Q: Does SAM-e work like SSRI's on seritonin uptake? I have tinnitus and SSRI's make my tinnitus louder.
SAM-e is a naturally occuring molecule in the body and is not felt to inhibit the reuptake of seritonin like a seritonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The exact way that it works to support mood is unkown, although it does effect the level of several chemicals in the body associated with depression. Exacerbation of tinnitus is not a frequently reported side effect of SAM-e.
Adam Perlman, MD, MPH