Stop Depression Now: SAM-e, the Breakthrough Supplement That Works as Well as Prescription Drugs in Half the Time... with No Side Effects (Hardcover)

by Richard Brown Carol Colman Teodoro Bottiglieri (Author) "You don't have to be depressed..." (more)
Key Phrases: depression severity scale, antidepressant arsenal, methylation cycle, United States, Depression Severity Scale, Getting Healthy (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
SAM-e (pronounced "sammy"), short for S-adenosyl-methionine, will revolutionize the treatment of depression in the U.S. as it has for two decades in Europe, claim authors Richard Brown and Teodoro Bottiglieri. Not an herb, not a prescription drug, SAM-e is an over-the-counter natural supplement that has undergone extensive testing and has just become available in the U.S. "Study after study has confirmed that SAM-e works as well as or better than any other antidepressant," say the authors. It also works faster and with far fewer side effects, and it seems to help osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia as well.

Stop Depression Now is more than a book about SAM-e. It also presents a four-step program to lift you out of depression and prevent a recurrence. Step 1 is a self-assessment test to determine the severity of your depression. Step 2 includes information on how to use SAM-e. Step 3 is a diet plan that emphasizes foods and vitamins that will help you feel better (and avoid those that will make you feel worse). Step 4 offers lifestyle changes and therapeutic techniques to help you in the long term.

The authors' credentials show that they know their subject: Richard Brown is an associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, a psychiatrist in private practice, and a research physician; Teodoro Bottiglieri is a senior research scientist, director of neuropharmacology, and associate professor at Baylor University Medical Center, and has been studying SAM-e for 15 years.

If you are severely depressed or suicidal, have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, or are already taking an antidepressant, confer with your health professional before taking SAM-e--do not self-treat. Otherwise, the authors certainly make this supplement sound like a breakthrough tool for depression. --Joan Price

From Kirkus Reviews
A heavy-duty plug for a nutritional supplement as treatment for depression; however, the plug is reasonably placed within the framework of an informative, even-handed discussion of depression, its diagnosis, and treatment. Psychiatrist Brown, of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, uses both conventional medications and alternative therapies in his practice. Here he joins forces with neuropharmacologist Bottiglieri (Baylor Univ.) to argue for the use of a substance called SAM-e, available over-the-counter, for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. They make clear at the outset that ``anyone who is depressed, suicidal, or has a history of drug or alcohol abuse must be treated by a competent professional. Self treatment is not an option.'' They go on to explain what depression is and what SAM-e is (a substance naturally found in the human body, currently much more widely used in Europe than in the US), and look at the myriad other drugs used to treat depression. Throughout, the authors cite numerous research studies, reported in reputable professional journals (from 1972 to the present, with a complete list in the bibliography) to support their views. They then lay out a program for treatment, beginning with ``Assess Your Mood'' (using an established diagnostic tool); and including improved nutrition to support the therapy, and establishing a healthier lifestyle. A reasonable guide to the current state of affairs in treating depression, then, with a still unorthodox recommendation for treatment that sufferers might discuss with their physicians. -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 267 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Adult (June 21, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399145303
• ISBN-13: 978-0399145308
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #797,314 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars sam-e worked for me, August 5, 1999

By A Customer

I took Dr. Brown's advice and used sam-e. I had had some success in treating my chronic depression with wellbutrin, but oppressive feelings of sadness, and self-destructive ideation, remained. One week of 200mg sam-e two times daily and the oppressive feelings began to lessen. In two weeks the bad feelings had remitted completely. Though effective, sam-e was mild in its action -- I did not feel that I had been clubbed by a mega-drug. Feeling well, I am able now to have better insight into life problems linked to my long depression -- and I'm able to work on repairing family relationships that had been damaged. I recommend that anyone suffering from depression try sam-e. Reading Dr. Brown's book is an excellent way to learn about this substance.

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SAM-e ended years of suffering, January 10, 2000

By A Customer

With the recommendation and supervision of my psychiatrist, I have been taking SAM-e for several months. Not only has the recurring major depression I have had since childhood departed, but the fibromyalgia/CFS and arthritis pain in my hands have disappeared too!

I am actually stunned by these wonderful results! Over many years, well-meaning psychiatrists have prescribed medications for me which not only didn't work, but made my life a living hell from side effects in the process. In contrast, the only discomfort I have experienced from SAM-e is a slight upset stomach shortly after taking it.

Dr. Brown and the others have written a clear guide to SAM-e and how to use it to improve the health of mind and body. I highly recommend this book to those suffering from depression, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Book and especially the supplement SAM-e helped depression, August 3, 1999

By A Customer

As a high-functioning professional who has suffered from recurring, only partially remitting depression for about 30 years, I was totally amazed when SAM-e supplements (combined with a low dose of Prozac) suddenly helped me. I heard about it from my shrink, who suggested it somewhat tenatively. So I read the book. The book is somwhat simplistic, and I would have preferred a more detailed, scientific analysis. But the bottom line was that SAM-e seemed safe and worth a try. To my surprise in 2 days, at suggested doses of 400 mg a day, I felt at least 50% better. I have since gone up to 800 mg a day with no side effects, only an almost complete wipe-out of the depression. Believe me, I have tried all the prescription and non-prescription remedies in the universe before this, including Prozac by itself. A cloud has lifted off of me. I just hope that others can have the same relief. I hope to hear from you if you have tips, warnings or anecdotes to share.