Sam-E for FM & Fatty Liver Disease, etc.

DescriptionS-Adenosylmethionine is the active Lipotrope form of Methionine (i.e. it is a Methionine-derivative that also contains Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) within its chemical structure) normally manufactured within the body but also manufactured synthetically for use as a nutritional supplement.
Health Benefits of SAMe
Digestive System
Supplemental SAMe may stimulate the flow of Bile. Supplemental SAMe (600 800 mg per day) may help to prevent Cholestasis (by improving the flow of Bile).
Immune System
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients have low endogenous Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) levels of SAMe and for this reason supplemental SAMe is under investigation as a potential treatment for AIDS. Supplemental SAMe may help to protect against Liver Cancer in people exposed to Liver carcinogens.
Metabolism
Supplemental SAMe (1,200 mg per day) may significantly reduce the elevated Bilirubin levels that are associated with Gilbert’s Syndrome. SAMe may help to protect Liver cells and may help to preserve Liver cell function in Hepatitis C patients. SAMe is stored in the Liver and supplemental SAMe may enhance the health of the Liver and normalize the function of the Liver:
SAMe may help to prevent the Liver toxicity associated with the Pharmaceutical Drugs used in Chemotherapy.Supplemental SAMe may inhibit Alcohol-induced Liver damage (including Alcohol-induced Fatty Liver).Supplemental SAMe may prevent and cure Cirrhosis. Supplemental SAMe may prevent and treat Fatty Liver.
SAMe functions in over forty biochemical reactions within the body it functions as a Methyl Donor.
Musculoskeletal System
SAMe may stimulate the production of Cartilage. Supplemental SAMe may enhance the differentiation of Chondrocytes into Chondroblasts. Supplemental SAMe (800 mg per day) may alleviate Fibromyalgia:
Specific improvements in Fibromyalgia symptoms caused by SAMe therapy include a significant reduction in the number of trigger points, reduction in Fatigue, reduction in morning stiffness and improvements in Mood.
Supplemental SAMe (400 1,200 mg per day) alleviates Osteoarthritis (by increasing Cartilage formation). Supplemental SAMe may alleviate Fibrositis.
Nervous System
Alzheimer’s Disease patients often exhibit severely decreased levels of SAMe within their Brains (indicating that supplemental SAMe may be beneficial to Alzheimer’s Disease patients):
It was previously (prior to 1995) assumed that Alzheimer’s Disease patients had excessive accumulation of SAMe this assumption has now proven to be erroneous.
SAMe is an essential factor for the regeneration of Axons on Neurons following injury and is also essential for the formation of Myelin Sheaths that surround Axons:
SAMe may help to prevent the death of Neurons during periods of Anoxia (absence of Oxygen).
Supplemental SAMe (400 1,600 mg per day) may alleviate all forms of Depression:
Many studies have confirmed that SAMe is significantly (approximately 15%) more effective for the treatment of Depression than traditional Pharmaceutical Anti-Depressants.SAMe may alleviate Major Depression. SAMe may be especially effective for treating Postpartum Depression.
Supplemental SAMe (after long-term use) may help to treat Migraines. Supplemental SAMe is under investigation as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s Disease.
SAMe's Biochemical Pathway
View SAM’s Biochemical Pathway
SAMe may Enhance the Function of these Substances
Amino Acids
SAMe is essential for the endogenous production of Glutathione within the Liver. SAMe is essential for the conversion of Putrescine to Spermidine. SAMe is essential for the conversion of Spermidine to Spermine.
Enzymes
SAMe is a cofactor for Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT).SAMe is a cofactor for Hydroxyindole-O-Methyltransferase (HIOMT).
Hormones
SAMe is an essential cofactor for the conversion of N-Acetylserotonin to Melatonin.SAMe is an essential cofactor for the conversion of Norepinephrine to Adrenaline.
Lipids
SAMe may increase the endogenous production of Phosphatidylserine (PS).
Minerals
SAMe is an essential cofactor for the endogenous production of all Sulfur-containing compounds within the body.
Neurotransmitters
SAMe may increase the production of Dopamine. SAMe may improve the ability of Neurotransmitters to bind to their respective Neurotransmitter Receptors. SAMe is an essential cofactor for the conversion of Norepinephrine (NE) to Adrenaline.
SAMe may increase the production of Serotonin.
Nucleic Compounds
SAMe is essential for the production of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). SAMe is essential for the production of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA).
