for 20 years, there are no controlled, long-term
studies to show what effects might occur in people who take SAM-e daily
for years, as they would for either osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia.
Few rheumatologists know enough about SAM-e or its research to be able
to advise you. And the appropriate dosage isn't known: Between 200 and
1,600 mg per day of SAM-e was used in studies, with the highest dosage
used for depression.
SAM-e is not a cure: You have to keep taking it to get the effects, and
it's pricey for some: SAM-e costs approximately $60 to $230 per month,
depending on the amount taken, and it's not covered by insurance.
And, as with all supplements, loose regulations mean that there is no
guarantee that consumers are getting active ingredients in the products
they buy.
However, all agreed SAM-e appears to be safe when it is used short
term. Both Bottiglieri and Dr. Brown say it can be taken with most
prescription drugs, including antidepressants, under a doctor's
supervision. None of the experts interviewed thought SAM-e had any
serious side effects "except poverty," one scientist said, half-
joking about the cost of the supplement.
"We really don't have enough information to say if it's effective or
not," says Dr. Moskowitz. "But we need to keep an open mind."
Good Advice
If you decide you would like to try SAM-e for OA, fibromyalgia or
depression, keep this advice in mind:
Don't try SAM-e without a doctor's supervision if you are severely
depressed. You must be under medical care. If you have bipolar disease
(also known as manic-depression), SAM-e could cause a manic episode.
Remember to tell your doctor you are planning to try SAM-e, especially
if you are taking prescription drugs. And don't stop any prescribed
drugs without checking with your doctor: It can be harmful to stop some
medications abruptly.
Try to choose a SAM-e product that is stabilized. Look for SAM-e
butanedisulfonate on the label. SAM-e loses potency easily, so it has
to be carefully packaged in airtight, light-proof containers. Also,
tablets should be coated to dissolve in your intestines, not your
stomach, or you'll be wasting some of that expensive substance.
Do not take more than 1,600 mg per day of SAM-e. For OA pain, some
doctors suggest starting with 800 mg per day, taken in two doses. If
you see an improvement in pain or mood symptoms in two weeks, reduce
the dosage to 400 mg. But if you don't see any change, you may want to
increase the dosage and try for another two weeks.
Consider taking B vitamins 800 mg of folic acid and 1,000 mg of B12 a
day along with SAM-e, because these vitamins are known to help your
body utilize SAM-e.
See a doctor about any side effects you experience. He may advise you
to stop taking SAM-e or lower your dosage. Side effects are rare, but
some people may get a temporary skin irritation or nausea. Nausea may
be eased by taking SAM-e with meals.
Keep up your regular routine of exercise, and maintain a healthy weight
to ease pressure on your joints."
Hope this information helps. Please consult with your rheumatologist.
Kathy F.