A comprehensive review on the efficacy of S-Adenosyl-L-methionine in Major Depressive Disorder.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To review the antidepressant efficacy of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) both in monotherapy and/or in augmentation with antidepressants to better understand its potential role in the treatment of patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).

DATA SOURCES:

A MEDLINE/PubMed search was carried out by using the following set of keywords: ((SAMe OR SAdenosyl- L-Methionine) AND (major depressive disorder OR depression)). Data Selection and Data Extraction: No language or time restrictions were placed on the electronic searches. Randomized controlled trials and open trials involving humans were here included and analyzed. The references of published articles identified in the initial search process were also examined for any additional studies appropriate for the review.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

SAMe is an important physiologic compound, playing a central role as precursor molecule in several biochemical reactions. Numerous studies have shown that SAMe may affect the regulation of various critical components of monoaminergic neurotransmission involved in the pathophysiology of MDD. Some findings have suggested its antidepressant efficacy in treating MDD. Several randomized controlled trials have supported that the antidepressant efficacy of SAMe in monotherapy is superior to placebo and tricyclic antidepressants. Recent findings have also demonstrated its efficacy in patients nonresponsive to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, SAMe is a well-tolerated medication, which may offer considerable advantages as an alternative to antidepressant drugs or as an add-on therapy in the treatment of MDD and TRD. More large-scale controlled trials are needed to gain a better understanding of the relative efficacy of this drug.

• Authors: Domenico De Berardis, Laura Orsolini, Nicola Serroni, Gabriella Girinelli, Felice Iasevoli, Carmine Tomasetti, Andrea de Bartolomeis, Monica Mazza, Alessandro Valchera, Michele Fornaro, Giampaolo Perna, Monica Piersanti, Marco Di Nicola, Marilde Cavuto, Giovanni Martinotti, Massimo Di Giannantonio
• Journal: CNS & neurological disorders drug targets (CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets) Vol. 15 Issue 1 Pg. 35-44 ( 2016) ISSN: 1996-3181 [Electronic] United Arab Emirates
• PMID: 26295824 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antidepressive Agents
• Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
• adenosyl-methionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate
• S-Adenosylmethionine

Topics

• Antidepressive Agents (administration & dosage)
• Depressive Disorder, Major (diagnosis, drug therapy, psychology)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Humans
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic (methods)
• S-Adenosylmethionine (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives)
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome