l-methylfolate
Pronunciation: L-METH il FOE late Brand: Deplin, Zervalx What is the most important information I should know about l-methylfolate?
You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to l-methylfolate. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, pernicious anemia, a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression), or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking l-methylfolate. Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially seizure medications. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
L-methylfolate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include antidepressant medications and psychological counseling. Follow your medication and counseling routines very closely.
What is l-methylfolate?
L-methylfolate is a medical food for use in people with depression who have low levels of plasma or red blood cell folate.
L-methylfolate is used together with anti-depressant medications in people with major depressive disorder and low folate levels.
L-methylfolate is not an antidepressant. However, it may enhance the effects of antidepressant medications. L-methylfolate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking l-methylfolate?
You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to l-methylfolate. If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using l-methylfolate, tell your doctor if you have:
- a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression);
- vitamin B12 deficiency; or
- pernicious anemia.
Before you take l-methylfolate, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
How should I take l-methylfolate?
Use this product exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
You may take l-methylfolate with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.
L-methylfolate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include antidepressant medications and psychological counseling. Follow your medication and counseling routines very closely.
Store l-methylfolate at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of l-methylfolate is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while taking l-methylfolate?
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking l-methylfolate. What are the possible side effects of l-methylfolate?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Less serious side effects may include:
- nausea;
- loss of appetite;
- bloating;
- gas; or
- bitter taste in your mouth.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect l-methylfolate?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially seizure medication such as:
- carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);
- ethosuximide (Zarontin);
- fosphenytoin (Cerebyx);
- lamotrigine (Lamictal);
- phenobarbital (Solfoton);
- phenytoin (Dilantin);
- primidone (Mysoline); or
- valproic acid valproate.
Other drugs that can interact with l-methylfolate include:
- birth control pills;
- cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran), colestipol (Colestid);
- colchicine;
- isotretinoin (Accutane);
- methylprednisolone (Medrol);
- methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
- pancreatin (Hi-Vegi-Lip), pancrelipase (Cotazym, Pancrease, Ultrase);
- pentamidine (Nebupent);
- pyrimethamine (Daraprim);
- sulfasalazine (Azulfidine);
- triamterene (Dyrenium);
- trimethoprim (Proloprim, Bactrim, Septra); or
- a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or sulindac (Clinoril).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with l-methylfolate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about l-methylfolate.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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