SAME e for depression - anyone else trying it?

Hi @jamesmarks

Natural supplements such as SAMe can be beneficial in the assist with mental health.

It's still important to work with your health care professional when using natural supplements as part of your treatment. There are alot of variables that impact how the medication or supplement affects an individual, as you have already found out with your son.

Some of the variables can include

- other medications you have taken in the past or currently taking

- your age

- your medical history

etc

There is another discussion currently taking place on the forums about natural & organic theapies, which you can find here

Nik

Hi Jamesmarks,

It's great that you're doing research, making informed decisions is important. This is why speaking to a health professional could be beneficial. As Nik Nik mentioned there's so many other factors that lead to different reactions, everyone is so unique so finding someone who do an assessment of your health and give you tailored advice could help.

Yes, a naturopath may be able to provide you with some information, they are trained professionals in health science, but as with all 'clincians' check their qualifications and see if they are registered with a professional body if you're in doubt about the level of advice they can give.

CB

Hi James,

Welcome to the forum!

I understand your frustration. It is easy (maybe even necessary?) to give formulaic advice about what to do in this situation, unfortunately following it can be almost impossible. Sadly many healthcare professionals don't tailor things to you or your circumstances, they do the drug company one-size-fits-all routine "here take this pill". One of the joys of having most of our gp's post graduation training provided by the pharmaceutical industry. 😞 (sorry the insert emotion button has grown a bug, it's completely blank!)

Those who do work at finding a good fit for individuals are like needles in a haystack. But don't let that stop you asking around and looking. If you persist long enough you are likely to find a good one (IMHE). This can be a tedious and costly business though as you say. In the meantime your determination to research and educate yourself is commendable. A starting point for a good gp might be finding one who is prepared to listen to your expertise on yourself.

I'm so sorry I can't help with info on SAMe as I've never heard of it before. My own favourite medication is peace and quiet. Good luck and take care. "See" you around.

Kind regards,

Kristin

Hi @jamesmarks

Apologies - I didn't see your response until tonight.

Sorry if my response frustrated you. I totally understand why. My main priority in my response to was flag that different meds and dosages impact people in very different ways.

I don't know your circumstances, though it sounds like you haven't found a health care professional that you connect with. It can be a long and costly journey.

Another option is this calling NPS Medicine Wise. They run Medicines Line (1300 633 424) . The following is from their website:

"We collaborate with healthdirect Australia to deliver Medicines Line, a telephone service providing consumers with information on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary (herbal, ‘natural’, vitamin and mineral) medicines.

When you call 1300 MEDICINE, you will speak with an experienced registered nurse. Your question may be answered on the spot, or you may be referred to your GP or pharmacist, or to another health professional. If you have a complex enquiry, you may be put through to an NPS pharmacist."

I haven't used them before or heard much feedback about them, but they are funded by the Government (but independant) and look to be a trustworthy organisation. Maybe have a look around their site first, before calling. You can find them here

If you call them, please let us know how it goes.

Hi @jamesmarks

Just checking in. Curious to know if you used the organisation I suggested.

Hopefully if so, it was helpful!

Hope you're well!

Nik