A member asked:

I have been taking sertraline and sam-e (several hours apart).i've noticed a positive change in my mood, but i read that it can be unsafe to take both. is it true?

5 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Dr. Donald Alves answered

Specializes in Emergency Medicine

Talk w/your Dr: They have loosely related effects, so in theory could cause excess effect/side effects. If you are improving, should talk to your dr and decide together if should withdraw one and check for change or leave things as are.

Answered 8/21/2020

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Dr. Ron Eaker answered

Not recommended: Even though these medicines (and i would consider the sam-e a medicine) work in different ways, they can potentially react and create unwanted side effects. I would use one or the other and not both.

Answered 2/8/2013

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Sertraline effective: Sertraline has much more research data to support effectiveness for anxiety and depression. Sam-e has much less support and thus would be the one to stop if you have concerns about interaction.

Answered 7/16/2013

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Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Possible, not clear: The mechanism of sam-e (methyl donor for important physiological processes including neurotransmitter metabolism) seems to differ from that of sertraline (inhibiting reuptake of serotonin back into the neuron). However with sam-e, levels of serotonin metabolites & others can increase. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7527320 you might consider stopping the sam-e & seeing how you still feel.

Answered 7/16/2013

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