Jarrow Formulas SAMe 400 mg, Supports Joint Health, Liver Function, Brain Metabolism, 30 Tablets, Up To a 30 Day Supply

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!

Ever since a vet recommended this product for a geriatric dog, I've used it for numerous elder dogs since then. It is also wonderful presurgery (check with your surgeon of course) and after any kind of stress or recovery. I was a Foster home for a breed rescue for many years and this is part of my arsenal to help dogs get part transition stress.To me, seeing the clear results in dogs negates any thought of a placebo effect. Plus, it's backed by enough peer reviewed studies that vets at least prescribe it with confidence.Not this brand,but I have taken care to ensure that the brand I use matches the $80(!) Prescription quality precisely.Narrow is the one I trust the most, but there are other brands which are also excellent. What you want is:Made in USA. Even from some of our friends I suspect the potency, and from China you may as well plant them in the ground like magic beans. No offense to individuals from China, but supplements sourced from those manufacturers are consistently lacking in actual active ingredient. :(Enteric coating. The active ingredient is absorbed in the colon, so must pass the stomach. It will also give you a massive belly ache!Blister packaging or some other way to seal the tablets individually. The active ingredient is highly volatile. It is sensitive to light, oxygen, heat, and moisture. Also, you want to avoid scratching or chipping the coating.The directions say take on an empty stomach and wait thirty minutes before food. The minute you wake up is the best time. Nothing should be down there triggering extra digestive action.All this is totally worth it. I have three dogs, one twelve,one thirteen, one eighteen. The twelve and thirteen year older still play Frisbee, I mean really play, like jumping and stuff. The eighteen years old still requires her daily walks and training time,or she gets into trouble, countersurfing or removing the kitchen trash from the LOCKED cabinet.The only other thing I do for them in terms of supplements is melatonin at night to ensure correct sleep patterns.