PlainPill

SAM-E

People mainly take SAM-E for mood, energy, anxiety. Based on 107 first-hand reports and 3 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #63 of 1,974 overall.

54
User score
Mostly positive
36% positive12% mixed8% negative44% unclear

Of reports that state an outcome, 64% are positive.

Clinical research
BModerate research base
3
meta-analyses
1
RCTs
43
papers

What SAM-E does, according to users

Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.

What the research says

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.

BModerate research base

At least one meta-analysis, or 5+ randomized controlled trials. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.

Surg Endosc · 2016 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Robotic surgery: disruptive innovation or unfulfilled promise? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the first 30 years

Conclusion: Our results showed that robotic surgery contributed positively to some perioperative outcomes but longer operative times remained a shortcoming. Better quality evidence is needed to guide surgical decision making regarding the precise clinical targets of this innovation in the next generation of its use.

PubMed 26895896 ↗
Autism Res · 2024 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Autistic identity: A systematic review of quantitative research

Conclusion: Peer support and/or self-directed support resources may be valuable mechanisms for supporting Autistic people to cultivate a positive Autistic identity. The evaluation of such support, including the long-term impacts on identity development, will be a critical avenue for future research.

PubMed 38334318 ↗
Can J Psychiatry · 2016 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2016 Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder: Section 5. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments

Conclusion: For MDD of mild to moderate severity, exercise, light therapy, St. John's wort, omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e, and yoga are recommended as first- or second-line treatments. Adjunctive exercise and adjunctive St. John's wort are second-line recommendations for moderate to severe MDD. Other physical treatments and natural health products have less evidence but may be considered as third-line treatments. CAM treatments are generally well tolerated. Caveats include methodological limitations of studies and paucity of data on long-term outcomes and drug interactions.

PubMed 27486153 ↗

Dosage people report

As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.

cycling occasionallyas reported
400 mgmorning/daily
150-200 mgas reported
400 mgdaily
400mgdaily
110 mg (human equivalent)daily

Reported side effects

How often each side effect came up across all reports.

insomnia ×6jitteriness ×4anxiety ×2brain fog ×2high prolactin ×1hypothyroidism ×1hypomania ×1anxiety spike ×1

What users say

Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.

“S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) is as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in reducing pain and disability from knee osteoarthritis”
Source discussion ↗
“Recently she asked me if I knew anything about Sam-e and if she should get it but I wasn't sure.”
Source discussion ↗
“I just started taking Sam-e and it’s helped with my ADHD and depression tremendously.”
Source discussion ↗
“SAMe and agmatine sulfate over the past year to be the two most noticeably helpful supplements i have ever taken for baseline energy/mood.”
Source discussion ↗
“gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)”
Source discussion ↗
Top discussions (5)

Other options for mood

User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate