Mental illness runs deep in my family and I've been on antidepressant medication for decades after struggling with mood since puberty. When my lovely, happy tween daughter suddenly took to her room crying unable to express the depth of despair that seemed to grab her out of nowhere, there are no words for how helpless and overwhelmed I felt. After taking her to a highly-recommended adolescent therapist, she agreed that she was likely experiencing more than just normal adolescent blues and expressed concerns about some of the dark thoughts she was starting to have. I know medication has saved my life and I was committed to doing whatever was indicated to treat her, including antidepressant medication. However, the therapist assured me that she was keeping a close eye on my daughter and felt I had some breathing room to try some supplements before starting medication. Again, I'm NOT anti-med, but the rapid brain development at her young age and some bothersome side effects prompted me to try supplements first. I researched and decided on either 5-HTP (+actually tested and used extensively in kids for other indications, -potential liver toxicity) vs. SamE (+proven efficacy and first line treatment for depression in Europe, no know SE's at any dose, -no clinical trials in kids). I decided on SamE and researched that Jarrow was a good brand for efficacy and purity. I expected a slight and gradual improvement in her mood after a few weeks. Two days at 200 mg- not much change, 2 days at 400 mg and she's markedly improved, then up to 600 mg and I could not believe what I was seeing. She was almost the same kid as before and other than a few blips (she is still a teen), she's been that way for a few months. So much so, it has me wondering if I should work with my dr. to get off cymbalta and onto SamE. A few points to consider- I'm a nurse and pretty knowledgeable about depression due to my own struggles, so I will try not to get too deep into the science but I've always suspected a genetic mutation (will test when I have $200 to spare) that causes poor methylation. Neurotransmitters like dopamine and seratonin require methylation to be available in the right amounts and there are some new treatments being researched and even sold that target methylation pathways. Sam-e targets methylation and I'd read that it helps it work better if you take a methylated folate supplement. Omega -3's, vitamin d, and Mg also have demonstrated effects on mood. So, I am also giving her a quality supplement that contains these too. We are also fortunate enough that we can pay to send her to a good behavioral therapist. I'm sure that those things are also helpful but the SamE is def. the thing that seemed to give her the immediate and noticeable boost in mood. The only negative is that it's expensive and, needless to say, insurance won't pay. But I'll take another job selling my plasma or driving for uber if I have to, because i think it's sparing my daughter the acute suffering that I've experienced first hand and seen claim the lives of people I love. FYI- I know this is a product review, not a self help article but I know ppl with depression will be reading this looking for hope. If this is you- do WHATEVER it takes (including prescribed meds or conventional treatments) to get help! Read more

Tried this for depression and fibromyalgia. It started working in about a week. I dont feel depressed and it helped with joint pain and I seem to sleep better. This is the first time I've been off anti-depressants in 15 years!! Wahoooo!!!! :) Read more

I absolutely refuse to use antidepressant pharmaceuticals since I realize first hand the danger of them. It's been 12 years since I SLOWLY took myself off of SSRI's and I have been searching for natural remedies ever since. Kratom has been an enormous help, and to a lesser extent St John's Wort (with high hyperforin), niacin, exercise, lithium orotate, ginseng, CBD, Phenibut (only for a very short time will this work)..the list goes on. Lately over the past few months it seems like I have an overbearing cloud of misery. No reason to be depressed, but just depressed. Those with depression will know what I mean. I remember a few years ago trying Sam-e, but for some reason it didn't work for me so I didn't bother anymore. Work was getting hard to even go to every day, and I had no motivation to do anything. Out of desperation I ordered a box of this stuff. I just picked Jarrow's randomly really. I had used their probiotics before and liked them, so why not. I feel I am immune from Placebo effect from experience, and am very pessimistic. I took 2 of these (800mg) and I am not kidding, by day 3 it was like I got a shot of adrenaline or something. It's been 3 weeks now, and I have not gotten that dark feeling of misery since then. I have accomplished something around the house almost every single day since then, which was unheard of in a very long time. It almost feels like a "physical" lift of some kind. Boundless energy almost. It's hard to describe, but something is definitely going on. You have nothing to lose here. I've heard that some people may not respond to these. I've read that undermethylated types of people respond well to Sam-e, while methylated folks not so well. I've read that it usually takes 2 weeks or more to feel effects of Sam-e, but it was approximately day 2 or 3 for me. I didn't want to believe it hit so fast, but expecting nothing for 2 weeks or more it definitely was not placebo. Read more

I have depression and some fatigue problems, and may be undermethylated. This gives me more energy and a more positive mood, no side effects. Over the holidays my mom actually commented on it - "Whatever new thing you're taking, keep taking it!" :D I'm on just 400mg/day for now but I might try upping it again since the winter has me down. Read more

Ok, firstly; talk with a doctor about your depression. Don't just take a pill and hope for the best, make a plan.I've struggled with fluxuating depression since an early teenager. Some months would be fine, then for months my depression would hit. I've been taking this for more than a year now, and it's stabilized. I've been very carefully looking for side effects, and I've noticed a few. Mainly concentration and greater difficulty in thinking. I go to school, so this is not conducive to doing well. It's not too strong, but is noticeable. (Notice, this is just my personal experience. Yours could very well be different.) Read more

I actually bought this because I had heard it could help with my feeling a little depressed, but what I didn't realize is that it would really help with my arthritis knee pain. For me, it has been better than taking NSAIDS. I decided since it worked so well, I'd save some money and try a less expansive brand. That was a mistake. Not the same result at all. The knee pain came back again. So, I went back to Jarrow again. It is worth the extra money to be able to walk without terrible knee pain. Great product! Read more

Sam-e has been extremely effective in treating my depression and was supported by my doctor. Do your own research, it may be beneficial for you. Jarrow brand has very good reviews and proved to be a great company because they actually answer the phone and support the products they sell. Great pricing and quick shipping on Amazon. Read more