Pharmaceutical Drugs
SAMe may accelerate the onset of action of Imipramine in the treatment of Depression. SAMe may increase the effectiveness of Venlafaxine for the treatment of Depression.
SAMe may Counteract the Toxic Effects of these Substances
Amino Acids
Supplemental SAMe may lower elevated Homocysteine levels.
Bile Pigments
Supplemental SAMe (1,200 mg per day) may reduce the elevated Bilirubin levels that are associated with Gilbert’s Syndrome.
Pharmaceutical Drugs
SAMe may help to prevent the Liver toxicity associated with the Pharmaceutical Drugs used in Chemotherapy. SAMe is speculated to protect against the toxic effects of Doxorubicin to the Heart. Supplemental SAMe may reduce the death-rate from overdoses of Paracetamol:
Animal studies have demonstrated that when rats are given supplemental SAMe within one hour of Paracetamol overdose, death can be prevented in 100% of cases; if supplemental SAM is administered within five hours of Paracetamol overdose, the death rate is significantly reduced.
Recreational Drugs
SAMe may inhibit Alcohol-induced Liver damage:
SAMe may counteract the ability of Alcohol to cause Fatty Liver and may also treat pre-existing Fatty Liver.
SAMe (1,200 mg per day) may counteract the Anxiety and Depression commonly experienced by persons with Drug Dependence (including Opiates dependence) during the detoxification and rehabilitation period.
Environmental Toxins
SAMe may reduce the Liver damage caused by Carbon Tetrachloride.
These Substances may Facilitate the Endogenous Production of SAMe
Alkaloids
Betaine (especially the Trimethylglycine (TMG) form of Betaine) may increase endogenous SAMe levels.
Amino Acids
Methionine is the precursor for the endogenous production of SAMe:
The conversion of Methionine to SAMe requires the presence of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and is catalyzed by the S-Adenosylmethionine Synthetase (SAM Synthetase) enzyme.Half of the total Methionine content of the body is used in the Liver for the production of SAMe.
Carbohydrates
Ribose is a component of the SAMe molecule.
Enzymes
S-Adenosylmethionine Synthetase (SAMe Synthetase) catalyzes the conversion of Methionine to (SAM):
More precisely, SAMe Synthetase + Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) + Water + L-Methionine = Orthophosphate + Pyrophosphate + S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM).
Nucleic Compounds
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is an essential cofactor for the endogenous conversion of Methionine to SAMe.Adenine is a component of the SAMe molecule (as part of Adenosine Triphosphate).
Vitamins
Folic Acid may facilitate the synthesis of endogenous SAMe. Vitamin B6 may facilitate the synthesis of endogenous SAMe. Vitamin B12 may facilitate the synthesis of endogenous SAMe.
These Substances may Interfere with S-Adenosylmethionine
Recreational Drugs
Excessive Alcohol (ethanol) consumption may decrease the body’s production of SAMe.
These Ailments may Interfere with S-Adenosylmethionine
Aging Process
The body’s levels of SAMe decline in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. Toxic Effects of S-Adenosylmethionine
SAMe is regarded as a very safe substance the side effect mentioned below occurs in only a minority of individuals.
Nervous System
Supplemental SAMe may cause Nausea in a very small number of persons.
Contraindications
Mania patients should not use supplemental SAMe (as additional SAM can aggravate Mania). Manic Depression patients should not use supplemental SAMe as SAMe’s Antidepressant properties may exacerbate the Manic phase in some Manic Depression patients.
Bioavailability
Early forms of supplemental SAMe were deemed to be poorly absorbed orally, however more recently developed “salts” and enteric-coated versions of SAM are believed to be as bio-available as intravenously-administered SAM.
Endogenous S-Adenosylmethionine Production
The typical adult produces an average of 6,000 – 8,000 mg of SAMe per day. The majority is produced within the Liver.
Dosage Recommendations
The therapeutic dosage of supplemental SAMe is 400 1,200 mg per day.Supplemental SAMe should be consumed on an empty Stomach.
“Waiting Period”
Generally, the longer that supplemental SAMe usage is continued, the more beneficial the results.
Forms of SAMe
SAM Sulfate is comprised of 50% SAM + 50% Sulfate.
Alternatives to SAMe Supplements
The main disadvantage of SAMe supplementation is its very high cost. It is possible to stimulate the body’s endogenous production of SAMe by using supplemental Betaine (Trimethylglycine) + Folic Acid + Vitamin B12

