I need a recommendation, St. Johns Wart or SAM-e?

Question

I am in need of a mood booster/energy booster/mild antidepressant. Have any of you taken St. Johns Wart or SAM-e? If so what were your experiences/side effects?

Answer 1

I've never taken (or heard of SAM-e) but take St Johns Wort regularly. It does take a few weeks to work (for me, about 6 - but you can start feeling effects within 1-2 weeks) It does work very well for me - and has the added benefit of being an excellent anti-viral herb too - so you should get less colds etc as well as feeling happier and calmer!

I have not had any side effects - some people become more sensitive to the sun. You should not take it with antidepressants, L-dopa, or oral contraceptives. Consult your doctor if you are taking any prescription meds and want to take St John's Wort.

Answer 2

St Johns wort only increases serotonin while SAM-e raises levels of several brain chemicals including norepinephrine, dopamine and others. Some people may be deficient in serotonin and benefit from St Johns wort, while others may benefit more from SAM-e. You may need to try both to see which suits you best.

SAM-e is also supposed to be very beneficial to the liver. It has been known to cause anxiety if taken at  too high a dose. 100mg per day seems to be enough for most people.

Answer 3

Well I've never taken SAM-e but I've taken St. Johns Wart a few times.  I had to take it for a few months before it started kicking in and I felt better but I had more outbursts. I yelled at least once a day.  Which was probably my problem to begin with... that I held everything in so it helped in that department but it just wasn't my style.  I stopped and started to meditate and that has really worked out for me. No out bursts or depression.