RESULTS OF TREATMENT WITH S-ADENOSYL-L-METHIONINE IN PATIENTS WITH MAJOR DEPRESSION AND INTERNAL ILLNESSES

Forty-eight patients with major depression associated with internal illnesses of various origins were enrolled for 4 weeks of treatment with S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe). The medication was administered parenterally (400 mg daily either intravenously or intramuscularly) in inpatients and orally (800 mg daily) in outpatients. Evaluations were performed via Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) by comparing the scores on day 28 with baseline values. Statistically significant differences were observed (P < 0.01). Although minor adverse side effects were reported, they were not severe enough to withdraw medication. SAMe treatment proved to be effective and relatively safe in depressed patients with associated internal illnesses.