Savella, new drug approved for FM

FDA OKs Fibromyalgia Drug Savella

Savella Joins Cymbalta and Lyrica as Drugs Approved for Fibromyalgia Patients

By Miranda HittiWebMD Health News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MDJan. 15, 2009

-- The FDA has approved a new drug called Savella for the management of fibromyalgia.
Savella belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which include some antidepressants.
The drug companies behind Savella -- Forest Laboratories Inc. and Cypress Bioscience Inc. -- report that the FDA approved Savella based on two clinical trials that together included 2,084 fibromyalgia patients who took Savella or a placebo for three months or six months.
Savella trumped the placebo in the percentage of patients of who reported at least a 30% reduction in pain and also rated themselves as being "very much improved" or "much improved" in terms of their fibromyalgia, according to a joint news release from Forest Laboratories and Cypress Biosciences.
Savella was safe and generally well tolerated, according to Forest Laboratories and Cypress Biosciences. The drug companies report that nausea was the most common side effect in the clinical trials and that other commonly reported adverse reactions were constipation, hot flush, sweating, vomiting, palpitations, increased heart rate, dry mouth, and hypertension (high blood pressure).
Savella, which is expected to be available by prescription in March, is only approved for adults. It will bear the same "black box" warning as antidepressants about increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Savella will get a medication guide outlining its risks. And the FDA is requiring postmarketing studies of the pregnancy and fetal outcomes in women who take Savella while pregnant, and a clinical trial of Savella's effects on babies exposed to the drug from breastfeeding.
Other FDA-approved fibromyalgia drugs include the nerve pain drug Lyrica and the SNRI antidepressant Cymbalta. Other antidepressants may be used to treat fibromyalgia but aren't specifically approved by the FDA for that use.

I Dedicate This to John

I don't know what I would do without my wonderful husband John. He has been so wonderful and understanding throughout my chronic illness and doesn't seem to mind the sacrifices that he has to make, although I feel guilty about it all, he never complains. John has had to take over most of the household duties because I am no longer able to do them. He is the most amazing man I know- my love, my soul-mate, my companion, my friend.

Here is something written by one of my friends with fibromyalgia who is also fortunate to have such a wonderful husband.

Storms

Outside the sky is almost black and the rain pours down so hard you can see the dents of the rain drops in the dirt of the driveway.
Inside there are children laughing, playing, running around. They are cheery and anxious awaiting a break in the weather so they can move their games outside. And the thunder rolls and the children's hopes of outdoor play are fading, but within a few minutes they are on to other things and it doesn't matter.
Inside, the comfort of the couch is welcoming a sore, sore body. A body in pain, a body that burns with pain of an invader that is not quite understood medically, but the invader is understood by the body. It is rainy and damp and therefore the body hurts, end of story. The joints are swollen, the muscles are tight and no amount of massage or rubbing or heat are going to make a bit of difference to the invader that keeps the body still and keeps it from joining the kids on the floor while they play. The mind remains hopeful that the pain will go away soon, but with every thunder clap and every pounding sound of the rain, the body knows it will not be joining the children today. A welcoming hug from a child causes the body to cringe in pain, but the body refuses to turn the child away, it is not the child's fault the body hurts and the hugs are meant to make it feel better. The hug cures the soul, but alas, not the body. Supper will not be made by this body today, laundry will not be done even though the body knows the children need clothes washed, the dishes will not be done even though the counter is begging to be cleared of them. But don't worry they will get done by the body's soulmate, who upon arriving home from work does not have these chores in mind, but after seeing the body in pain knows that he must pick up the slack. And the body is greatful for the help and relieved to know that these things will be done.
Tomorrow promises a clear and sunny day, for which the body will soak up the sun and should feel better and free from the serious pain that is keeping it from moving off the couch today. The eyes grow weary and burn because they too have muscles that are affected by the invader. The invader is not picky, no, the invader loves all body parts equally and loves to invade them when the weather is damp and dreary. That is when the invader is strongest, it seems to draw it's strength from all this dreary dampness. The invader wins today...but tomorrow the body shall be victorious and once again be strong. The body will take this small victory tomorrow and feel thankful and abundant in health. The body's time will come when the weather changes again and once again is sunny and brite.
And so the body will bid good night and hope for good weather tomorrow.

It's Been Awhile

It's been a long time since I've been on here. No excuses, just lack of motivation and my fibro has still been pretty bad. It seems to be getting worse. I started going to a support group here in Charlotte for people with CFS & FM. They meet once a month and currently there is a Dr. teaching a course on how to manage your FM on your own. It is very informative and makes a lot of sense. One of the things though is limiting and pacing yourself, and I am still having trouble doing this. I know that I can't do things like I did before but when I am doing something I still do it like I did before and then I pay for it afterward by having a major flare up. I guess I realized that I haven't completely accepted this and still think that I am normal. When I am having a good day I figure I can do anything.

I also finally finished my SS disability application. They are already processing it-we'll see what comes from that.

I have been having a lot of trouble with my arms and at this moment I am having a hard time typing this for the pain so I am going to end this for now but hopefully I can continue to write when I can.