S-ADENOSYL-L-METHIONINE IN THE TREATMENT OF MAJOR DEPRESSION COMPLICATING CHRONIC-ALCOHOLISM

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is a methyl donor endowed with both ant idepressant and detoxifying activity. In a 4-week trial, 40 alcoholic patients with major depression received 200 mg of SAMe daily administe red intravenously and 400 mg BID administered orally, After a I-week p lacebo period during which placebo responders were eliminated, patient s were evaluated with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Zu ng Self-Rating Scale for depression, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anx iety, and the Lorish and Maisiak face scale at baseline and at days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Standard laboratory values were measured at baseline and at the completion of the trial. Significant improvements were seen in most psychometric scores beginning on day 14 and continuing throug h the end of the study. Baseline values for gamma-glutamyltranspeptida se, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and mean corpuscular volume dropp ed dramatically and, in some cases, returned to normal. No adverse rea ctions were reported. Although standard antidepressant therapy has ver y often been unsuccessful in treating depression in these patients, SA Me proved to be well tolerated at the study dosage and was effective i n reducing depression.