S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) as an adjunct for resistant major depressive disorder: An open trial following partial or nonresponse to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or venlafaxine

Background: The purpose of this open trial was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of oral S-adenosyl-L-methionine as an antidepressant adjunct among partial and nonresponders to serotonin reuptake inhibitors or venlafaxine. Method: Thirty antidepressant-treated adult outpatients with persisting major depressive disorder received 800 to 1600 mg of S-adenosyl-L-methionine tosylate over a 6-week trial. Results: Intent-to-treat analyses based on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale revealed a response rate of 50% and a remission rate of 43% following augmentation with S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Gastrointestinal symptoms and headaches were the most common side effects. Conclusion: Augmentation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or venlafaxine with S-adenosyl-L-methionine warrants a placebo-controlled trial in resistant depression.